Joshua 1:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There shall not any man {H376} be able to stand {H3320} before {H6440} thee all the days {H3117} of thy life {H2416}: as I was with Moses {H4872}, so I will be with thee: I will not fail {H7503} thee, nor forsake {H5800} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

No one will be able to withstand you as long as you live. Just as I was with Moshe, so I will be with you. I will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Berean Standard Bible

No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:5 serves as a pivotal divine promise to Joshua, unequivocally commissioning him as Moses' successor and assuring him of God's unwavering presence, absolute faithfulness, and guaranteed victory. This foundational declaration establishes the bedrock of divine support upon which Joshua's leadership, courage, and ultimate success in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land would be built, powerfully articulating God's enduring commitment to His chosen servant and His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the very beginning of the Book of Joshua, within God's direct and solemn address to Joshua following the profound loss of Moses, Israel's revered leader of forty years. The preceding verses ([Joshua 1:1-4](/joshua/1-1-4 "Joshua 1:1-4 - God Commissions Joshua")) establish Joshua's new role and delineate the boundaries of the land Israel is about to conquer. The immense and daunting task of leading a nation into military conquest and settled nationhood, especially after such a monumental transition in leadership, would naturally evoke fear and inadequacy. Therefore, God's words in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Unfailing Promise to Joshua") function as a potent divine antidote, directly preceding the repeated charge to "be strong and of good courage" ([Joshua 1:6](/joshua/1-6 "Joshua 1:6 - Be Strong and Courageous") and [Joshua 1:7](/joshua/1-7 "Joshua 1:7 - Courage and Obedience")). The promise of God's unfailing presence and support is the ultimate divine guarantee that undergirds all subsequent commands, challenges, and the entire narrative of conquest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the critical juncture of Israel's entry into Canaan, the land divinely promised to Abraham's descendants centuries earlier. This period marked a monumental transition from nomadic wilderness wandering to the establishment of a settled nation. Canaan was not an empty land but inhabited by numerous powerful, well-fortified city-states and peoples (e.g., Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites), necessitating a divinely-empowered military conquest. In the ancient Near East, a leader's success and authority were inextricably linked to the favor and active presence of their deity. For Joshua, stepping into the colossal shoes of Moses, who had performed mighty signs and wonders, the divine assurance of God's continued, active presence was not merely comforting but absolutely essential for establishing his authority among the people and inspiring their confidence for the formidable task ahead. The promise that "no man shall be able to stand before thee" directly addresses the formidable military and political realities of the impending conquest.

* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise of Presence") contributes profoundly to several overarching theological and narrative themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Succession and Empowerment**, where God Himself validates and empowers the new leader, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan despite the change in human leadership. This highlights that true leadership is divinely appointed and sustained. Closely related is the theme of **God's Unwavering Presence (Immanuel)**, which is the ultimate source of Israel's strength, victory, and identity, echoing the "God with us" theme seen throughout biblical history, from the patriarchs (e.g., [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - I Am With You")) to the wilderness tabernacle ([Exodus 33:14](/exodus/33-14 "Exodus 33:14 - God's Presence Goes With You")). The verse also powerfully underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's steadfast commitment to His promises, particularly the land covenant made with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham")) and His enduring promise to be with His people. Finally, it reinforces the principle that God equips those He calls, providing all necessary resources and assurance for the fulfillment of His sovereign will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _yâtsab'_):** From H3320, meaning "to place (any thing so as to stay); reflexively, to station, offer, continue; present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up)." In the context of Joshua 1:5, this word signifies the ability to maintain one's ground, resist, or successfully oppose an adversary. God's declaration means that no human force will be able to withstand or prevail against Joshua's divinely-backed leadership.
* **fail (Hebrew, _râphâh'_):** From H7503, meaning "to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative); abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en)." This term assures Joshua that God will not "slacken His grip," grow weary, or become indifferent in His support. It speaks to the steadfastness and unwavering nature of God's commitment, guaranteeing He will not diminish His active help.
* **forsake (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From H5800, meaning "to loosen, i.e. relinquish, permit, etc.; commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely." This word carries a stronger connotation than _râphâh'_, implying a complete abandonment, desertion, or severing of relationship. God's emphatic promise here guarantees a permanent, unbroken presence and an enduring, intimate relationship, providing ultimate security and assurance against loneliness or divine abandonment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life:"** This opening clause is a sweeping, comprehensive promise of invincibility in the face of human opposition. It assures Joshua that throughout his entire tenure as leader, no human adversary, no matter how powerful or numerous, will successfully oppose, defeat, or even maintain their ground against him. This is not a testament to Joshua's personal might or military genius, but a direct consequence of God's omnipotence and His active, intervening power working through His chosen servant. This declaration instills profound confidence by removing the fear of insurmountable human opposition.
* **"as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee:"** This is a crucial statement of divine continuity and endorsement. By explicitly linking His presence with Joshua to His renowned, powerful, and miraculous presence with Moses, God validates Joshua's new leadership role and assures him of the same intimate, empowering, and miraculous support that characterized Moses' extraordinary ministry. This comparison serves both to affirm Joshua's authority in the eyes of the people and to bolster his own faith, reminding him that the source of Moses' success was God's unfailing presence, which would now be his as well.
* **"I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."** This climactic double negative constitutes an incredibly strong and emphatic affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness and enduring commitment. It is a promise of absolute, unconditional, and permanent divine presence and support. God guarantees that He will neither slacken His help nor completely abandon Joshua, regardless of the challenges, circumstances, or the magnitude of the task. This declaration provides the ultimate foundation for Joshua's courage, perseverance, and ultimate success, assuring him of God's constant, reliable, and all-sufficient backing.

