What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 31:6? Be strong and courageous Moses is handing leadership to Joshua and addressing all Israel, yet the call still rings true for believers today. “Be strong and courageous” is not a pep talk grounded in human grit; it is strength that flows from trusting the Lord. Joshua will hear the same charge in Joshua 1:6-9, and Paul echoes it for the church: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). • Strength here means moral resolve: choosing obedience even when it costs. • Courage means facing real threats without retreating because God’s character steadies the heart (cf. Psalm 27:14). Do not be afraid or terrified of them Israel’s “them” was a coalition of Canaanite nations larger and better armed (Deuteronomy 7:17). God admits the danger but forbids panic. Psalm 27:1 asks, “Whom shall I fear?” and Isaiah 41:10 assures, “Do not fear, for I am with you” (both). • Fear focuses on enemies; faith focuses on God. • Terror paralyzes; trust mobilizes. Romans 8:31 draws the same conclusion: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you The reason fear is illegitimate is God’s personal presence. This promise traces back to the wilderness: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). • He “goes” — He is not a distant observer but an active guide. • “With you” — plural for the nation, yet applied individually (cf. Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20). • When God accompanies His people, victory does not depend on odds but on obedience (2 Chronicles 20:15). He will never leave you nor forsake you This is a covenant guarantee. God’s faithfulness is not fickle: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Hebrews 13:5-6 quotes our verse to reinforce contentment and courage: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” • “Never” rules out every circumstance; nothing can cancel His commitment (Lamentations 3:22-23). • “Leave” speaks of absence; “forsake” speaks of abandonment. God promises neither will happen. Therefore present trials cannot sever believers from His steadfast love (Romans 8:38-39). summary Deuteronomy 31:6 rallies God’s people to fearless obedience. Strength and courage are possible because the Lord personally accompanies and permanently commits Himself to His own. When His presence is prized above every threat, fear fades, faith stands, and the future opens to obedient conquest. |
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