Joshua 1:7

KJV

Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest 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 mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only be thou strong {H2388} and very {H3966} courageous {H553}, that thou mayest observe {H8104} to do {H6213} according to all the law {H8451}, which Moses {H4872} my servant {H5650} commanded {H6680} thee: turn {H5493} not from it to the right hand {H3225} or to the left {H8040}, that thou mayest prosper {H7919} whithersoever thou goest {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Only be strong and very bold in taking care to follow all the Torah which Moshe my servant ordered you to follow; do not turn from it either to the right or to the left; then you will succeed wherever you go.

Berean Standard Bible

Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.

American Standard Version

Only be strong and very courageous, to 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 mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:7 stands as a foundational divine mandate, delivered by God to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. This verse underscores that the success of Joshua's monumental task—conquering Canaan and settling the nation—was inextricably linked to unwavering strength, profound courage, and meticulous, comprehensive obedience to the Law of Moses. It posits that true prosperity and favorable outcomes are not merely a result of human might or strategic brilliance, but flow directly from steadfast adherence to God's revealed will, without deviation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical component of God's direct commissioning of Joshua, following the death of Moses. The preceding verses (Joshua 1:1-6) establish Joshua's new leadership role, the immense task of crossing the Jordan and conquering Canaan, and God's explicit promise of His unwavering presence and support, mirroring His presence with Moses. Joshua 1:5, in particular, assures Joshua, "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." Verse 7 then specifies the *condition* for the fulfillment of these promises, shifting the focus from God's part to Joshua's required response: obedience to the divine Law. It serves as the ethical and spiritual bedrock upon which the entire conquest narrative and the subsequent settlement of Israel will rest.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood on the cusp of a monumental transition, moving from forty years of wilderness wandering to inhabiting the land promised to their ancestors. This land, Canaan, was occupied by various formidable nations (e.g., Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites), known for their fortified cities and military prowess. The "Law, which Moses my servant commanded thee" refers to the entire body of divine instruction given through Moses, primarily recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and especially Deuteronomy. This Law was not merely a set of rules but the very constitution of Israel's theocratic nation, defining their relationship with God, their social structures, and their worship. For Joshua to lead effectively, he needed to understand that military success and national stability were contingent upon maintaining covenant fidelity, distinguishing Israel from the surrounding pagan cultures.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates three interconnected themes vital for Israel's success and spiritual well-being. First, **Divine Mandate for Courage** is paramount. The repeated command to "be strong and very courageous" is not a suggestion but a divine imperative, acknowledging the daunting challenges ahead. This courage is not born of human bravado but stems from trust in God's explicit promise of presence and power, as reiterated in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous"). Second, **Unwavering Obedience to God's Law** is presented as the very purpose of this courage. The command to "observe to do according to all the law" highlights that true success is measured by faithful adherence to God's revealed will, not by worldly metrics. The phrase "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" emphasizes strict, unwavering adherence, avoiding any deviation from God's path, a principle central to the covenant blessings outlined in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Third, **God-Given Prosperity** is the promised outcome. The assurance "that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest" signifies not merely material wealth but holistic success, wise understanding, and favorable outcomes in all endeavors. This comprehensive well-being and effectiveness are a direct result of aligning one's actions with God's perfect will, echoing the blessed state of the righteous in [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This word denotes firmness, strength, and resolve. It implies not only physical capability but also mental and spiritual fortitude. Often paired with "courageous," it suggests an inner grip or steadfastness necessary to face daunting challenges without wavering.
* **Courageous (Hebrew, _amets'_):** Meaning to be strong, bold, or valiant, this term emphasizes an outward manifestation of inner strength. The repetition "very courageous" (Hebrew, _me'od amets'_) intensifies the command, highlighting the extraordinary measure of boldness and resolve required for the unprecedented task of leading Israel into a hostile land. This courage is not recklessness but a confident reliance on God's power.
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _sakal'_):** This word carries a richer meaning than mere material gain. It signifies acting wisely, having good success, gaining insight, and achieving favorable outcomes. It implies a holistic well-being and effectiveness that results from intelligent and righteous conduct, distinguishing it from a purely worldly or financial definition of prosperity. It suggests success in fulfilling God's purpose and wise understanding in all endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only be thou strong and very courageous":** This opening imperative establishes the divine requirement for Joshua's internal disposition. It is a direct command from God, emphasizing that the immense task ahead demands an extraordinary measure of inner fortitude and outward boldness. The repetition "very courageous" underlines the critical nature of this quality for successful leadership and the fulfillment of God's plan.
* **"that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee":** This clause reveals the *purpose* of Joshua's strength and courage. It is not for personal glory or mere military conquest, but specifically "to observe to do" (Hebrew: _shamar la'asot_ - to guard to do, to keep by doing) the entire body of God's instruction given through Moses. This highlights that true success in God's eyes is measured by faithful, comprehensive adherence to His revealed will. The "Law" (Torah) encompasses all divine teaching, not just legal statutes.
* **"turn not from it to the right hand or to the left":** This vivid phrase emphasizes the absolute and unwavering nature of the required obedience. It is a call for strict fidelity, avoiding any deviation, compromise, or selective adherence to God's commands. It speaks to the dangers of syncretism, human reasoning, or external pressures that might tempt one away from the straight path of divine instruction.
* **"that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest":** This final clause presents the promised outcome of such unwavering obedience. The "prosperity" (Hebrew: _sakal_) is a comprehensive success that encompasses wisdom, favorable outcomes, and effectiveness in all endeavors. It is a divine blessing that ensures Joshua's mission will succeed, not through his own might, but through God's empowering presence and the wisdom derived from His Law, leading to a holistic well-being and successful fulfillment of God's purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 1:7 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Imperative Mood**, as God issues direct commands ("be thou strong," "turn not"). This highlights the divine authority and the non-negotiable nature of the instructions. The phrase "strong and very courageous" uses **Repetition and Intensification**, with the adverb "very" (Hebrew: _me'od_) amplifying the command for courage, underscoring the extraordinary measure required for Joshua's monumental task. The expression "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" is a classic example of **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent the whole. Here, "right hand or to the left" signifies "in no direction whatsoever," emphasizing complete and unwavering adherence to the Law without any deviation. Finally, the verse functions as a **Conditional Promise**, where the promise of prosperity is directly contingent upon the obedience to the Law, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship central to covenant theology.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:7 serves as a theological cornerstone, underscoring the enduring principle that divine blessing and true success are intricately tied to covenant fidelity and unwavering obedience to God's Word. It reveals that God's promises of presence and victory are not unconditional entitlements but are often predicated on human responsiveness and adherence to His revealed will. The "Law" is presented not as a burden but as the pathway to wisdom, prosperity, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. This verse establishes a pattern that resonates throughout biblical history: when God's people walk in His ways, they experience His favor and flourishing; deviation leads to consequences. It teaches that genuine courage is born from faith in God's promises and expressed through diligent obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Way of the Righteous")
* [1 Kings 2:2-3](/1_kings/2-2 "1 Kings 2:2-3 - David's Charge to Solomon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 1:7 offers profound and timeless principles for believers navigating the complexities of life today. Just as God called Joshua to be strong and courageous in the face of daunting challenges, He calls us to cultivate a similar spirit in our spiritual walk. This courage is not a naive optimism but a resolute trust in God's unwavering presence and power, enabling us to confront fear, doubt, and opposition. The core message is that true flourishing, peace, and purpose come from unwavering obedience to God's Word, which serves as our ultimate guide. We are to immerse ourselves in its teachings, not merely intellectually, but practically, allowing it to shape every decision and action. The admonition "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" is a potent reminder to avoid the subtle temptations of compromise, worldly wisdom, or selective obedience that can lead us astray from God's perfect path. By consistently aligning our lives with biblical principles, we can anticipate God's blessing and experience a holistic "prosperity" that transcends material wealth, encompassing spiritual fruitfulness, wisdom, and the joy of fulfilling His divine purpose, regardless of external circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to be "strong and very courageous" to obey God's Word more fully?**
* **How does the concept of "turning not to the right hand or to the left" challenge your current approach to obedience and spiritual discipline?**
* **What does "prosper" mean to you in a biblical sense, and how does it differ from a worldly definition of success?**
* **How can you more diligently "observe to do" according to God's Law in your daily life, rather than just knowing it?**

