Deuteronomy 31:8
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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{ "author": "Moses is traditionally credited as the author, though some scholars suggest later editors.", "location": "Written from the plains of Moab, looking into the Promised Land.", "dateTime": "Likely around 1406 BC, just before the Israelites entered Canaan.", "literaryStyle": "Law and narrative, featuring direct address and encouragement." }
Moses, nearing the end of his life and his leadership, is preparing the Israelites and his successor Joshua for the monumental task of entering the Promised Land. He has just declared that he will no longer be able to lead them, emphasizing God's continued leadership and presence. This divine assurance is given to combat the natural fear and uncertainty the people must feel facing a new leader and the conquest of a land filled with powerful nations.
Ever feel like you're stepping into the unknown, facing a challenge with no clear path forward? Moses speaks directly to that fear.
Moses reminds Israel that their journey isn't one they embark on alone or with a flawed human leader at the helm. The very LORD who brought them out of Egypt, who led them through the wilderness, is the one going before them. This isn't just a promise of future help, but a declaration of God's active, preceding leadership. He prepares the way, clears the path, and goes ahead to ensure victory, just as He had done with Sihon and Og. It's a profound assurance that the challenges ahead have already been met and subdued by God Himself before His people even arrive.
What does it truly mean to have God 'with you'? It's more than just presence; it's an active, unwavering commitment.
The promise 'He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you' isn't a passive statement. It speaks to God's steadfast love and His unyielding faithfulness. He doesn't just stand by; He actively supports, strengthens, and sustains. The word 'fail' (or 'leave' in some translations) suggests a lack of provision or assistance, and 'forsake' implies abandonment. God assures His people that their expectations of His help will never be disappointed, and they will never be left to struggle on their own. This divine companionship is the bedrock of true courage.
Fear and dismay can paralyze us, making even the smallest obstacle seem insurmountable. How does this verse offer a way through?
Moses explicitly commands, 'Do not fear or be dismayed.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a directive rooted in the preceding promises. Fear arises when we focus on our limitations or the overwhelming nature of our circumstances. Dismay comes from a loss of courage and hope. The antidote prescribed here is not self-generated bravery, but a profound trust in the LORD's power and presence. Because God goes before, is with us, and will not abandon us, we are called to step forward with confidence. Our courage is fueled by the assurance that the battle is ultimately the Lord's, and His strength is our resource.
Understand the original words
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 verse is spoken at a pivotal moment, as Moses, the great leader, is passing the torch to Joshua. The Israelites are on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, facing formidable enemies. Moses' words remind them that their success doesn't depend on human strength but on the unchanging faithfulness of God, who has always gone before them and always will.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to guide and protect His people.
c. 1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
For forty years, God guided and sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, providing for their needs and preserving them despite their repeated rebellions.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Sihon and Og
Before entering the promised land, Israel conquered the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, powerful rulers whose defeat served as a powerful demonstration of God's continued support.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses' Farewell Address
As Moses, aged 120 and near death, delivers his final instructions to the Israelites, he reassures them of God's unwavering presence and leadership for the upcoming conquest of Canaan.
This passage echoes God's promise directly to Joshua, reiterating that just as God was with Moses, He would be with Joshua, assuring him, 'I will be with you; I will not leave you or forsake you.'
Psalm 23:4The imagery of God going before His people finds resonance here, as the Psalmist declares, 'Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.'
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic word directly addresses the same fear and dismay, promising, 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Hebrews 13:5The New Testament author directly quotes Deuteronomy 31:8 to assure believers that God's promise of never leaving or forsaking them still stands, applying it to their spiritual journey and encouraging contentment.
Romans 8:31This powerful declaration builds on the promise of God's presence, asking rhetorically, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' reinforcing the absolute security found in His unfailing companionship.
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 31:8: "And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."
8 . See on Deuteronomy 31:6 . On the phrase fear not, neither be dismayed , characteristic of the Sg. passages, see on Deuteronomy 1:21 .
{ "author": "Moses is traditionally credited as the author, though some scholars suggest later editors.", "location": "Written from the plains of Moab, looking into the Promised Land.", "dateTime": "Likely around 1406 BC, just before the Israelites entered Canaan.", "literaryStyle": "Law and narrative, featuring direct address and encouragement." }
Moses, nearing the end of his life and his leadership, is preparing the Israelites and his successor Joshua for the monumental task of entering the Promised Land. He has just declared that he will no longer be able to lead them, emphasizing God's continued leadership and presence. This divine assurance is given to combat the natural fear and uncertainty the people must feel facing a new leader and the conquest of a land filled with powerful nations.
Moses, nearing the end of his life and his leadership, is preparing the Israelites and his successor Joshua for the monumental task of entering the Promised Land. He has just declared that he will no longer be able to lead them, emphasizing God's continued leadership and presence. This divine assurance is given to combat the natural fear and uncertainty the people must feel facing a new leader and the conquest of a land filled with powerful nations.
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c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Leader
Moses publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, emphasizing that Joshua's strength and courage must come from God's promise to go with them.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
Led by Joshua and empowered by God's presence, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promises.
"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.”" — { "author": "Moses is traditionally credited as the author, though some scholars suggest later editors.", "location": "Written from the plains of Moab, looking into the Promised Land.", "dateTi…
