Joshua 10:25

KJV

And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Joshua {H3091} said {H559} unto them, Fear {H3372} not, nor be dismayed {H2865}, be strong {H2388} and of good courage {H553}: for thus shall the LORD {H3068} do {H6213} to all your enemies {H341} against whom ye fight {H3898}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua said to them, "Don't be afraid or confused, but be strong and bold, because this is what ADONAI will do to all your enemies that you fight against."

Berean Standard Bible

“Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.”

American Standard Version

And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall Jehovah do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 10:25 captures Joshua's powerful exhortation to the leaders of Israel following a decisive victory over a coalition of five Amorite kings. After these defeated kings were captured from their hiding place in a cave, and symbolically humiliated by Israel's commanders, Joshua delivers a profound charge. He assures his leaders that the God who granted this victory will continue to act on their behalf, decisively defeating all future adversaries. This verse stands as a declaration of divine assurance and a call to unwavering faith and courage in the face of ongoing challenges of conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 10:25 concludes a pivotal and dramatic episode within the larger narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan. The preceding verses [Joshua 10:1-24](/joshua/10-1-24 "Joshua 10:1-24 - The Southern Campaign and Victory") detail the southern campaign, which was initiated by the Gibeonite treaty and the subsequent attack on Gibeon by a coalition of five Amorite kings. This led to Israel's decisive victory, miraculously aided by God's direct intervention, including the supernatural hailstones and the unprecedented phenomenon of the sun standing still [Joshua 10:12-14](/joshua/10-12-14 "Joshua 10:12-14 - The Sun and Moon Stand Still"). The capture of the five kings from their hiding place in a cave [Joshua 10:16-18](/joshua/10-16-18 "Joshua 10:16-18 - The Pursuit and Capture of the Kings") and the highly symbolic act of placing feet on their necks [Joshua 10:24](/joshua/10-24 "Joshua 10:24 - Commanders Place Feet on Kings' Necks") immediately precede Joshua's words in verse 25. This verse thus serves as a climactic declaration, solidifying the meaning of the recent triumph and setting the tone for the remaining phases of the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is ancient Canaan, a land inhabited by various city-states and peoples, including the Amorites, whom Israel was commanded by God to dispossess. The act of placing one's foot on the neck of a vanquished enemy was a common and deeply significant ancient Near Eastern practice. It symbolized absolute conquest, public humiliation, and complete subjugation of the defeated foe. This ritual was not merely symbolic; it was a visual declaration of victory and dominion, often depicted in ancient art and inscriptions to assert a ruler's power and divine favor. Joshua's command to his commanders to perform this act was a public demonstration of God's power working through Israel, reinforcing the fear of Israel among the remaining Canaanite inhabitants and asserting the divine mandate for their conquest. The military campaigns described in Joshua reflect the brutal realities of ancient warfare, but within the biblical narrative, they are presented as divine judgment against the idolatry and wickedness of the Canaanite nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. The repeated command to [be strong and of good courage](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua") echoes God's initial charge to Joshua himself as he prepared to lead the nation, emphasizing that Israel's success is predicated not on their own military might or numerical superiority, but on their unwavering faithfulness and reliance on God. This leads directly to the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Assurance**, as the core reason for their courage is the explicit promise that "thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies." God, identified as [the LORD (YHWH)](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - The Name of God, YHWH"), is the true warrior who fights for His people, guaranteeing victory over all opposition, as seen in the earlier command for Israel to "stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD" [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "Exodus 14:14 - The LORD Will Fight for You"). The verse also highlights **Victory Over Enemies** as a central outcome of God's covenant faithfulness, a pattern that extends beyond physical battles to encompass spiritual warfare. Finally, it underscores **Faithful Leadership**, as Joshua, by faith, articulates God's promise, thereby instilling confidence and trust in the divine plan within his people and preparing them for future challenges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) is a primitive root meaning "to fear," and morally, "to revere." Causatively, it means "to frighten." In this context, the negative imperative "Fear not" (אַל-תִּירְאוּ, _al-tir'u_) directly addresses the natural human propensity for apprehension or dread in the face of formidable adversaries. It is a command to resist internal terror and external intimidation, urging a posture of trust rather than trepidation.
* **Dismayed (Hebrew, _châthath'_):** This word (H2865) is a primitive root meaning "to prostrate," and by extension, "to break down," either literally by violence or figuratively by confusion and fear. It describes a state of utter discouragement, demoralization, or even panic that can leave one shattered. Paired with "fear not," the command "nor be dismayed" (וְאַל-תֵּחַתּוּ, _v'al-techattu_) forms a comprehensive injunction against both the initial onset of fear and the subsequent debilitating despair that can incapacitate action.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This word (H2388) is a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon," and hence, "to seize," "be strong," or "courageous." It implies inner fortitude, resolve, and the ability to withstand pressure. When paired with `ʼâmats` (H553, "to be alert," "courageous," "stedfastly minded"), as it is in the phrase "be strong and of good courage" (חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ, _chizqu v'imtzu_), it conveys a comprehensive call to mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. This strength is not self-generated but is rooted in a deep-seated confidence in God's presence and His active power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed":** Joshua addresses the commanders of Israel, those who had just participated in the symbolic act of dominion over the captured kings. This opening command directly confronts any lingering fear or apprehension they might feel, despite the recent victory. It acknowledges the psychological toll of warfare and the magnitude of the task ahead, preemptively countering any potential discouragement or demoralization that could arise from facing ongoing, formidable opposition.
* **"be strong and of good courage":** This is the positive imperative, complementing the preceding negative commands. It is a direct call to proactive faith and resolute action. It's not merely the absence of fear but the active embrace of fortitude, bravery, and unwavering determination. This robust confidence is intended to stem from a deep-seated trust in God's presence and His omnipotent power, serving as a foundational exhortation for leadership throughout the conquest narrative and beyond.
* **"for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight":** This clause provides the ultimate ground and divine rationale for the commands to "fear not" and "be strong." The assurance is not based on Israel's military prowess, Joshua's leadership, or the recent victory alone, but on the explicit promise of divine intervention. "Thus" refers back to the immediate, dramatic, and miraculous triumph over the five kings. It signifies that the recent victory is not an anomaly but a pattern—a divine guarantee that God (YHWH), the covenant-keeping God, will replicate this level of decisive action and ensure comprehensive victory against all future adversaries. His faithfulness ensures the fulfillment of His promises to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 10:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is **Exhortation**, as Joshua directly commands and encourages his leaders, using a series of imperatives ("Fear not," "nor be dismayed," "be strong," "be of good courage"). This direct address creates a sense of urgency and personal responsibility, demanding a specific response from the audience. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the pairing of "Fear not, nor be dismayed" and "be strong and of good courage," where the negative prohibitions are balanced by positive injunctions. This structure emphasizes both the avoidance of debilitating fear and the active pursuit of divinely-empowered courage. The phrase "for thus shall the LORD do" functions as a powerful **Prolepsis** or **Prophetic Assurance**, declaring a future certainty based on a past demonstration of God's power. It takes the recent, tangible victory as a template for all future encounters, transforming a specific event into a universal principle of divine action. Finally, the entire statement serves as a **Motif** that resonates throughout the book of Joshua and the broader biblical narrative, underscoring the consistent theme of divine assistance in the face of human weakness and opposition, and the importance of courageous faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 10:25 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, assuring them of victory through His active intervention. It underscores the profound theological truth that true courage is not the absence of fear, but rather a resolute faith in the abiding presence and omnipotent power of God who actively fights on behalf of His people. This verse transforms a specific military triumph into a timeless principle: God is faithful to His promises, and His people can face any adversary with confidence because He is their ultimate warrior and guarantor of success. This divine assurance is the bedrock upon which Israel's continued conquest, and indeed all spiritual warfare, must be built, reminding believers that their ultimate strength and victory reside not in themselves, but in their sovereign Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Promise")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Assurance of Help")
* [Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's words in this verse transcend their immediate military context to offer profound spiritual encouragement for believers today. We, too, face "enemies"—not necessarily physical armies, but spiritual forces, personal struggles, overwhelming temptations, and the daunting challenges of living a faithful life in a fallen world. Just as Israel's victory was not by their own might but by God's power, our ability to overcome comes from Christ alone. This verse calls us to confront our fears and anxieties with the resolute courage that stems from knowing that the Lord is with us and actively working on our behalf. It reminds us that God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in our personal lives, is a powerful guarantee of His future help. We are to "be strong and of good courage" not in our own limited strength or self-reliance, but in the omnipotent power of God, trusting that He will ultimately grant us victory over all that opposes His will and purposes in our lives, enabling us to persevere and thrive in His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or challenges in your life currently cause you to "fear" or "be dismayed"?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life or in biblical history strengthen your courage for present struggles?**
* **In what practical ways can you "be strong and of good courage" in your daily walk, actively relying on God's power rather than your own?**
* **How does the assurance that "the LORD will do" for you impact your perspective on seemingly insurmountable obstacles or future uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Joshua telling his commanders to put their feet on the necks of the kings?**

