Joshua 1:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Have not I commanded {H6680} thee? Be strong {H2388} and of a good courage {H553}; be not afraid {H6206}, neither be thou dismayed {H2865}: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} is with thee whithersoever thou goest {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Haven't I ordered you, 'Be strong, be bold'? So don't be afraid or downhearted, because ADONAI your God is with you wherever you go."

Berean Standard Bible

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

American Standard Version

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not affrighted, neither be thou dismayed: for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 1:9 delivers a powerful divine imperative and promise from God to Joshua, commissioning him for the monumental task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Faced with immense challenges and the recent death of Moses, Joshua is commanded to be exceptionally strong and courageous, explicitly warned against fear and dismay. The bedrock of this command is the unwavering assurance of God's personal and pervasive presence, guaranteeing His support and guidance wherever Joshua goes, thereby shifting the foundation of courage from human ability to divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 1 serves as the crucial transitional chapter between the Mosaic era and the conquest of Canaan. Following the death of Moses, God directly addresses Joshua, Moses' successor, confirming his leadership and reiterating the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This verse is part of a larger divine charge (Joshua 1:1-9) that emphasizes obedience to the Law (Joshua 1:7-8) as a prerequisite for success and prosperity in the land. The threefold repetition of the command to "be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9) underscores its paramount importance for the daunting task ahead, framing the entire book as a narrative of divine faithfulness amidst human obedience and struggle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites are poised on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, ready to enter Canaan, a land inhabited by powerful, fortified city-states with established armies and diverse religious practices. This period immediately follows forty years of wilderness wandering, a time that tested their faith and refined their identity as God's covenant people. Joshua, as the new leader, inherits the immense responsibility of leading a nomadic people into a military campaign against seasoned warriors, establishing a national identity, and allocating tribal inheritances. The cultural backdrop includes the expectation of divine favor for success in battle, but also the very real human fear of the unknown and the formidable opposition they faced, making God's direct assurance of presence and strength profoundly significant.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence**, as God's promise "the LORD thy God is with thee" forms the ultimate basis for Joshua's courage and success, echoing similar promises throughout salvation history (e.g., [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")). It also highlights **Divine Commissioning and Leadership**, as God personally appoints and empowers Joshua for a divinely ordained mission, demonstrating that true leadership flows from God's call and enablement. Furthermore, the emphasis on **Obedience and Covenant Faithfulness** is implicit; the strength and courage are necessary for Joshua to diligently observe the Law, ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the **Inheritance of the Land** (see [Joshua 1:3-4](/joshua/1-3 "Joshua 1:3-4 - God's Promise of the Land")). The verse also touches on **Overcoming Fear and Doubt**, recognizing the natural human inclination to be afraid in the face of overwhelming odds, and providing a divine antidote to such apprehension.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq_):** This verb carries the sense of being firm, resolute, robust, or even to seize or grasp firmly. In the context of a command, it implies a call to inner fortitude, to brace oneself for the task, and to hold fast to the divine charge. It is not merely physical strength but a steadfastness of purpose and will, a determination to endure and prevail.
* **Courage (Hebrew, _’āmēṣ_):** This verb means to be strong, bold, or valiant. It denotes an inner resolve that manifests as outward bravery, particularly in the face of danger or opposition. It speaks to a spirit that is not easily intimidated or disheartened, but rather one that is emboldened by conviction and divine backing.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _ḥātat_):** This verb signifies being broken, shattered, terrified, or disheartened. It describes a state of utter collapse or despair, where one's spirit is crushed and hope is lost. The command "be not dismayed" is a direct counter to the potential psychological and emotional toll of the immense challenges Joshua faced, assuring him that such a state is incompatible with God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have not I commanded thee?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful reminder of the divine origin and authority behind the subsequent commands. It underscores that Joshua's mission and the required disposition are not self-imposed or humanly conceived, but are direct, authoritative mandates from the sovereign God. This divine imperative elevates the commands from mere suggestions to non-negotiable requirements for success.
* **"Be strong and of a good courage;":** This is the core positive command, repeated for emphasis throughout the chapter. "Be strong" (חֲזַק) calls for inner fortitude and resilience, while "be of a good courage" (וֶאֱמָץ) demands outward boldness and valor. Together, they represent a comprehensive summons to mental, emotional, and spiritual readiness for the formidable challenges of conquest and leadership. This strength is not inherent but is to be cultivated in reliance on God.
* **"be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:":** These negative injunctions directly address the natural human fears and anxieties associated with such a daunting task. "Afraid" (תַּעֲרֹץ) implies being terrified or dreading something, while "dismayed" (תֵּחָת) suggests being broken, disheartened, or utterly crushed. By forbidding these states, God commands Joshua to actively resist succumbing to fear or despair, recognizing them as obstacles to his mission.
* **"for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.":** This clause provides the ultimate ground and enablement for the preceding commands. The "for" (כִּי) introduces the reason and assurance. God's personal and continuous presence ("is with thee") is the absolute guarantee of His support, protection, and guidance. This divine companionship transcends location ("whithersoever thou goest"), ensuring that Joshua is never alone or without divine resources, transforming the human impossibility into a divine certainty.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 1:9 is rich in **Divine Speech**, as God directly addresses Joshua, imbuing the words with ultimate authority and weight. The verse employs **Imperative** commands ("Be strong," "be of a good courage," "be not afraid," "neither be thou dismayed"), emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of God's directives. There is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between the positive commands ("be strong and courageous") and the negative prohibitions ("be not afraid, neither be dismayed"), highlighting the two sides of the required disposition. The rhetorical question, "Have not I commanded thee?", serves as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore the divine authority and the binding nature of the command. Finally, the concluding phrase "for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" functions as a **Divine Promise** and the ultimate **Grounding Clause**, providing the theological foundation and assurance for the human response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 1:9 stands as a pivotal declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His chosen leaders. It establishes that true strength and courage are not born of human might or self-confidence, but are divinely imparted and sustained by the active presence of God. This principle transcends the specific context of Joshua, affirming that God's presence is the ultimate source of empowerment for any daunting task or fearful circumstance. It underscores the theological truth that God never calls His servants to a task without also equipping them and accompanying them through it, making His faithfulness the bedrock of human endeavor. This promise of divine presence is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, serving as a foundational assurance for believers across all generations.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - Moses' Charge to Joshua")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Help")
* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 1:9 resonates deeply with believers today, offering a timeless source of encouragement and a profound challenge. In a world fraught with uncertainty, personal anxieties, and formidable challenges, this verse calls us to remember that our strength and courage are not to be self-generated, but are gifts derived from the unwavering reality of God's presence. Whether facing a new career, a difficult relationship, a significant ministry endeavor, or personal trials, the command remains: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or discouraged." This is not a call to deny our fears, but to confront them with the greater reality of an omnipresent, omnipotent God who walks with us. Our task is to obey, to trust, and to move forward, knowing that the God who commissioned Joshua is the same God who promises to be with us, empowering us to fulfill His purposes in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Promised Land" or daunting task is God calling you to step into today that requires His strength and courage?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you tend to feel afraid or dismayed, and how might remembering God's presence directly address those fears?**
* **How does the understanding that God "commands" us to be strong and courageous change your perspective on these qualities? Are they suggestions or divine imperatives?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully lean into the assurance that "the LORD your God is with you wherever you go"?**

