Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Be strong and courageous;Moses addressed Israel on the plains of Moab as his death approached and the nation prepared to cross the Jordan without him. Their courage was rooted in the Lord’s promised inheritance, not in military strength or leadership from Moses. Joshua would soon receive the same charge as he assumed leadership (Deuteronomy 31:7–8; Joshua 1:6–9). Jos 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give… do not be afraid or terrified of them, The inhabitants of Canaan possessed fortified cities, established armies, and a reputation that had previously caused Israel to shrink back in unbelief at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13–14). The generation entering the land was called to reject the fear that had kept their parents from receiving God’s blessing. Israel’s warfare would reveal the Lord’s judgment upon Canaanite wickedness and His faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. Deu 20:3-4 “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle…”… for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; Israel entered Canaan under the presence of YHWH, the covenant God who had redeemed them from Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, and pledged Himself to their fathers. The ark of the covenant would go before the people across the Jordan, visibly declaring that the Lord Himself led them. Victory depended upon His presence and their faithful obedience, not upon numbers, weapons, or human resolve. Exo 33:14 And the LORD answered, “My Presence will go with you…”… He will never leave you nor forsake you.” The Lord’s commitment assured Israel that Moses’ departure would not mean God’s abandonment. He repeated the promise to Joshua and later applied it to His people as a ground for contentment and confidence (Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). Jesus Christ, Immanuel, secures the fullest assurance of God’s abiding presence with all who belong to Him, promising to be with His disciples always (Matthew 28:20). Heb 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering his final words of encouragement and instruction to the people before they enter the Promised Land. 2. Joshua Moses' successor, who will lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. Israelites The chosen people of God, who are about to enter Canaan, the land promised to their ancestors. 4. Canaan The Promised Land, a place of both opportunity and challenge, as it is inhabited by various nations. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises His presence and support. Teaching Points Strength and Courage in GodTrue strength and courage come from trusting in God's presence and promises, not in our own abilities. Overcoming Fear Fear is a natural response to challenges, but faith in God's unchanging nature and His promises can help us overcome it. God's Faithfulness God's promise to never leave nor forsake His people is a testament to His faithfulness and reliability. Leadership Transition Just as Moses prepared Joshua, we should prepare and encourage others to take on leadership roles with confidence in God's support. Living with Assurance Believers today can live with the assurance of God's presence, drawing strength from His promises in every situation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the historical context of Deuteronomy 31:6 enhance our appreciation of its message?2. In what ways can we apply the command to "be strong and courageous" in our daily lives? 3. How does the promise of God's presence in Deuteronomy 31:6 relate to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:20? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to overcome fear and trust in God's promises? 5. How can we encourage others in our community to rely on God's faithfulness during times of transition or uncertainty? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 1:9Reinforces the command to be strong and courageous, emphasizing God's presence. Hebrews 13:5 Echoes the promise that God will never leave nor forsake His people, applying it to the New Testament believers. Isaiah 41:10 Offers similar encouragement not to fear, as God is with His people. Psalm 23:4 Illustrates God's presence and comfort even in the darkest times. Matthew 28:20 Jesus promises His continual presence with His disciples.
People Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Levi, Levites, Moses, Nun, Og, SihonPlaces Jordan River, MoabTopics Affrighted, Afraid, Courage, Courageous, Dread, Fail, Fear, Forsake, Goes, Heart, Leave, Scared, Strong, Terrified, TrembleDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 31:6 1235 God, the LORD Library Pilgrim SongGerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxxi. 8 On, O beloved children, The evening is at hand, And desolate and fearful The solitary land. Take heart! the rest eternal Awaits our weary feet; From strength to strength press onwards, The end, how passing sweet! Lo, we can tread rejoicing The narrow pilgrim road; We know the voice that calls us, We know our faithful God. Come, children, on to glory! With every face set fast Towards the golden towers Where we shall rest at last. It was with voice of singing We … Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others First Sunday in Lent Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 31:6 NIVDeuteronomy 31:6 NLT Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV Deuteronomy 31:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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