Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness, serving as a cornerstone of encouragement for both the Israelites and believers today. Spoken by Moses as he prepared to pass the mantle of leadership to Joshua, this verse instills courage and dispels fear by reminding the people that their ultimate strength and success come from the LORD Himself.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' final address to the nation of Israel before his death and their entry into the Promised Land. The Israelites stood at a crucial juncture, poised to cross the Jordan River and confront formidable nations in Canaan. Moses, aware of the challenges ahead and the natural apprehension of the people, delivers this charge not only to the entire congregation but also specifically to Joshua, who would lead them. It's a foundational promise designed to bolster their confidence in the face of the unknown and the daunting task of conquering the land. This command is notably echoed and expanded upon in Joshua 1:9, emphasizing its significance for their upcoming mission.

Key Themes

• Divine Presence: The core of the verse is the assurance, "the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee." This signifies God's active, personal involvement and leadership in their lives and endeavors. It's not just a promise of support, but of His very presence.
• Courage and Fearlessness: The repeated imperative, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them," highlights the human tendency towards fear in challenging circumstances. God's command to be brave is grounded in the reality of His presence, not in their own inherent strength.
• God's Unfailing Faithfulness: The promise, "he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee," is a profound declaration of God's covenant loyalty. It guarantees that He will never abandon His people or renege on His promises, regardless of the obstacles they face. This promise is foundational to the entire biblical narrative and is explicitly quoted in Hebrews 13:5 in the New Testament as an enduring truth for believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases behind "Be strong and of a good courage" are `chazaq` (חָזַק), meaning to be strong, firm, or resolute, and `'amats` (אָמַץ), meaning to be strong, bold, or courageous. The pairing of these terms creates a powerful exhortation for inner fortitude and outer resolve. The phrase "fail thee, nor forsake thee" uses `rapha` (רָפָה), to let go or relax one's grip, and `azav` (עָזַב), to abandon or leave. This emphasizes God's complete and unwavering commitment; He will neither weaken His hold nor abandon His people.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 31:6 remains a timeless source of comfort and empowerment for believers today. When facing new ventures, difficult transitions, personal struggles, or periods of uncertainty, this verse reminds us that we do not walk alone. It calls us to:

• Trust in God's Presence: Our courage is not self-generated but flows from the assurance that the Almighty God is with us, just as He was with Israel.
• Overcome Fear with Faith: Instead of succumbing to anxiety about future challenges, we are called to actively choose faith, knowing that God's faithfulness is our ultimate security.
• Lean on God's Unchanging Character: The promise that He will not fail or forsake us is a bedrock truth for all generations. It means we can confidently step into the unknown, assured of His constant support and provision. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 46:1, that God is our refuge and strength.

Reflection

Deuteronomy 31:6 encapsulates a core message of the Bible: God's faithfulness is the foundation of our strength and courage. It encourages us to confront life's challenges not with self-reliance, but with a deep, abiding trust in the One who promises to never leave us nor abandon us, no matter the circumstances.