### FAQ
**Is the command to "be strong and courageous" only for leaders like Joshua, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While this command was specifically given to Joshua in the context of his unique leadership role, the underlying principle and the divine promise that grounds it are universal for all believers. The challenges of life, spiritual warfare, and obeying God's call in any sphere require strength and courage. The assurance "for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" is a foundational promise extended to all who belong to Him. Therefore, while the specific application might differ, the call to rely on God's presence for strength and courage is for every follower of Christ.

**What does it mean that "the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest"? Is it just a feeling, or something more tangible?**

Answer: This phrase signifies far more than a mere feeling; it is a profound theological truth about God's active, personal, and sustaining presence. It means that God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in the lives of His people. For Joshua, it meant God's strategic guidance, miraculous intervention, and unwavering support in battle and leadership. For believers today, it means God's Holy Spirit indwells us, providing wisdom, comfort, power, and direction (see [John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). It is a promise of His faithfulness, His provision, and His active working on our behalf, ensuring that we are never truly alone or abandoned in any circumstance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 1:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Joshua was a leader commissioned by God to lead Israel into a physical land, Jesus is the greater Joshua (Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), who leads His people into the spiritual inheritance of the Kingdom of God. The command to "be strong and of a good courage" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who faced the ultimate spiritual battle against sin and death with unwavering resolve and divine courage (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Furthermore, the promise "for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" finds its climactic expression in the person of Jesus, who is "Immanuel," God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - The Prophecy of Immanuel")). Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus permanently bridged the gap between God and humanity, ensuring God's presence is not just external but indwelling through the Holy Spirit for all who believe ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Comforter")). His final words to His disciples, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")), echo Joshua 1:9, confirming that the same divine presence that empowered Joshua now empowers every believer to fulfill the Great Commission, facing any challenge with the strength and courage that comes from Christ, our ever-present Lord and Savior.

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

Genesis 28:15

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Jeremiah 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

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.

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.