Deuteronomy 31:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} called {H7121} unto Joshua {H3091}, and said {H559} unto him in the sight {H5869} of all Israel {H3478}, Be strong {H2388} and of a good courage {H553}: for thou must go {H935} with this people {H5971} unto the land {H776} which the LORD {H3068} hath sworn {H7650} unto their fathers {H1} to give {H5414} them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit {H5157} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next Moshe summoned Y'hoshua and, in the sight of all Isra'el, said to him, "Be strong, be bold, for you are going with this people into the land ADONAI swore to their ancestors he would give them. You will be the one causing them to inherit it.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance.

American Standard Version

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage: for thou shalt go with this people into the land which Jehovah hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 31:7 records the pivotal moment when Moses publicly commissions Joshua as his successor before all Israel. With the nation poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses charges Joshua with the immense responsibility of leading the people, exhorting him to "be strong and of a good courage." This command is rooted in the divine promise that the LORD Himself would enable Joshua to lead Israel to inherit the land sworn to their forefathers, underscoring God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 31 is situated within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. The preceding chapters recount Moses' review of the Law and his impassioned pleas for Israel's obedience. Chapter 31 marks a crucial transition point: Moses, having been forbidden by God to enter Canaan himself ([Deuteronomy 3:27](/deuteronomy/3-27 "Deuteronomy 3:27 - Moses Forbidden to Enter the Land")), formally transfers leadership. This verse, specifically, details the public, visible commissioning of Joshua, ensuring that all Israel recognized and respected his divinely appointed authority as the new leader, thereby preparing them for the challenges of conquest and settlement. It sets the stage for the book of Joshua, which immediately follows and chronicles the fulfillment of this mandate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a critical juncture, transitioning from a nomadic wilderness existence under Moses' direct leadership to a settled life in Canaan, requiring military conquest and the establishment of a national identity. The Canaanite nations were formidable, necessitating strong, courageous leadership. In the ancient Near East, public commissioning ceremonies were vital for establishing legitimacy and authority, particularly in a military-theocratic context. Moses' public affirmation of Joshua before the entire assembly (estimated in the millions) was not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical necessity to prevent dissent and ensure unity as they embarked on the daunting task of conquering the Promised Land, a land promised by God to their ancestors centuries prior ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, **Divine Commissioning** is evident, highlighting that leadership in Israel was not self-appointed but divinely ordained through Moses, emphasizing God's sovereign choice and equipping of leaders for His purposes. Secondly, the repeated exhortation to **Strength and Courage** is a core motif, acknowledging the immense challenges of conquest and underscoring the absolute necessity of faith, resolve, and fearlessness rooted in God's presence. This phrase becomes a recurring divine imperative throughout Joshua's life and the biblical narrative, notably repeated by God Himself to Joshua in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Fulfillment of Promise**, explicitly connecting Joshua's mission to the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land. Joshua's primary role is to ensure the people inherit what God had already sworn to give their ancestors, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His word and covenant obligations. Finally, it speaks to **Succession and Continuity**, assuring Israel that God's plan for them would not cease with Moses' death but would continue under new, divinely appointed leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This verb signifies to be firm, strong, or courageous. It implies not only physical strength but also an inner resolve, a steadfastness of purpose, and the ability to stand firm against adversity. When applied to Joshua, it speaks to the mental and spiritual fortitude required to lead a nation into war and settlement.
* **Courage (Hebrew, _amats'_):** This verb means to be strong, bold, or resolute. It often denotes a proactive, unyielding bravery in the face of danger or opposition. Paired with *chazaq*, it forms a powerful hendiadys, emphasizing a comprehensive strength that encompasses both an inner, unwavering spirit and an outward, bold determination essential for facing the daunting tasks of leadership, warfare, and the administration of justice in the new land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel":** This clause establishes the public and official nature of the commissioning. Moses, as the established, divinely appointed leader, formally transfers authority to Joshua. The phrase "in the sight of all Israel" emphasizes the transparency and legitimacy of this transition, ensuring that the entire nation recognized Joshua's new role and mandate, thereby fostering unity and obedience under his leadership.
* **"Be strong and of a good courage":** This is the central imperative, a direct command from Moses to Joshua. It acknowledges the immense challenges ahead—conquering powerful nations and settling a new land—and underscores the absolute necessity of unwavering faith, resolute determination, and fearlessness. This exhortation is not merely a human encouragement but a divinely inspired charge, anticipating God's own similar words to Joshua in the subsequent book.
* **"for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them":** This phrase provides the divine mandate and purpose behind the command for strength and courage. Joshua's mission is not of his own choosing but is a direct continuation of God's covenant plan. The land is not merely a geographical territory but a fulfillment of God's solemn oath to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), highlighting God's faithfulness across generations. Joshua is merely the instrument through whom this divine promise will be realized.
* **"and thou shalt cause them to inherit it":** This final clause clarifies Joshua's specific, active role. He is not just to lead them *to* the land but to lead them *in* the process of taking possession and settling it. This implies military conquest, division of the land, and establishment of the covenant community within its borders. It places the weighty responsibility of actualizing the inheritance directly upon Joshua's shoulders, under divine guidance.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 31:7 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Commissioning Narrative**, a common biblical pattern where a leader is formally appointed for a divine task, often accompanied by a divine charge and a promise of presence. This narrative structure lends authority and gravitas to Joshua's new role. The phrase "Be strong and of a good courage" functions as a powerful **Exhortation** or imperative, a direct command designed to instill resolve and faith. The **Repetition** of this exact phrase throughout the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - God's Charge to Joshua"), [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Charge to Joshua")) elevates it to a recurring motif, emphasizing its critical importance and divine origin. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Covenant Language** by referencing "the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers," firmly rooting Joshua's mission within the long-standing Abrahamic covenant and highlighting God's enduring faithfulness to His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 31:7 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even amidst leadership transitions. It reveals that God not only calls individuals to specific tasks but also divinely equips and empowers them, providing the necessary strength and courage for daunting assignments. Joshua's commissioning underscores the principle that God's plans are sovereign and will be accomplished, regardless of human limitations or the changing of the guard. The emphasis on inheriting the land directly links to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His purposes endure through generations. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true strength and courage for God's work stem not from human might but from divine presence and the assurance of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