Answer: This act, described in [Joshua 10:24](/joshua/10-24 "Joshua 10:24 - Commanders Place Feet on Kings' Necks"), was a powerful and common symbolic gesture in the ancient Near East. It represented complete and utter subjugation, conquest, and humiliation of the defeated enemy. For the Israelites, it visually affirmed God's absolute victory over the Canaanite kings and served as a public demonstration of their dominion, reinforcing the promise that God would deliver all their enemies into their hands. It was a tangible, unforgettable lesson for the commanders and all Israel that the Lord was fighting for them and that their triumph was divinely ordained.

**How does "Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage" relate to other parts of the Bible?**

Answer: This phrase is a recurring and highly significant motif throughout the Old Testament, particularly in contexts of leadership and daunting tasks. God Himself first commanded Joshua with very similar words in [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - God's Command to Joshua") as he prepared to lead Israel into Canaan. Moses also used similar language to encourage Israel before his death in [Deuteronomy 31:6-7](/deuteronomy/31-6-7 "Deuteronomy 31:6-7 - Moses' Final Charge to Israel"). It emphasizes that true courage for God's people is not an innate human trait or a product of self-will, but a divinely commanded and empowered response to God's abiding presence and unfailing promises. It's a call to trust in God's faithfulness despite overwhelming odds, knowing that He is the source of all strength and victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 10:25, while rooted in a historical military conquest, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "enemies" against whom Israel fought foreshadow the spiritual adversaries that humanity truly faces: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as Joshua led Israel to victory over earthly kings, Jesus, the greater Joshua (whose name is the Greek equivalent of Joshua), has achieved decisive and eternal victory over these ultimate foes. The symbolic act of placing feet on the necks of kings finds its spiritual parallel in Christ's triumph over all hostile powers; [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") declares that He "disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." The assurance "thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies" is perfectly realized in Christ, who, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, has conquered sin and death, offering eternal life and freedom to all who believe in Him ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Conquest of Death and the Devil")). Therefore, the call to "fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage" is extended to believers in Christ, for our ultimate victory is already secured in Him ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). We are called to live courageously, not in our own fleeting strength, but in the indwelling power of the resurrected Lord, knowing that He has already triumphed over our greatest enemies and promises to complete the good work He began in us until the day of Christ Jesus ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")).

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

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.

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

Ephesians 6:10

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

1 Samuel 17:37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

Romans 8:37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved 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.