TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
The LORD your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua will go over before you, as the LORD has spoken.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord thy God he will go ouer before thee: he will destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt possesse them. Ioshua, he shall goe before thee, as the Lord hath said.
Young's Literal Translation
`Jehovah thy God He is passing over before thee, He doth destroy these nations from before thee, and thou hast possessed them; Joshua--he is passing over before thee as Jehovah hath spoken,
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In the KJVVerse 5,732 of 31,102
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Commentary on Deuteronomy 31 verses 1–8
1 ¶ And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel.
2 And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
3 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.
4 And the LORD shall do unto them as he did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and unto the land of them, whom he destroyed.
5 And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Loth to part (we say) bids oft farewell. Moses does so to the children of Israel: not because he was loth to go to God, but because he was loth to leave them, fearing that when he had left them they would leave God. He had finished what he had to say to them by way of counsel and exhortation: here he calls them together to give them a word of encouragement, especially with reference to the wars of Canaan, in which they were now to engage. It was a discouragement to them that Moses was to be removed at a time when he could so ill be spared: though Joshua was continued to fight for them in the valley, they would want Moses to intercede for them on the hill, as he did, Exo 17:10. But there is no remedy: Moses can no more go out and come in, Deu 31:2. Not that he was disabled by any decay either of body or mind; for his natural force was not abated, Deu 24:7. But he cannot any longer discharge his office; for, 1. He is 120 years old, and it is time for him to think of resigning his honour and returning to his rest. He that had arrived at so great an age then, when seventy or eighty was the ordinary stint, as appears by the prayer of Moses (Psa 90:10), might well think that he had accomplished as a hireling his day. 2. He is under a divine sentence: Thou shalt not go over Jordan. Thus a full stop was put to his usefulness; hitherto he must go, hitherto he must serve, but no further. So God had appointed it and Moses acquiesces: for I know not why we should any of us desire to live a day longer than while God has work for us to do; nor shall we be accountable for more time than is allotted us. But, though Moses must not go over himself, he is anxious to encourage those that must.
I. He encourages the people; and never could any general animate his soldiers upon such good grounds as those on which Moses here encourages Israel. 1. He assures them of the constant presence of God with them (Deu 31:3): The Lord thy God. that has led thee and kept thee hitherto will go over before thee; and those might follow boldly who were sure that they had God for their leader. He repeats it again (Deu 31:6) with an emphasis: "The Lord thy God, the great Jehovah, who is thine in covenant, he it is, he and no less, he and no other, that goes before thee; not only who by his promise has assured thee that he will go before thee; but by his ark, the visible token of his presence, shows thee that he does actually go before thee." And he repeats it with enlargement: "Not only he goes over before thee at first, to bring thee in, but he will continue with thee all along, with thee and thine; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee; he will not disappoint thy expectations in any strait, nor will he ever desert thy interest; be constant to him, and he will be so to thee." This is applied by the apostle to all God's spiritual Israel, for the encouragement of their faith and hope; unto us is this gospel preached, as well as unto them He will never fail thee, nor forsake thee, Heb 13:5. 2. He commends Joshua to them for a leader: Joshua, he shall go over before thee, Deu 31:3. One whose conduct, and courage, and sincere affection to their interest, they had had long experience of; and one whom God had ordained and appointed to be their leader, and therefore, no doubt, would own and bless, and make a blessing to them. See Num 27:18. Note, It is a great encouragement to a people when, instead of some useful instruments that are removed, God raises up others to carry on his work. 3. He ensures their success. The greatest generals, supported with the greatest advantages, must yet own the issues of war to be doubtful and uncertain; the battle is not always to the strong nor to the bold; an ill accident unthought of may turn the scale against the highest hopes. But Moses had warrant from God to assure Israel that, notwithstanding the disadvantages they laboured under, they should certainly be victorious. A coward will fight when he is sure to be a conqueror. God undertakes to do the work - he will destroy these nations; and Israel shall do little else than divide the spoil - thou shalt possess them, Deu 31:3. Two things might encourage their hopes of this: - (1.) The victories they had already obtained over Sihon and Og (Deu 31:4), from which they might infer both the power of God, that he could do what he had done, and the purpose of God, that he would finish what he had begun to do. Thus must we improve our experience. (2.) The command God had given them to destroy the Canaanites (Deu 7:2; Deu 12:2), to which he refers here (Deu 31:5, that you may do unto them according to all which I have commanded you), and from which they might infer that, if God had commanded them to destroy the Canaanites, no doubt he would put it into the power of their hands to do it. Note, What God has made our duty we have reason to expect opportunity and assistance from him for the doing of. So that from all this he had reason enough to bid them be strong and of a good courage, Deu 31:6. While they had the power of God engaged for them they had no reason to fear all the powers of Canaan engaged against them.
II. He encourages Joshua, Deu 31:7, Deu 31:8. Observe, 1. Though Joshua was an experienced general, and a man of approved gallantry and resolution, who had already signalized himself in many brave actions, yet Moses saw cause to bid him be of good courage, now that he was entering upon a new scene of action; and Joshua was far from taking it as an affront, or as a tacit questioning of his courage, to be thus charged, as sometimes we find proud and peevish spirits invidiously taking exhortations and admonitions for reproaches and reflections. Joshua himself is very well pleased to be admonished by Moses to be strong and of good courage. 2. He gives him this charge in the sight of all Israel, that they might be the more observant of him whom they saw thus solemnly inaugurated, and that he might set himself the more to be an example of courage to the people who were witnesses to this charge here given to him as well as to themselves. 3. He gives him the same assurances of the divine presence, and consequently of a glorious success, that he had given the people. God would be with him, would not forsake him, and therefore he should certainly accomplish the glorious enterprise to which he was called and commissioned: Thou shalt cause them to inherit the land of promise. Note, Those shall speed well that have God with them; and therefore they ought to be of good courage. Through God let us do valiantly, for through him we shall do victoriously; if we resist the devil, he shall flee, and God shall shortly tread him under our feet.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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.
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 and Leviticus 18:24-28. 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), who has led the way through death and resurrection, securing our access to the heavenly dwelling place (John 14:2-3). 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), 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), 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.