Deuteronomy 31:23
And the LORD commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about God commissioning Joshua; it's a divine endorsement of his leadership. The Lord personally gives Joshua this charge, ratifying his appointment as the successor to Moses and assuring him of His direct presence and empowerment.
As Moses' days are ending, God directly commissions his successor, Joshua. God assures Joshua he will lead Israel into the Promised Land, a task that requires great strength and courage, and promises His presence throughout the challenging journey ahead. This divine charge occurs at a critical juncture, with Moses soon to depart and Israel on the cusp of entering a new, unfulfilled phase of their covenant journey.
Moses is about to depart, and a new leader must be prepared. What does it look like when God Himself steps in to prepare someone for their biggest challenge?
This verse marks a pivotal moment: God directly addresses Joshua, commissioning him for the immense task ahead. While Moses had been an intermediary for so long, here God speaks to Joshua directly, emphasizing the divine authority behind Joshua's new role.
A Solemn Transfer
God's direct word to Joshua shows that leadership transitions, especially those ordained by God, come with His personal involvement and validation.
Joshua is about to lead a nation into a promised land filled with challenges. What's the secret to facing such an overwhelming future?
The command 'Be strong and of a good courage' isn't just a pep talk; it's a theological necessity rooted in God's faithfulness.
More Than Just Bravery
Understand the original words
tsavah · Hebrew Verb
To appoint, charge, or give an authoritative command to someone for a specific mission or task.
chazaq · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
A call to inner fortitude and steadfastness, grounded not in self-reliance, but in the promise of God's presence and power.
amats · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
A state of fearlessness and resolve, especially in the face of danger or great responsibility, sustained by trust in the LORD.
immi hayiti · Hebrew Preposition/Noun
The divine promise of guidance, protection, and active presence with His people, which is the foundational basis for fulfilling the mission God gives.
This charge to Joshua occurs at the very end of Moses' life and right before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. It highlights the transition of leadership and the immense responsibility Joshua faces, assuring him of God's presence amidst the significant challenges ahead.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
Following generations of slavery, God miraculously led the Israelites out of Egypt under Moses' leadership. This event marked the beginning of their covenant relationship with God as a distinct nation.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness due to disobedience, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, began the military conquest of the Promised Land, Canaan.
c. 1399 BC
Division of the Land
The land of Canaan was systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. This established their inheritance and territorial boundaries within the Promised Land.
c. 1390 BC— this verse
Moses' Final Instructions
Shortly before his death, Moses delivered final instructions and admonishments to the Israelites, including commissioning Joshua as his successor and reiterating God's covenant.
This passage directly echoes Deuteronomy 31:23, as God commands Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' because he will lead the people into the promised land, reinforcing the same divine promise of presence and empowerment.
1 Chronicles 28:20Similar to the charge given to Joshua, David encourages his son Solomon to 'be strong and courageous' and to proceed with building the temple, knowing that God will be with him, highlighting the consistent theme of divine support for monumental tasks.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic word offers a broader assurance of God's presence and strength, mirroring the promise to Joshua: 'fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Matthew 28:20Jesus' final words to his disciples, 'I am with you always, to the end of the age,' carry the same spirit of reassurance and promise of presence that God gave to Joshua, demonstrating that this divine commitment transcends specific historical moments.
calvinDeuteronomy 31:14-30: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation."
- And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Josh…
pulpitDeuteronomy 31:23: "And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee."
Verse 23. - And he gave, etc. The subject here is God, not Moses, as is evident partly from ver. 14, and partly from the expression, the land which I aware unto them; and I will be with thee (cf. Exodus 3:12).
This verse isn't just about God commissioning Joshua; it's a divine endorsement of his leadership. The Lord personally gives Joshua this charge, ratifying his appointment as the successor to Moses and assuring him of His direct presence and empowerment.
As Moses' days are ending, God directly commissions his successor, Joshua. God assures Joshua he will lead Israel into the Promised Land, a task that requires great strength and courage, and promises His presence throughout the challenging journey ahead. This divine charge occurs at a critical juncture, with Moses soon to depart and Israel on the cusp of entering a new, unfulfilled phase of their covenant journey.
As Moses' days are ending, God directly commissions his successor, Joshua. God assures Joshua he will lead Israel into the Promised Land, a task that requires great strength and courage, and promises His presence throughout the challenging journey ahead. This divine charge occurs at a critical juncture, with Moses soon to depart and Israel on the cusp of entering a new, unfulfilled phase of their covenant journey.
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God equips His leaders not just with a task, but with the divine enablement to accomplish it.
The promise of the land is central, but the commentary reveals a stark warning tied to it. How does this context shape Joshua's commission?
The promise of the land is not given in a vacuum. The surrounding context in Deuteronomy reveals a deep tension: the land is a gift, but it comes with covenant responsibilities.
A Land of Blessing and Judgment
Joshua's leadership is thus framed by both God's unwavering promise and the people's covenant obligations, making his task a profound spiritual leadership challenge.
c. 1390 BC
Joshua's Commissioning
God directly commissions Joshua, empowering him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This marks a pivotal moment, transitioning leadership from Moses to Joshua.
"And the LORD commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.”" — This verse isn't just about God commissioning Joshua; it's a divine endorsement of his leadership. The Lord personally gives Joshua this charge, ratifying his appointment as the successor to Moses…
