What does "be strong" mean in the context of Deuteronomy 11:8? Context of Deuteronomy 11:8 - Israel is poised to cross the Jordan. Moses summarizes the law and underscores covenant faithfulness. - Verse: “You shall therefore keep every commandment I am giving you today, so that you may be strong and go in and take possession of the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” - “Be strong” is tied directly to wholehearted obedience. Word Study: “Be Strong” (Hebrew ḥāzaq) - Core idea: to prevail, grow firm, be courageous, harden one’s resolve. - Used of physical strength (2 Samuel 10:12), moral courage (Deuteronomy 31:6), and spiritual fortitude (Joshua 1:7). - Imperative form here means “keep on strengthening yourselves”—not a one-time boost but an ongoing stance. What “Be Strong” Signifies in This Verse • Dependence on God’s power – Strength comes as a by-product of obedience; it is God-supplied, not self-generated (Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:1). • Determined obedience – Obey “every commandment,” not selectively. Full submission steels the will. • Readiness for action – Strength is for a purpose: “go in and take possession.” Spiritual vigor equips for tangible steps of faith. • Covenant confidence – God guarantees the land; Israel’s role is to trust and act. Being strong is faith expressing itself in decisive movement. Supporting Passages - Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid… for the LORD your God goes with you.” - Joshua 1:6-7: Strength linked to “carefully observing all the law.” - Psalm 27:14: “Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” Waiting and strength go together. - Ephesians 6:10: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” The New Testament keeps the same pattern—strength sourced in God, expressed through obedience. Practical Implications Today - Daily intake of Scripture fuels inner fortitude. - Immediate obedience, even in small matters, builds spiritual muscle. - Confidence in God’s promises enables bold action when facing “Jordan moments” (major transitions, challenges). - Strength is maintained by ongoing reliance on the Spirit, not past victories or sheer willpower (Zechariah 4:6). Summing Up In Deuteronomy 11:8, “be strong” calls God’s people to steadfast, God-dependent courage that springs from full obedience and positions them to claim every promise He has set before them. |
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