Deuteronomy 31:3

KJV

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, [and] he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: [and] Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, he will go over {H5674} before {H6440} thee, and he will destroy {H8045} these nations {H1471} from before {H6440} thee, and thou shalt possess {H3423} them: and Joshua {H3091}, he shall go over {H5674} before {H6440} thee, as the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI your God -he will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations ahead of you, and you will dispossess them. Y'hoshua - he will cross over ahead of you, as ADONAI has said.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said.

American Standard Version

Jehovah thy God, he will go over before thee; he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt dispossess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as Jehovah hath spoken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:3 serves as a pivotal declaration of divine commitment and leadership transition as Moses prepares for his departure. This verse powerfully assures the Israelites that Yahweh, their covenant God, will actively precede them into the Promised Land, decisively destroying the inhabitants and guaranteeing Israel's possession of the inheritance. Simultaneously, it explicitly affirms Joshua's divinely ordained role as the human leader who will guide them, thereby providing crucial continuity and instilling confidence in the nation as they stand on the precipice of conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31:3 is strategically placed within Moses' final addresses to the Israelite nation on the plains of Moab, immediately preceding his death and their imminent entry into Canaan. The preceding verses, particularly [Deuteronomy 31:1-2](/deuteronomy/31-1-2 "Deuteronomy 31:1-2 - Moses' Farewell and Succession"), establish Moses' advanced age and his clear declaration that he will not physically lead them across the Jordan River. This sets the stage for the crucial announcement of God's unwavering presence and Joshua's divinely appointed succession. The verse functions as a profound word of encouragement and a solemn charge, preparing the people for the formidable task of conquest and the significant transition of authority, thereby reinforcing the covenant promises and theological framework articulated throughout the book of [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "Deuteronomy - The Second Giving of the Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this historical juncture, the Israelites are encamped on the plains of Moab, poised to invade the land of Canaan. This territory was occupied by numerous formidable nations, including the Amorites, Hittites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, many of whom possessed fortified cities and experienced armies. The prospect of conquering such adversaries would have been daunting for a people who had spent forty years wandering in the wilderness. Culturally, the succession of a foundational leader like Moses, who held an unparalleled position as lawgiver and mediator, was a moment of immense vulnerability and potential instability for any ancient nation. Therefore, the explicit divine appointment of Joshua and the unequivocal assurance of God's active presence were absolutely vital for maintaining national unity, morale, and faith in the face of the monumental and unknown challenges that lay ahead.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores God's **unwavering presence and divine initiative** in Israel's history, emphasizing that the success of the conquest is not dependent on human strength or military prowess but solely on Yahweh's active "going over before" them. This echoes God's consistent guidance throughout the Exodus, from the pillar of cloud and fire ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God's Guiding Presence")) to His direct intervention in battles. Secondly, it reaffirms the **divine promise of conquest and possession** of the land, a core element of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Land Promise to Abraham")) and the Mosaic covenant, highlighting God's faithfulness to His word. Lastly, it solidifies **Joshua's divinely appointed leadership**, confirming his role as Moses' successor, a commission previously established in [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18-23 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Joshua's Commissioning and Authority"), assuring the people that their new leader carries God's authority and blessing for the monumental task ahead.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_ H3068):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing Him as the self-existent and eternal One. Its presence at the beginning of the verse emphasizes that the promises and actions described originate from the faithful, sovereign God who is bound by covenant to Israel. It highlights His active involvement and unchanging character as the ultimate source of their victory and inheritance.
* **go over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_ H5674):** This primitive root signifies "to cross over," "to pass through," or "to go beyond." When applied to the LORD, it denotes His active, preceding leadership, indicating that He will clear the way, remove obstacles, and ensure safe passage for His people. When applied to Joshua, it signifies his role as the designated human leader who will physically lead the people across the Jordan and into the land, acting as God's instrument and visible representative. The repetition underscores the complementary nature of divine and human leadership.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâmad'_ H8045):** This root means "to desolate," "to bring to nought," or "to utterly destroy." In this context, it refers to God's decisive and complete defeat of the Canaanite nations. It emphasizes the divine power and judgment involved in clearing the land for Israel's inheritance, ensuring that the formidable inhabitants will be removed as an impediment to God's covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and the ultimate source of Israel's confidence. It is Yahweh, the covenant God, who takes the lead. His "going over before" signifies His active presence, protection, and leadership, ensuring that the path is cleared and victory is secured. This is the foundational assurance for the daunting task ahead.
* **"and he will destroy these nations from before thee":** This specifies the immediate and necessary consequence of God's leading. He will actively dispossess and utterly defeat the formidable Canaanite nations, removing the primary obstacles to Israel's settlement. This is not a passive act but a forceful, divine intervention to clear the land of its wicked inhabitants.
* **"and thou shalt possess them":** This clause states the ultimate outcome and covenant fulfillment for Israel. As a direct and guaranteed result of God's decisive action, the Israelites will inherit and take full possession of the land and its resources. This fulfills the ancient promises made to their patriarchs, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His word.
* **"and Joshua, he shall go over before thee":** This introduces the crucial human element of leadership. Joshua, divinely appointed and empowered, will also "go over before" the people. His role is complementary to God's; he is the visible, tangible leader who will guide the armies and implement God's will on the ground. This provides both spiritual and practical assurance to the people regarding their immediate future.
* **"as the LORD hath said.":** This concluding phrase validates Joshua's authority and underscores the divine origin of his commission. His leadership is not self-proclaimed or merely a human decision, but it is explicitly ordained and confirmed by Yahweh Himself. This divine endorsement ensures the people's obedience, trust, and confidence in Joshua as God's chosen instrument.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:3 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message of assurance and transition. The most prominent is **Repetition** of the phrase "go over before thee," first attributed to the LORD and then to Joshua. This parallelism creates a strong thematic link, emphasizing that while God is the ultimate leader and source of victory, He works through His chosen human instruments. This serves to both magnify God's sovereignty and legitimize Joshua's authority. The verse also utilizes **Emphasis** through direct address ("thee") and strong declarative statements ("he will go," "he will destroy," "thou shalt possess"), which instills a deep sense of divine promise and certainty. Furthermore, the passage functions as a powerful **Assurance** and **Exhortation**, simultaneously promising God's unfailing support and implicitly calling the people to trust and follow the divinely appointed leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:3 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and the nature of biblical leadership. It teaches that God is not merely a distant observer but an active, initiating participant in the history of His people, taking the lead to fulfill His promises. The conquest of Canaan is presented not as a human military triumph, but as a divine act of judgment against wicked nations and a faithful provision for His chosen people. This concept of God "going before" His people is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, signifying His protective presence and guiding hand in all circumstances, whether in physical battles or spiritual journeys. It also highlights the complementary relationship between divine power and human instrumentality, where God sovereignly appoints and empowers leaders to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that His will is carried out on earth.

* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise of Presence to Joshua")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not by Their Own Sword")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:3 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating life's challenges, reminding us that our ultimate success and security rest not on our own strength or the abilities of human leaders, but on the unfailing presence and power of God. When we face daunting "nations" or unknown "promised lands" in our lives—be they personal struggles, professional transitions, spiritual battles, or societal pressures—this verse calls us to fix our gaze on the Lord, who goes before us. It challenges us to trust in His active intervention to clear obstacles and enable us to "possess" the blessings and purposes He has for us. Furthermore, it reminds us to honor and support the leaders God has placed in our lives, whether spiritual, familial, or civic, recognizing that their authority, when rightly exercised, is a channel for God's guidance and provision, even as our ultimate reliance remains on Him. This passage cultivates a spirit of courageous faith, knowing that the Lord Himself leads the way, and that His appointed instruments serve His greater plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nations" or formidable challenges are you currently facing that require the Lord to "go over before you" and "destroy" the obstacles?**
* **How does the assurance of God's active, preceding presence and His appointment of leaders (whether spiritual, familial, or civic) impact your confidence in uncertain times?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to "possess" a spiritual inheritance or fulfill a divine purpose, relying on God's power rather than your own efforts?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joshua's leadership emphasized alongside God's?**

Answer: Joshua's leadership is emphasized alongside God's to provide both spiritual and practical assurance to the Israelites. While God is the ultimate sovereign and the true source of victory, He consistently works through human instruments. Joshua's role as the divinely appointed leader ensures continuity and tangible guidance for the people. It communicates that God's power will be channeled through His chosen vessel, and that the people are to follow Joshua as they would follow God's direct command. This dual emphasis prepares them for a physical conquest led by a human general, yet powered by divine might, as seen in Joshua's commissioning in [Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua Appointed as Leader").

**Does "destroy these nations" imply God condones violence for all time?**

Answer: The command to "destroy these nations" in Deuteronomy 31:3 must be understood within its specific historical and theological context. This was a unique, divinely ordained act of judgment against the Canaanite nations, whose pervasive wickedness, idolatry, and abhorrent practices (including child sacrifice) had reached a point requiring divine retribution, as detailed in passages like [Deuteronomy 9:5](/deuteronomy/9-5 "Deuteronomy 9:5 - Not for Your Righteousness") and [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24-28 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - Abominations of the Land"). It was also a necessary act to preserve the purity and distinctiveness of Israel as the vessel through whom God's redemptive plan for humanity would unfold. This specific historical event is not a blanket endorsement for all violence or conquest, but rather a demonstration of God's sovereign right to execute justice and fulfill His covenant promises in a particular time and place, setting Israel apart for a unique redemptive purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the greater Joshua. Just as Yahweh promised to "go over before" Israel into the physical Promised Land, so too Jesus, as the Son of God and the perfect pioneer, has gone before us into the ultimate spiritual inheritance. He is the true pioneer and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Salvation")), who has led the way through death and resurrection, securing our access to the heavenly dwelling place ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). Furthermore, Christ has definitively "destroyed these nations" in a spiritual sense, triumphing over the principalities and powers of darkness, disarming them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and ultimately conquering sin and death. Through His finished work, we, His church, are enabled to "possess" our spiritual inheritance: reconciliation with God, eternal life, and participation in His Kingdom. Jesus, our ultimate leader and the Good Shepherd, has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He continues to lead His people, not into a temporary land, but into an everlasting kingdom, fulfilling all that the Old Testament types and shadows anticipated.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 9:3

Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God [is] he which goeth over before thee; [as] a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.

Deuteronomy 31:23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

Deuteronomy 3:28

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Joshua 1:2

Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, [even] to the children of Israel.

Joshua 4:14

On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

Psalms 44:3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.