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)
The verse doesn't just tell Joshua to be brave; it links his courage directly to the reason for it: God's promise to their ancestors and the specific task of dividing the land. This means Joshua's strength isn't just about facing enemies, but about faithfully executing God's ancient, inherited promise to His people.
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)
After Moses' death, God is commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This is a monumental task, following forty years of wandering and now facing formidable enemies. God assures Joshua of His presence and power, directly addressing his potential fears and doubts about succeeding Moses and conquering Canaan.
Why does God tell us to 'Be strong and courageous'? Is it a command for us to muster our own inner grit, or something else entirely?
The command for Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' isn't just a pep talk. It's a call to action rooted in God's power, not our own. The text emphasizes that this strength isn't something Joshua generates within himself. Instead, it's a reliance on God's presence and power. The commentaries highlight that this isn't about self-effort, but about recognizing that God's strength enables our obedience and action, especially when facing daunting tasks. Our courage comes from knowing we are not alone; God is with us, enabling us to do what He has called us to do.
The inheritance of the land is central to God's promise. What does this specific inheritance signify for Joshua and the people?
God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants was ancient, stretching back to their fathers. Joshua's task, therefore, was to be the one through whom this long-held promise would finally be fulfilled. The text stresses that the land is not just real estate; it's a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and covenant commitment. Joshua's courage is directly linked to this divine assurance – he is to lead the people to possess what God had sworn to give them. This highlights the intersection of God's sovereign promises and human responsibility in bringing them to pass.
Understand the original words
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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 by God to Joshua at a pivotal moment, right after Moses' death and just before the Israelites are to enter and conquer the Promised Land. The immense task ahead, coupled with the people's potential unruliness, would have weighed heavily on Joshua, making these words of encouragement and divine assurance critical for his leadership.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are freed from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, marking the beginning of their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses, the great leader of Israel, dies after 40 years in the wilderness, having brought the people to the brink of Canaan but not entering the land himself.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Appointed Leader
Following Moses' death, Joshua is divinely appointed as the new leader of Israel, tasked with bringing them into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Sent to Jericho
Joshua sends two spies into Canaan to scout the city of Jericho, providing crucial intelligence before the full invasion begins.
c. 1406 BC
Crossing the Jordan River
The Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, which had overflowed its banks, marking their official entry into the land of Canaan.
This passage echoes the command to Joshua, showing it's a foundational principle of leadership God imparts: 'Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.'
Joshua 1:9This verse directly follows the command, reinforcing it by reminding Joshua of God's presence: 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous... for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.'
1 Corinthians 16:13The apostle Paul echoes this same exhortation for spiritual battles, showing the enduring need for strength and courage rooted in faith: 'Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.'
Hebrews 11:32-34This chapter highlights numerous heroes of faith, including those who, through faith and strength, conquered kingdoms and administered justice, mirroring the task given to Joshua.
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 the reason for it: God's promise to their ancestors and the specific task of dividing the land. This means Joshua's strength isn't just about facing enemies, but about faithfully executing God's ancient, inherited promise to His people.
After Moses' death, God is commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This is a monumental task, following forty years of wandering and now facing formidable enemies. God assures Joshua of His presence and power, directly addressing his potential fears and doubts about succeeding Moses and conquering Canaan.
After Moses' death, God is commissioning Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This is a monumental task, following forty years of wandering and now facing formidable enemies. God assures Joshua of His presence and power, directly addressing his potential fears and doubts about succeeding Moses and conquering 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 the reason for it: God's promise to their ancestors and the specific task of dividing the land. This means Joshua's…
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Last reviewed October 2026