Joshua 1:6
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just tell Joshua to be brave; it links his courage directly to God's faithfulness. The underlying reason for strength isn't Joshua's own grit, but the certainty that God will fulfill the ancient promise made to their fathers.
God has just appointed Joshua as the new leader of Israel after Moses' death, a daunting task since they are poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of God's direct instructions to Joshua, emphasizing that he must be strong and courageous for the immense challenge ahead. Immediately following this, God repeatedly promises His presence and presence and commands Joshua to meditate on the Law, ensuring he will lead the people successfully into the land God swore to give them.
Joshua stands at the threshold of a monumental task, poised to lead a nation into a promised land. What does it truly mean to be 'strong and courageous' in the face of such immense responsibility?
The command for Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' isn't just a pep talk; it's a divine directive for action. This strength isn't just about physical might, but a deep-seated resolve rooted in God's promise.
A Strength That Endures
The commentaries highlight that this exhortation is repeated and amplified, emphasizing its importance. It's not a one-time boost, but a call to sustained fortitude for a long and difficult journey. This strength is necessary because the task is new, challenging, and filled with the potential for doubt, especially when compared to the mighty leadership of Moses.
Rooted in Divine Assurance
Joshua's courage is not to be self-generated. It's explicitly tied to God's presence and promises. The assurance that 'the LORD your God is with you wherever you go' is the ultimate foundation for his bravery. This isn't about ignoring fear, but about facing it with the confidence of God's unwavering support.
Joshua's mission is not just about conquest; it's about fulfilling an ancient oath. What does this inheritance signify, and how does it shape Joshua's mandate?
The purpose behind Joshua's strength and courage is clearly defined: to lead the people in dividing the land promised to their ancestors. This highlights a crucial theological point: God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
An Oath Sealed in History
The land wasn't a new idea; it was a promise sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob generations before. Joshua's task is the culmination of God's long-term faithfulness, a testament that God remembers His word and fulfills it, even across centuries and through different leaders.
Inheriting Through Obedience
The division of the land implies a full conquest, which in turn requires obedience to God's commands. While the promise is sure, its reception and establishment are linked to Joshua's leadership and the people's faithfulness. The inheritance is a gift, but it is received and secured through action guided by divine instruction.
Understand the original words
chazaq · Hebrew Verb
A state of being resolute, firm, and unyielding. Biblically, it is often linked to trusting in God's promises and sovereignty rather than one's own power.
amats · Hebrew Verb
A disposition of confidence and fearlessness in the face of danger or daunting tasks. It is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and command.
erets · Hebrew Noun
A physical territory or region given by God to His people as a covenantal possession. It serves as a sign of God's faithfulness and provision.
This verse is spoken at a pivotal moment as Joshua takes over leadership from Moses. The promise of inheriting the land, sworn to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob generations earlier, is now at hand, but requires immense courage to fulfill.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivers the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt, leading them through the Red Sea under Moses' leadership.
~1446-1406 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
After the Exodus, the Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith, during which time Moses leads them and receives God's Law.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, the great leader and lawgiver, dies after seeing the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, having appointed Joshua as his successor.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
God Commissions Joshua
God speaks directly to Joshua, commanding him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the land of Canaan, promising His presence and support.
This passage directly echoes the command given to Joshua, emphasizing that strength and courage come from God's presence and His promise not to forsake them.
Joshua 1:9This verse reinforces the imperative to be strong and courageous by reminding Joshua that the LORD his God is with him wherever he goes, making it a foundational promise for his leadership.
1 Kings 2:2Similar to Joshua, King David's dying charge to Solomon includes the command to 'be strong and show himself a man,' highlighting the continuous need for courage in leadership and obedience to God's law.
1 Corinthians 16:13The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to 'Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong,' showing how this same call to courage and steadfastness applies to the spiritual battles faced by Christians.
Hebrews 4:16This verse assures believers they can 'draw near with confidence to the throne of grace' to receive mercy and find grace in their times of need, offering a heavenly parallel to the assurance given to Joshua that God's presence enables success.
calvinJoshua 1:5-9: "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou may prosper whithersoever thou goes.
Tantum confirmare et roborare vehementer: ut custodias et facias secundum totam…
gillJoshua 1:6: "Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them."
Be strong, and of good courage,.... The same exhortation Moses gave him, Deuteronomy 31:7 ; and is afterwards repeated in this chapter, as being of great moment and importance, as it is in the general of an army to show greatness and strength of mind, valour and courage, and not be dismayed at the number and strength of the enemy. As J…
The verse doesn't just tell Joshua to be brave; it links his courage directly to God's faithfulness. The underlying reason for strength isn't Joshua's own grit, but the certainty that God will fulfill the ancient promise made to their fathers.
God has just appointed Joshua as the new leader of Israel after Moses' death, a daunting task since they are poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of God's direct instructions to Joshua, emphasizing that he must be strong and courageous for the immense challenge ahead. Immediately following this, God repeatedly promises His presence and presence and commands Joshua to meditate on the Law, ensuring he will lead the people successfully into the land God swore to give them.
God has just appointed Joshua as the new leader of Israel after Moses' death, a daunting task since they are poised to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of God's direct instructions to Joshua, emphasizing that he must be strong and courageous for the immense challenge ahead. Immediately following this, God repeatedly promises His presence and presence and commands Joshua to meditate on the Law, ensuring he will lead the people successfully into the land God swore to give them.
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c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan
Under Joshua's command, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, which dries up before them, and begin their conquest of Canaan.
"Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them." — The verse doesn't just tell Joshua to be brave; it links his courage directly to God's faithfulness. The underlying reason for strength isn't Joshua's own grit, but the certainty that God will fulfil…
