Breakdown of Joshua 1:7-8

"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. This Book of the La…" — The real key here isn't just courage, but that this strength is directly tied to a strict, unwavering obedience to God's law. It's a reminder that true success isn't found in boldness alone, but in a…

Joshua 1:7-8 Meaning Explained

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Joshua 1:7-8

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. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The real key here isn't just courage, but that this strength is directly tied to a strict, unwavering obedience to God's law. It's a reminder that true success isn't found in boldness alone, but in aligning our actions perfectly with God's commands, refusing to sway "to the right hand or to the left" for any reason.

What Joshua 1:7-8 means

God has just commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses' death, assuring him of His presence and power. This command to be strong and courageous is the immediate response to Joshua's immense task of conquering hostile nations and settling God's people. The verses that follow will further emphasize the importance of meditating on God's Law and the promise of success when Joshua obeys.

Courage Rooted in God's Command

Joshua stands on the precipice of leading Israel into the Promised Land. He's facing immense challenges, and God's first word to him is about strength. But where does this courage truly come from?

God calls Joshua to be 'strong and very courageous.' This isn't just a pep talk; it's a divine command. Notice how the text links this courage directly to obeying God's law.

A Mandate for Strength

Joshua, despite his past successes, needs a profound infusion of courage for the monumental task ahead. He's facing formidable enemies and the weight of a nation's future. God reassures him, 'as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.' But this divine presence is coupled with a powerful directive: 'Only be strong and very courageous.'

Courage and Obedience Intertwined

The crucial point is that this strength and courage are not for their own sake. They are specifically for the purpose of 'being careful to do according to all the law.' This teaches us a vital truth: true, lasting courage isn't born from self-confidence or circumstance, but from a deep commitment to obeying God's commands, even when they are difficult.

The Unwavering Path of God's Law

God instructs Joshua to stick to the law, not veering 'to the right hand or to the left.' What does this strict adherence mean in practice, and why is it so essential for success?

The instruction 'Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left' is a powerful image of unwavering commitment. It means the Law of Moses is to be Joshua's absolute guide, his only standard for decision-making.

No Compromise Allowed

This isn't about rigid legalism, but about recognizing the divine source of the Law. Turning 'to the right' could mean adding human traditions or well-intentioned but unauthorized interpretations. Turning 'to the left' could mean compromising with surrounding cultures or succumbing to fear and opting for easier, ungodly paths.

The Promise of 'Good Success'

Understand the original words

Original language

lawתּוֹרָה

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.

servantעֶבֶד

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.

meditateהָגָה

hagah · Hebrew Verb

Biblically, to murmur, mutter, or speak under one's breath. It implies a constant, ruminative engagement with God's word, turning it over in one's mind to fully understand and apply it.

good successשָׂכַל

sakal · Hebrew Verb

Biblical success is not mere material prosperity, but the achievement of God's purposes through obedience and walking in His ways. It is the result of aligning one's life with God's commands.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the conquest of Canaan, around 1400-1350 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, the successor of Moses. However, some scholars suggest a later compilation.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, looking towards the Promised Land.
Genre: Narrative with strong elements of divine command and exhortation, characterized by direct address and conditional promises.

Historical background

This passage is spoken by God directly to Joshua at a pivotal moment: the transition of leadership from Moses and the imminent conquest of the Promised Land. The emphasis on courage and adherence to the Law underscores the monumental task ahead and the conditional nature of God's promised success and presence.

c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Death of Moses
Moses dies after leading the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness, having appointed Joshua as his successor.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Commissioned
God directly commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for strength, courage, and obedience to the Law.
c. 1406 BC
Crossing the Jordan River
Under Joshua's command, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, a pivotal event signifying their entry into the land of Canaan.

Key themes

01Divine strength through obedience
02Law as a guide
03Courage in the face of opposition
04Conditional divine favor

Cross-references

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

This passage parallels Joshua's charge by outlining the same principles for future kings: they must have a copy of the law, read it daily, and adhere to its commands so they don't stray and can rule wisely.

Psalm 1:1-3

It beautifully describes the blessedness of one who meditates on God's law day and night, paralleling Joshua's call to not let the law depart from his mouth and the promise of success.

Matthew 4:4

Jesus, facing His own immense challenges, echoes the principle in Deuteronomy (and by extension, Joshua's charge) by stating that humans 'do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

This New Testament passage calls believers to be steadfast and immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, which resonates with the strong encouragement for courage and unwavering obedience given to Joshua.

Scholarly commentary

Joshua 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…

calvin

Joshua 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 .
barnes

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Explain the meaning of Joshua 1:7-8

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What Joshua 1:7-8 means

Original language

lawתּוֹרָה

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.

servantעֶבֶד

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.

meditateהָגָה

hagah · Hebrew Verb

Biblically, to murmur, mutter, or speak under one's breath. It implies a constant, ruminative engagement with God's word, turning it over in one's mind to fully understand and apply it.

good successשָׂכַל

sakal · Hebrew Verb

Biblical success is not mere material prosperity, but the achievement of God's purposes through obedience and walking in His ways. It is the result of aligning one's life with God's commands.

Historical context

Written: Likely during the conquest of Canaan, around 1400-1350 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to Joshua, the successor of Moses. However, some scholars suggest a later compilation.
Location: Written from the plains of Moab, looking towards the Promised Land.
Genre: Narrative with strong elements of divine command and exhortation, characterized by direct address and conditional promises.

Historical background

c. 1446 BC

Exodus from Egypt

The Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, marking the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.

c. 1406 BC

Death of Moses

Moses dies after leading the Israelites for 40 years in the wilderness, having appointed Joshua as his successor.

c. 1406 BC— this verse

Joshua Commissioned

God directly commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, emphasizing the need for strength, courage, and obedience to the Law.

c. 1406 BC

Crossing the Jordan River

Under Joshua's command, the Israelites miraculously cross the Jordan River, a pivotal event signifying their entry into the land of Canaan.

Scholarly commentary

Joshua 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…

calvin

Joshua 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 .
barnes

Frequently asked questions

What does Joshua 1:7-8 mean?

Explain the meaning of Joshua 1:7-8

What is the context of Joshua 1:7-8?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "law" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to Joshua, the successor of Moses. However, some scholars suggest a later compilation. write Joshua 1:7-8?”
“How does divine strength through obedience show up in Joshua 1:7-8?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Joshua 1:7-8 is available in the Sola app.