Joshua 1:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Joshua 1:7 (KJV)

Joshua 1:7 is a pivotal verse in the book of Joshua, delivered by God Himself to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This divine instruction underscores the principles necessary for successful leadership and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

Context

This verse follows God's commissioning of Joshua as the successor to Moses, a weighty responsibility. The Israelites were on the brink of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by formidable nations. God had just promised Joshua His unwavering presence and support (Joshua 1:5). In this verse, God outlines the specific actions Joshua must take to ensure the success promised to him, emphasizing that divine assistance is contingent upon human obedience and resolve. It sets the stage for the entire conquest narrative, highlighting the importance of the Law given through Moses as the foundational guide for the nation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate for Courage: The command to "be thou strong and very courageous" is not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative. This courage is essential for facing the daunting challenges of leadership, warfare, and settling a new land. It implies both inner fortitude and outward boldness, stemming from trust in God's presence and power.
  • Obedience to God's Law: The primary purpose of Joshua's strength and courage is to "observe to do according to all the law." This highlights that true success in God's eyes is not measured by worldly achievements alone, but by faithful adherence to His revealed will. The phrase "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" emphasizes strict, unwavering adherence to God's commands, avoiding any deviation from His path. This principle of complete obedience is central to the covenant.
  • God-Given Prosperity: The promise "that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest" is directly linked to obedience. This "prosperity" (Hebrew: sakal) signifies not just material wealth, but success in fulfilling God's purpose, wise understanding, and favorable outcome in all endeavors. It's a holistic well-being and effectiveness that comes from aligning one's actions with God's perfect will. This concept of prosperity is echoed in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous person thrives.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "strong" (chazaq) and "courageous" (amets) are often paired in the Old Testament, denoting a steadfast and resolute spirit. The repetition "very courageous" intensifies the command, emphasizing the extraordinary measure of boldness required. "Observe to do" comes from the Hebrew shamar (to guard, keep) and asah (to do, make), stressing both careful attention to and active performance of the law. The "law" (torah) refers to God's entire body of instruction and teaching given through Moses, not just a legal code. "Prosper" (sakal) implies acting wisely and having good success, distinguishing it from a purely material definition of prosperity.

Practical Application

Joshua 1:7 offers timeless principles for believers today. Just as God called Joshua to be strong and courageous, He calls us to face life's challenges with faith and resolve, knowing His presence is with us (Joshua 1:9). The core message is that true success and spiritual flourishing come from unwavering obedience to God's Word, the Bible. We are to immerse ourselves in its teachings, not just intellectually, but practically, allowing it to guide every decision. Deviating "to the right hand or to the left" can lead us astray from God's intended path. By consistently following God's principles, we can expect His blessing and true prosperity in our lives, which includes peace, purpose, and spiritual fruitfulness, regardless of external circumstances.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 22:13 (28 votes)

    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 (22 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • Joshua 11:15 (15 votes)

    ¶ 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 (13 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 31:7 (12 votes)

    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.