* [Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - God's Exhortation to Joshua")
* [1 Chronicles 22:13](/1_chronicles/22-13 "1 Chronicles 22:13 - David's Charge to Solomon")
* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting on the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 31:7 offers timeless principles for believers facing significant challenges or stepping into new responsibilities. Just as Joshua was commissioned for a formidable task, God often calls individuals to various "promised lands" in life—whether it's a new career, a challenging ministry, raising a family, or enduring a difficult season. The command to "be strong and of a good courage" is not an exhortation to self-reliance but a divine imperative rooted in the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness. Our courage is not born of our own might but from knowing that the LORD goes before us and is with us. This verse encourages us to step forward boldly in faith, trusting that God will enable us to fulfill His purposes, even when the path ahead seems daunting or our own abilities feel insufficient. It reminds us that our primary task is to be faithful to the mission God has given us, knowing that He is ultimately responsible for the outcome and the fulfillment of His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "promised land" or significant challenge might God be calling you to "inherit" in your life right now?**
* **In what specific areas do you need to "be strong and of a good courage," trusting in God's presence rather than your own abilities?**
* **How does knowing that God has already "sworn" to fulfill His purposes empower you to face fears and uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength and courage in your daily walk?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for Moses to commission Joshua publicly?**

Answer: The public commissioning of Joshua "in the sight of all Israel" was crucial for several reasons. First, it established Joshua's legitimate authority as Moses' successor, preventing any potential challenges to his leadership from within the twelve tribes. In ancient societies, public declarations were essential for validating transitions of power. Second, it instilled confidence in the people that God's plan for them would continue uninterrupted, even with Moses' departure. They saw that God was still actively guiding their nation through a chosen leader. Third, it served as a powerful visual and auditory reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant, as the new leader was charged with bringing them into the land God had sworn to their fathers. This public act ensured unity and obedience as they prepared for the daunting task of conquering Canaan.

**How does "Be strong and of a good courage" relate to God's presence?**

Answer: The exhortation "Be strong and of a good courage" is inextricably linked to the assurance of God's presence. In the immediate context, Moses is passing on a charge that God Himself will later reiterate to Joshua in [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge to Joshua"), where the command is directly followed by the promise, "The LORD your God is with you wherever you go." True strength and courage for God's work do not come from human willpower or physical might alone, but from the indwelling presence and empowering Spirit of God. It is the confidence that the Almighty God goes before us, fights for us, and remains with us that enables us to face overwhelming odds with boldness and unwavering resolve. This divine presence transforms fear into faith and weakness into strength.

**What does "cause them to inherit it" imply about Joshua's role?**

Answer: The phrase "thou shalt cause them to inherit it" highlights Joshua's active and instrumental role in the fulfillment of God's promise. It implies more than just leading the people *to* the land; it signifies his responsibility for leading them *in* the process of taking full possession of it. This involved military leadership in conquering the Canaanite nations, strategic planning for campaigns, and the equitable division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Joshua was God's chosen agent to actualize the inheritance, ensuring that the covenant promise of land became a tangible reality for the Israelites. His role was to faithfully execute God's will, enabling the people to enter into and enjoy the blessings of their divine inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 31:7, with its focus on a divinely appointed leader bringing God's people into their promised inheritance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose very name (Yeshua) is the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel into a physical land, Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people into a spiritual and eternal inheritance. The command to "be strong and of a good courage" for the task of inheriting the land foreshadows the ultimate strength and courage displayed by Christ in His redemptive work—His unwavering resolve in facing the cross, conquering sin and death, and securing victory for His people ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ has not only opened the way to a spiritual "rest" ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest")) far greater than Canaan but has also guaranteed our eternal inheritance as co-heirs with Him ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the one who truly "causes us to inherit" the spiritual blessings, eternal life, and the new heavens and new earth, fulfilling God's ancient promises in a way that transcends any earthly possession. Our strength and courage as believers are found in Him, for He is "the way, and the truth, and the life" who leads us into the Father's presence and the fullness of our eternal dwelling ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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 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.

Deuteronomy 31:6

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.

Deuteronomy 1:38

[But] Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Joshua 1:6

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

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.