Deuteronomy 31:6
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The phrase "he it is that doth go with thee" is not just about God's presence, but emphasizes that God Himself is the active force, going ahead of them to pave the way and fight for them. This isn't passive companionship; it's God as their vanguard, ensuring their success as He promised.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses, at the end of his life and just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, is addressing the nation and his successor, Joshua. He's preparing them for the immense task ahead: conquering the land and its inhabitants, a challenge that requires great faith and courage. This instruction comes right after God has assured them He will go before them, emphasizing that their success hinges on His presence, not their own strength.
Why does Scripture so often tell us to 'be strong and courageous'? Is it just a pep talk, or is there something deeper at play?
Moses delivers a powerful charge to Israel as they stand on the brink of a new, challenging chapter: 'Be strong and of a good courage.' This isn't a command to generate courage from within ourselves. Instead, it's an invitation to draw strength from an external source. The reason for this boldness is immediately given: 'for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.' Our courage isn't found in our own abilities or circumstances, but in the unfailing presence of God. He is the one actively going before them, ensuring their success and safety. This is the foundation: God is with us, therefore we can be strong.
We all know the sting of abandonment or letting someone down. What does it mean when God makes a promise that defies this human reality?
The verse offers an incredibly robust assurance: 'He will not leave you or forsake you.' This is not a conditional promise, dependent on Israel's perfect performance. It's a statement of God's unwavering commitment. The phrasing in the original language emphasizes this permanence. God declares He will 'never' leave or 'in any wise' forsake them. This means He won't abandon them in their need, nor will He let them fall completely. This is the bedrock of security for believers, a guarantee that even in our weakest moments, God remains present and active in our lives.
Understand the original words
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chazaq · Hebrew Verb
A state of mental or spiritual firmness and resolution. Biblically, it is often commanded to God's people as they face trials or tasks, grounded not in self-reliance but in trust in God's presence and promises.
amats · Hebrew Adjective/Verb
The quality of mental or moral strength that enables one to face danger, fear, or adversity with confidence. It is a frequent command to believers, emphasizing reliance on God's sovereignty rather than human capability.
yare · Hebrew Verb
A powerful emotion triggered by the perception of danger or threat. In the Bible, God frequently commands His people not to fear, as His presence and covenant faithfulness are the ultimate antidote to human anxiety.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
Refers to the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel (YHWH). This name emphasizes His faithfulness to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs and His active involvement in history.
azab · Hebrew Verb
A total abandonment or desertion. God’s promise never to leave or forsake His people is a central pillar of biblical theology, affirming His unchanging commitment and presence even in times of trial.
This encouragement comes at a critical transition point: Moses, their lifelong leader, is about to die and cannot enter the land. The people face a daunting conquest, but the promise is that God Himself will go with them, making their courage and strength rooted not in their own ability, but in His unfailing presence.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Reach the Border of Canaan
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Moses, arrive at the plains of Moab, on the threshold of the Promised Land. This marks the end of their long journey and the beginning of the preparations for conquest.
c. 1406 BC
Moses is Commissioned to Transfer Leadership
God commissions Moses to prepare the Israelites to enter Canaan. He is instructed to appoint Joshua as his successor and to charge him and the people to be strong and courageous.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints and Encourages Joshua
In the presence of all Israel, Moses lays hands on Joshua, ordens him, and delivers God's command to be strong and courageous. This is a pivotal moment, passing the mantle of leadership.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Delivers the Song of Witness
Moses delivers a prophetic song to the people, which serves as a testimony against them in future generations if they prove unfaithful to God's covenant.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Ascends Mount Nebo
God shows Moses the land of Canaan from Mount Nebo. Moses then dies at the age of 120, fulfilling God's decree that he would not enter the Promised Land himself.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites finally cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, a monumental step towards fulfilling God's promises to Abraham.
This passage directly echoes Deuteronomy 31:6, with Joshua being told the exact same words, emphasizing God's presence and command for strength and courage as he leads Israel into the promised land.
1 Chronicles 28:20King David, preparing Solomon to build the temple, charges him to 'Be strong and courageous' and carry out the work, because 'the LORD God, my God, will be with you.' This shows the timelessness of God's promise to be with His people in their great tasks.
Hebrews 13:5-6The New Testament author directly quotes and applies Deuteronomy 31:6 to believers, assuring them that because God has said 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' they can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what anyone can do to me.'
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic passage offers a similar divine reassurance, urging believers not to fear because God is with them, will strengthen them, and uphold them with His victorious right hand, mirroring the encouragement given in Deuteronomy.
calvinDeuteronomy 31:1-8: "And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel."
And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong, and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
Vocavit ergo Moses Josua, et dixit illi in oculis totius Israelis, Esto fortis, et robera te: tu enim ingredieris cum populo isto terram quam juravit Jehova p…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
6 . Be strong and of a good courage ] Cp. Deuteronomy 3:28 : encourage and strengthen him (causative forms of the same vbs.). fear not, nor be affrighted ] The phrase usual with Pl. passages (for the corresponding Sg. see Deuteronomy 1:21 and below Deuteronomy 31:8 ). Deuteronomy 1:29 takes these vbs. in the reverse…
The phrase "he it is that doth go with thee" is not just about God's presence, but emphasizes that God Himself is the active force, going ahead of them to pave the way and fight for them. This isn't passive companionship; it's God as their vanguard, ensuring their success as He promised.
Moses, at the end of his life and just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, is addressing the nation and his successor, Joshua. He's preparing them for the immense task ahead: conquering the land and its inhabitants, a challenge that requires great faith and courage. This instruction comes right after God has assured them He will go before them, emphasizing that their success hinges on His presence, not their own strength.
Moses, at the end of his life and just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land, is addressing the nation and his successor, Joshua. He's preparing them for the immense task ahead: conquering the land and its inhabitants, a challenge that requires great faith and courage. This instruction comes right after God has assured them He will go before them, emphasizing that their success hinges on His presence, not their own strength.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”" — The phrase "he it is that doth go with thee" is not just about God's presence, but emphasizes that God Himself is the active force, going ahead of them to pave the way and fight for them. This isn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
