Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Moses doesn't just tell Joshua to be strong; he emphasizes that Joshua will be the one causing Israel to inherit the land. This highlights Joshua's active, God-empowered role in fulfilling the promise, not just being a passive participant. It’s a profound charge, placing the weight of inheritance directly on his shoulders, but with the assurance that God's promise is the foundation.
With Moses nearing the end of his life, he addresses all of Israel to prepare them for the future under new leadership. He publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, explicitly charging him with the immense task of leading the people into and possessing the Promised Land, underscoring the divine promise that underpins this monumental transition.
Moses is handing over the reins, but not just to Joshua in private. This is a public act, setting the stage for a whole new chapter. Why was it so important that all of Israel witnessed this moment?
A Public Handover
Moses doesn't just quietly pass the torch to Joshua. He calls him forward "in the sight of all Israel." This wasn't a private conversation; it was a public commissioning. This visible act served multiple crucial purposes:
This public affirmation demonstrates a leader's responsibility to not only prepare a successor but to ensure the community recognizes and supports that succession.
Moses tells Joshua to 'Be strong and courageous.' This isn't just a pep talk; it's a divine mandate for the immense task ahead. What does this strength truly entail?
Divine Strength for a Divine Task
The command for Joshua to "Be strong and courageous" is a direct echo of what was said to the people (Deuteronomy 31:6), but it carries particular weight when addressed to the future leader.
Understand the original words
erets · Hebrew Noun
In the context of the Promised Land, this denotes the inheritance given by God. It represents the fulfillment of divine promises and the place where God's people reside under His rule and blessing.
shaba · Hebrew Verb
A solemn declaration made by God or a human, calling upon God to witness the truth of a statement. God’s oath confirms the immutability and certainty of His covenant promises.
chathath · Hebrew Verb
A state of being overwhelmed, disheartened, or broken in spirit. It is the opposite of the faith-filled courage that relies on God's presence and promises.
This pivotal moment occurs as Moses, the first generation's leader, is about to die. He publicly commissions Joshua, not just to lead the people into the land, but to ensure they fully possess it, highlighting the immense responsibility and divine assurance Joshua carries.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, beginning their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Following their rebellion at Kadesh Barnea, the Israelites are condemned to wander for 40 years until the generation that left Egypt has passed away.
c. 1399 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, the great leader and lawgiver, dies on the plains of Moab, after faithfully leading the Israelites for 40 years. This event marks a critical transition for the nation.
c. 1399 BC— this verse
Joshua Appointed Successor
In the sight of all Israel, Moses publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, empowering him to lead the people into the Promised Land. This is the pivotal moment of Deuteronomy 31:7.
This verse echoes Moses' charge to Joshua, directly commanding him to 'Be strong and courageous,' emphasizing God's presence and faithfulness as the foundation for this courage.
1 Samuel 17:32David's plea to King Saul uses similar language, asking not to fear Goliath and showing that courage in the face of overwhelming odds is a theme throughout Israel's history, often tied to divine help.
1 Chronicles 28:20King David gives Solomon the same encouragement to 'Be strong and courageous' as he takes on the monumental task of building the temple, highlighting the recurring need for boldness when undertaking God's work.
Hebrews 13:5This New Testament passage directly quotes Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8 ('He will never leave you nor forsake you'), applying the promise of God's steadfast presence to believers today, just as Moses assured Joshua.
2 Timothy 1:7Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control, mirroring the divine empowerment Joshua was to rely on for leading God's people.
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 31:7: "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."
7 . in the sight of all Israel ] Deuteronomy 34:12 . Be strong and of a good courage ] As in Deuteronomy 31:6 but Sg.; cp. Deuteronomy 3:28 . LXX: ἀνδρίζου καὶ ἴσχυε . go with ] Rather bring , as in some Heb. MSS, Sam. Vul…
Moses doesn't just tell Joshua to be strong; he emphasizes that Joshua will be the one causing Israel to inherit the land. This highlights Joshua's active, God-empowered role in fulfilling the promise, not just being a passive participant. It’s a profound charge, placing the weight of inheritance directly on his shoulders, but with the assurance that God's promise is the foundation.
With Moses nearing the end of his life, he addresses all of Israel to prepare them for the future under new leadership. He publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, explicitly charging him with the immense task of leading the people into and possessing the Promised Land, underscoring the divine promise that underpins this monumental transition.
With Moses nearing the end of his life, he addresses all of Israel to prepare them for the future under new leadership. He publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, explicitly charging him with the immense task of leading the people into and possessing the Promised Land, underscoring the divine promise that underpins this monumental transition.
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The strength required isn't just for battle, but for governing, leading, and ensuring God's people receive the full inheritance He promised.
c. 1399 BC
Crossing the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, marking their official entry into the land of Canaan.
c. 1399 - 1375 BC
Conquest of Canaan
The Israelites wage war against the Canaanite nations, conquering the land under Joshua's command, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham.
"Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession o…" — Moses doesn't just tell Joshua to be strong; he emphasizes that Joshua will be the one causing Israel to inherit the land. This highlights Joshua's active, God-empowered role in fulfilling the prom…
