Deuteronomy 31:6
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)
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The most striking aspect here is the reason given for Israel's courage: "for it is the LORD your God who goes with you." This isn't just about God being near, but actively going ahead of them, implying He's clearing the path and fighting battles before they even face them. His presence is the ultimate assurance that they need not fear, because He will never leave them unsupported.
As Moses’ death approaches, he delivers his final words of instruction and encouragement to the people of Israel. He transitions leadership to Joshua, equipping him to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land, a daunting task that requires immense courage. This farewell address emphasizes God's unwavering presence and commitment to His people, even as their human leaders change.
Facing the unknown can be terrifying. What if the one leading you suddenly disappeared? This verse offers a radical promise that cuts through all fear.
Moses is about to leave Israel. He's led them for 40 years, through desert wandering and battles. Now, he's handing over the reins to Joshua for the conquest of Canaan – a land filled with formidable enemies. The people must have been filled with dread. Who could possibly lead them now? But Moses doesn't just tell them to be brave. He gives them the reason for courage: 'for it is the LORD your God who goes with you.' This isn't a platitude. It's a theological declaration. God Himself is their vanguard. He's not sending an angel or a substitute; He is going with them. And the commitment is absolute: 'He will not leave you or forsake you.' This is the bedrock of true courage. It's not about the absence of danger, but the certainty of God's unwavering presence in it.
We often tell people to 'be strong,' but what does that really mean when we feel weak? This passage clarifies that true courage isn't about our own strength, but where we anchor it.
Moses commands Joshua and the people: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread.' This isn't a call to self-reliance or sheer willpower. Calvin points out that true strength comes from relying on God's grace. It's not about suppressing fear with bravado, but overcoming it with confidence in God's promises. Think about it: the Israelites were facing giants, fortified cities, and armies described as 'legions.' Their own strength would be utterly insufficient. Their fear was rational, even understandable. But the antidote isn't a better strategy or a bigger army. It's the divine assurance that the Lord their God is going with them. This promise means God Himself is their strength, their defense, and their guarantee of success. So, 'be strong' means leaning into God's power, not summoning your own. 'Courageous' means moving forward in faith, trusting that the One who goes before you is more than enough for whatever lies ahead.
Understand the original words
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
These words are spoken at a pivotal, high-stakes moment: the cusp of entering the Promised Land after decades of wandering. It’s a transition from Moses’ leadership to Joshua’s, from wilderness survival to military conquest and settlement, making the command to be strong and courageous intensely practical and urgent.
c. 1406 BC
Israel enters Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites are finally poised to enter the Promised Land, a land inhabited by fortified cities and various peoples.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Farewell Address
As Moses nears the end of his life and leadership, he delivers final instructions and encouragement to the Israelites, preparing them for the conquest and settlement of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Leader
Moses publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, entrusting him with the leadership of Israel and the daunting task of conquering Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Song of Moses
Moses records a song that anticipates Israel's future faithfulness and unfaithfulness, serving as a testament against them and a reminder of God's enduring covenant.
This passage directly echoes Deuteronomy 31:6, with God Himself promising Joshua the same strength and reassurance that He would not leave him, mirroring Moses' charge to the people.
Hebrews 13:5The author of Hebrews directly quotes and applies the promise, 'He will never leave you nor forsake you,' to believers, showing the enduring relevance of this assurance of God's presence through all of life's challenges.
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic passage offers a similar message of divine strength and support in times of distress, reminding us that God is with those who fear Him and will uphold them, just as He promised Israel.
Matthew 28:20Jesus' final words to his disciples carry the same profound reassurance: 'I am with you always, to the end of the age.' This demonstrates that God's commitment to being with His people is a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
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 most striking aspect here is the reason given for Israel's courage: "for it is the LORD your God who goes with you." This isn't just about God being near, but actively going ahead of them, implying He's clearing the path and fighting battles before they even face them. His presence is the ultimate assurance that they need not fear, because He will never leave them unsupported.
As Moses’ death approaches, he delivers his final words of instruction and encouragement to the people of Israel. He transitions leadership to Joshua, equipping him to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land, a daunting task that requires immense courage. This farewell address emphasizes God's unwavering presence and commitment to His people, even as their human leaders change.
As Moses’ death approaches, he delivers his final words of instruction and encouragement to the people of Israel. He transitions leadership to Joshua, equipping him to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land, a daunting task that requires immense courage. This farewell address emphasizes God's unwavering presence and commitment to His people, even as their human leaders change.
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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.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death
Moses ascends Mount Nebo and dies, having seen the Promised Land but not entered it himself due to his disobedience years prior.
"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 most striking aspect here is the reason given for Israel's courage: "for it is the LORD your God who goes with you." This isn't just about God being near, but actively going ahead of them, im…
