The verse connects courage and success directly to obedience, not just bravery. Joshua's strength isn't for battle alone, but specifically for "being careful to do according to all the law," showing that true success hinges on adhering strictly to God's commands, without veering "to the right hand or to the left."
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just commissioned Joshua to take over leadership from Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a monumental and daunting task. He's reassured Joshua that He will be with him just as He was with Moses, promising that no one will be able to stand against him. Now, God emphasizes that Joshua's strength and success are directly tied to his unwavering obedience to the Law Moses delivered.
Joshua was about to step into an enormous leadership role, facing down powerful enemies. God's first words? 'Be strong and very courageous.' But this isn't just a pep talk.
God commands strength and courage, not because Joshua (or we) will feel fearless, but because it's essential for obedience.
The Divine Imperative
Notice the language: "Only be strong and very courageous." This isn't a suggestion; it's a divine imperative. God knows the challenges ahead are immense, and he calls Joshua to a profound inner fortitude.
Courage for Obedience
Why this strong emphasis? Look at the next phrase: 'that you may observe to do according to all the law.' Courage isn't for its own sake; it's the muscle needed to act on God's commands, especially when it's difficult or dangerous. True courage flows from a commitment to obey, even when fear whispers doubts.
The Source of Strength
While the command is given to Joshua, the ultimate power to be courageous comes from God. Later in this chapter (v. 9), God will remind him, 'for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' Our courage is rooted in His presence and power, not our own capacity.
Ask a follow-up
Joshua is told to follow the Law 'to the right hand or to the left.' What does this radical adherence mean for our own lives, especially when facing complex decisions?
God's Law isn't a restriction to be circumvented, but the very guide that leads to true success.
Unwavering Direction
'Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left.' This imagery paints a picture of a clear path. God's commands aren't meant to be navigated around or ignored when inconvenient. They are the boundaries and the direction for every step.
The Definition of 'Good Success'
What's the outcome? 'That you may have good success wherever you go.' This isn't about worldly prosperity in the shallow sense. The commentators suggest 'prosper' can also mean 'act wisely' or 'do prudently.' True success, in God's economy, is living wisely and effectively by aligning with His revealed will. Turning aside from the Law, even with seemingly good intentions ('to the right hand or to the left'), leads away from this divine path.
Obedience as Wisdom
Following God's Law isn't just about following rules; it's the ultimate wisdom. It ensures that our actions, whether in battle or daily life, are aligned with God's purposes, leading to outcomes that are truly good and successful in His sight.
Joshua is told to be strong and courageous, to obey the Law. But what truly undergirds all these commands? It's the unwavering assurance of God's presence.
The promises of strength and success are deeply interwoven with the foundational truth that God Himself is with His people.
The Constant Companion
While the text urges Joshua towards personal strength and diligent obedience, the ultimate source of his ability to succeed is God's faithfulness. The parallel drawn to Moses' experience ('as I was with Moses, so I will be with you') underscores that God's support isn't new or experimental; it's a continuation of His covenant faithfulness.
Not Failing, Not Forgiving
The promise 'I will not fail you or forsake you' (a theme emphasized in the context of Joshua 1:5-9) is the bedrock upon which Joshua's courage and obedience must rest. This assurance means that even in the face of overwhelming odds, Joshua is not alone.
The Condition and the Guarantee
God's promises of assistance are conditional upon obedience, yes. But His presence is the non-negotiable guarantee. It's His presence that empowers obedience and makes success possible. Knowing God is with us is the most potent antidote to fear and the greatest motivator for courage and faithfulness.
Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
In this context, the Torah—the revelation of God’s instructions for His people's conduct. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed will for His covenant people.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
One who is under the authority of a master to do their bidding. In scripture, it represents one who is fully devoted to the service and mission of God.
Joshua's charge to be strong and courageous is directly tied to the monumental task of leading Israel into the Promised Land after Moses' death and the subsequent conquest. His obedience to God's law is presented as the direct path to success in this new, challenging chapter.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Dies
Moses, the leader who guided Israel for 40 years, dies on Mount Nebo after seeing the Promised Land from afar. This marks the end of an era and the transfer of leadership.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Commissioned
God directly commissions Joshua as the new leader of Israel, promising His presence and aid as He was with Moses. This happens immediately after Moses' death.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's command, the Israelites cross the Jordan River, entering the Promised Land. This is a pivotal moment, signifying the beginning of their conquest.
c. 1406-1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Joshua leads the Israelites in the initial military campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan, starting with the fall of Jericho and Ai.
This passage outlines the blessings for obedience and prosperity that directly align with the promise of 'good success' linked to following God's law in Joshua 1:7.
Psalm 1:1-3It echoes the principle that delighting in and meditating on God's law, rather than turning away from it, leads to flourishing and success, mirroring the core message of Joshua 1:7.
Proverbs 3:1-6This passage offers a similar promise: keeping God's commands and love will lead to long life, prosperity, and success, directly connecting obedience with positive outcomes as seen in Joshua 1:7.
Matthew 7:24-27Jesus uses the metaphor of building a house on rock versus sand to illustrate the wisdom of hearing and acting on His words, paralleling Joshua's call to obedience for a stable and successful path.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58This verse encourages steadfastness and abundance in the Lord's work, highlighting that our efforts are not in vain when rooted in obedience, which resonates with the courage and faithfulness required in Joshua 1:7.
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…
barnesJoshua 1:7: "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest 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 mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
Prosper - See the margin. The literal rendering should be retained here since the notion of prosperity is separately introduced by a different word in Joshua 1:8 .
The verse connects courage and success directly to obedience, not just bravery. Joshua's strength isn't for battle alone, but specifically for "being careful to do according to all the law," showing that true success hinges on adhering strictly to God's commands, without veering "to the right hand or to the left."
God has just commissioned Joshua to take over leadership from Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a monumental and daunting task. He's reassured Joshua that He will be with him just as He was with Moses, promising that no one will be able to stand against him. Now, God emphasizes that Joshua's strength and success are directly tied to his unwavering obedience to the Law Moses delivered.
God has just commissioned Joshua to take over leadership from Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, a monumental and daunting task. He's reassured Joshua that He will be with him just as He was with Moses, promising that no one will be able to stand against him. Now, God emphasizes that Joshua's strength and success are directly tied to his unwavering obedience to the Law Moses delivered.
"Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." — The verse connects courage and success directly to obedience, not just bravery. Joshua's strength isn't for battle alone, but specifically for "being careful to do according to all the law," showin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
