Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just telling Joshua to be brave; it's grounding his courage in God's command. He's to be strong and courageous not out of his own grit, but because God, who has already commissioned him, promises to be with him. This means his strength comes from obedience to a divine call, not just from facing a challenge.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is speaking directly to Joshua, who has just been appointed leader of Israel after Moses' death, tasking him with leading the people into the Promised Land. This is a massive undertaking, involving conquering fortified cities and fierce nations, a challenge that would naturally inspire fear and doubt. Therefore, this command to be strong and courageous, coupled with the promise of God's presence, directly addresses Joshua's immediate anxieties and equips him for the immense responsibility ahead.
Why does God frame His command to Joshua as a question? It's a powerful rhetorical move that grounds Joshua's courage not in his own strength, but in the authority of the One giving the command.
The Divine Imperative
Joshua is facing an enormous task: leading the entire nation of Israel into the Promised Land, conquering its inhabitants, and dividing the territory. This isn't a small assignment!
God begins verse 9 with a question: 'Have I not commanded you?' This isn't a casual inquiry. It's a divine assertion of authority. God is reminding Joshua, and us, that the call to be strong and courageous comes directly from Him. It’s not a suggestion or a piece of advice; it's a command.
This divine imperative is the bedrock of Joshua's courage. He doesn't need to drum up bravery from within himself. His strength and courage are to be found in obeying the One who has the ultimate authority and who has already laid out the plan.
Joshua's mission was terrifying. How does God counter the very real fear and dismay Joshua must have felt? By anchoring him to an unwavering truth.
The Unfailing Presence
God's commands for Joshua to 'Be strong and courageous' are immediately followed by prohibitions: 'Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed.' These aren't just empty words; they are divine reassurances directly addressing the emotional turmoil of his calling.
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The antidote to fear and dismay isn't the absence of danger, but the presence of God. 'For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.' This isn't a promise of a safe journey, but a promise of constant companionship.
This presence means that no enemy is too great, no challenge too overwhelming, because God Himself is the source of strength and the ultimate protector. It’s a reminder that Joshua (and we) are never alone in the fight. God’s presence ensures that even in the midst of terrifying circumstances, faithful courage is possible.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, indicating His faithfulness, eternal nature, and unique relationship with Israel.
chathath · Hebrew Verb
To be broken, terrified, or shattered in spirit. It refers to the loss of confidence or courage in the face of overwhelming opposition, which the believer is commanded to avoid by trusting in God.
Joshua is stepping into incredibly large shoes after the death of Moses, facing a daunting military campaign and the spiritual leadership of a whole nation. This isn't just a new job; it's a divine appointment at a critical, overwhelming moment.
c. 1405 BC
Moses Dies
The death of Moses, the revered leader of Israel for over 40 years, leaves a significant leadership vacuum and a moment of profound transition for the nation.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Joshua Appointed Leader
God directly commissions Joshua as the new leader of Israel, tasking him with the monumental challenge of leading the people into the Promised Land.
c. 1405 BC
Israel Prepares to Cross Jordan
The Israelites stand on the brink of entering Canaan, facing the formidable obstacle of the Jordan River and the powerful nations already inhabiting the land.
c. 1405 BC
The Walls of Jericho
The initial conquest begins with the strategically and spiritually significant battle of Jericho, setting the tone for the subsequent campaigns.
This passage directly echoes the command given to Joshua, reminding him 'Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.'
1 Chronicles 28:20David encourages his son Solomon with similar words before he takes on the immense task of building the temple, stating, 'Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.'
Isaiah 41:10This prophetic promise assures God's people of His presence and strength in times of fear and distress, mirroring Joshua's situation: 'fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
Hebrews 13:5The New Testament author quotes the promise 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (referencing this very passage in Joshua) to encourage believers facing trials, showing that God’s steadfast presence is a timeless source of courage.
Matthew 28:20Jesus’ final commission to his disciples, 'teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,' echoes the core promise to Joshua, assuring believers that His presence accompanies His commands, even in daunting missions.
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…
cambridgeJoshua 1:9: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."
9 . Have not I commanded thee ?] Observe the repetition of the words of exhortation. The Hebrew leader is reminded again and again that it was not his work but God’s work, which he had been raised up to carry out. Comp. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 ; Deuteronomy 31:23 .
The verse isn't just telling Joshua to be brave; it's grounding his courage in God's command. He's to be strong and courageous not out of his own grit, but because God, who has already commissioned him, promises to be with him. This means his strength comes from obedience to a divine call, not just from facing a challenge.
God is speaking directly to Joshua, who has just been appointed leader of Israel after Moses' death, tasking him with leading the people into the Promised Land. This is a massive undertaking, involving conquering fortified cities and fierce nations, a challenge that would naturally inspire fear and doubt. Therefore, this command to be strong and courageous, coupled with the promise of God's presence, directly addresses Joshua's immediate anxieties and equips him for the immense responsibility ahead.
God is speaking directly to Joshua, who has just been appointed leader of Israel after Moses' death, tasking him with leading the people into the Promised Land. This is a massive undertaking, involving conquering fortified cities and fierce nations, a challenge that would naturally inspire fear and doubt. Therefore, this command to be strong and courageous, coupled with the promise of God's presence, directly addresses Joshua's immediate anxieties and equips him for the immense responsibility ahead.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”" — The verse isn't just telling Joshua to be brave; it's grounding his courage in God's command. He's to be strong and courageous not out of his own grit, but because God, who has *already commissione…
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Last reviewed October 2026