### FAQ
**What does "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" truly mean for believers today?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful idiom emphasizing absolute, unwavering adherence to God's commands. For believers today, it means avoiding any deviation from biblical truth and principles. It cautions against syncretism (mixing Christian faith with other beliefs or practices), legalism (adding human rules to God's commands), antinomianism (disregarding God's moral law), or simply compromising biblical standards for convenience or cultural acceptance. It calls for a straight, undeviating path of obedience, trusting that God's Word is sufficient and perfect for guiding our lives (see [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")).

**Is the "prosperity" promised in Joshua 1:7 primarily material wealth?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word _sakal_ (prosper) in this context signifies far more than just material wealth. While it can include material blessings, its primary meaning points to wisdom, insight, good success, and favorable outcomes in fulfilling God's purposes. It denotes a holistic well-being and effectiveness that comes from acting wisely and aligning one's life with God's will. This "prosperity" is about thriving in one's calling, experiencing God's favor, and achieving spiritual and relational flourishing, as seen in [Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Blessed Man").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Joshua 1:7 is a direct command to a specific leader for a specific task, its principles find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Joshua, as a faithful servant and leader, foreshadowed the greater Leader, Jesus, who perfectly embodied strength, courage, and unwavering obedience. Unlike Joshua, who was commanded to obey the Law, Jesus *was* the Law incarnate, fulfilling every jot and tittle (see [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He never turned "to the right hand or to the left" from His Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). His perfect obedience secured not merely a temporal land but eternal salvation and access to the true "rest" that Joshua could not fully provide (see [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest")). Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in a new obedience, not to earn salvation, but as a response to the grace already received (see [Romans 6:1-4](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1-4 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). The "prosperity" promised to Joshua finds its spiritual reality in the abundant life and spiritual blessings found in Christ (see [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")), leading to true success in God's eyes: conformity to the image of His Son.

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

1 Chronicles 22:13

Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 5:32

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

Joshua 1:8

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Proverbs 4:27

Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Joshua 11:15

¶ As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 31:7

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.