#### Literary Devices
[Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua") is rich in literary techniques that amplify its profound message and underscore its divine authority. The most prominent device is **Divine Promise**, as the entire verse is a direct, authoritative declaration from God Himself, establishing the immutable foundation for Joshua's leadership and the success of the conquest. This promise is powerfully reinforced by **Comparison** (a form of parallelism) in the phrase "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee." This draws an explicit and validating link between Joshua's new commission and the well-established, divinely-backed leadership of Moses, assuring Joshua of the same divine favor and empowering presence. Furthermore, the use of **Emphatic Negation** (or **Litotes**) in "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" powerfully reinforces God's absolute commitment. By stating what He will *not* do, God emphasizes the certainty, permanence, and depth of His unfailing presence and support, making the promise undeniable and profoundly reassuring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:5 is a profound expression of God's covenant faithfulness and His unchanging character. It reveals a God who is actively and intimately involved in the affairs of His people, not merely as a distant observer but as a present and powerful deliverer. The promise of God's unfailing presence and support is central to biblical theology, affirming that God equips those He calls and remains steadfastly committed to His purposes, even through human transitions and daunting challenges. This divine assurance is the bedrock of all true leadership and the ultimate source of courage for God's people in every generation. It underscores that spiritual success and victory are not dependent on human might, wisdom, or resources, but on the living presence and omnipotent power of God Himself.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be Strong and Courageous, for the Lord Goes With You")
* [Psalm 27:10](/psalm/27-10 "Psalm 27:10 - Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine promise articulated in Joshua 1:5, though spoken directly to a specific leader in a unique historical moment, resonates deeply with believers across all generations. We frequently encounter "new territories" in our lives—whether new responsibilities, challenging relationships, unforeseen trials, or significant transitions—that can feel overwhelming and beyond our personal capabilities. Like Joshua, we may feel inadequate, intimidated, or even fearful of the "giants" that stand before us. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our true strength, courage, and ultimate success do not stem from our own abilities, wisdom, or resources, but from the unwavering presence and unfailing faithfulness of God. When we step out in faith into God's calling, we are never alone. His profound promise to "not fail thee, nor forsake thee" acts as a powerful anchor for our souls, encouraging us to be strong and courageous, knowing that the same God who was with Moses and Joshua is intimately with us, providing all the strength, wisdom, and assurance we need to fulfill His divine purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "new territories" or challenging transitions is God calling you to step into where you need to trust His presence and power more fully?**
* **How does the continuity of God's presence, from Moses to Joshua and ultimately to believers today, encourage you in your own journey of faith and leadership?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to truly believe and rely on the promise that God will "not fail you, nor forsake you," and how might that change your approach?**

### FAQ
**Question? Is this promise of invincibility only for military leaders like Joshua?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua") is indeed military conquest and leadership, the underlying principles of God's presence, faithfulness, and empowering support extend far beyond the battlefield or any single type of leadership. The phrase "there shall not any man be able to stand before thee" can be understood more broadly as God's assurance that no opposition—whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or circumstantial—will ultimately prevail against His purposes for those He calls and equips. The core promise of God's unfailing presence and non-abandonment is a universal truth for all His people, applicable to any challenging endeavor undertaken in obedience to His will and in reliance upon His strength.

**Question? How can I be sure God will not fail or forsake *me*?**

Answer: Your assurance rests not on your own merit, performance, or perceived worthiness, but entirely on the unchanging character of God and His covenant faithfulness. The promise "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" is rooted in God's very nature as a reliable, loving, and steadfast Father. For New Testament believers, this promise is explicitly reiterated and expanded upon, notably in [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You"), where it is applied directly to all who trust in Christ. Our certainty comes from the finished work of Jesus Christ, through whom we are brought into an unbreakable covenant relationship with God. Furthermore, the indwelling Holy Spirit serves as a constant seal and guarantee of God's abiding presence, ensuring that He will never leave us or abandon us, even in the deepest valleys or most challenging seasons of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound promise given to Joshua in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise to Joshua") finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose Hebrew name (Yehoshua) is the same as Jesus (Yeshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation," serves as a powerful type of Christ, leading God's people into their promised spiritual inheritance. The divine assurance "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee" points directly to the person of Jesus, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). In Christ, God's presence is not merely with a chosen leader, but fully and eternally incarnate among humanity. Furthermore, the promise that "there shall not any man be able to stand before thee" is perfectly realized in Christ, who has definitively triumphed over all principalities and powers, conquering sin, death, and the grave ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His victory is absolute, eternal, and shared with all who are in Him. Most significantly, the emphatic declaration "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" is the bedrock of the New Covenant. Jesus Himself promises His disciples, and by extension all believers, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise")). This divine faithfulness, sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, ensures that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). Thus, Joshua 1:5 stands as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the unwavering, victorious, and eternal presence of God found supremely and perfectly in Christ for all who believe.

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

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

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 31:8

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.

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Joshua 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.