“And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.”– Deuteronomy 31:7 (KJV)
“Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in front of all the people of Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors He would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grant of land.’– Deuteronomy 31:7 (NLT)
“Moses called out to Joshua, ‘It’s time! You’re the one. Make it happen! Take this people into the land God promised their ancestors. It’s your job to give it to them—this is God’s charge to you.’– Deuteronomy 31:7 (MSG)
What Does Deuteronomy 31:7 Mean?
This verse captures a pivotal moment in the history of the Israelites. Moses, as their leader, understands that his time to lead them is coming to an end. He is calling out to Joshua, his loyal aide, to take over the leadership role. In this moment, he is reminding Joshua and the people of Israel about the strong foundation of faith and courage that they need as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This transition is not just a change of guard; it represents a shift from the wilderness experience to a land that God has promised to them. We can take so much from this moment, reminding us of the importance of courage in God’s calling and trusting Him as we step into new phases of our lives.
The phrase “be strong and of a good courage” can resonate deeply within us. In life, we all face moments of uncertainty and challenges that test our resolve. Moses is essentially encouraging Joshua not to falter but to carry the responsibility with confidence. This calling to be strong isn’t just for Joshua alone. It applies to each of us. We’re all asked to step into roles of leadership, whether in our families, communities, or jobs. We are reminded that by relying on God’s strength, we can face any giants in our paths.
Deuteronomy 31:7 Explanation and Commentary
The call to be strong is one meant to embrace our divine purpose. We know God has plans for us, and often these plans require us to leave our comfort zones. When Moses speaks to Joshua, he highlights the importance of courage in leadership. As we look into our lives, perhaps we find ourselves in situations that feel daunting. This can often cloud our ability to see, feel, or embrace God’s calling. Just as Joshua was about to lead a nation into uncharted territories, we too face our unique challenges and uncertainties. But Moses reminds us of what faith in action looks like.
This call goes beyond just physical strength. It calls for emotional and spiritual resilience. We may often face doubts, various opinions, or even fear. Moses urges Joshua to keep these at bay, showing us that trust in God’s guidance is a firm foundation in our actions. As we strengthen our faith, we find that courage often follows. We start realizing that God does not call the qualified but qualifies those He calls. The heart of this scripture teaches us that God’s purpose requires courage, fortitude, and a willingness to follow Him, no matter our own doubts.
It is worth noting that this charge also reflects the legacy Moses is leaving behind. He has coached Joshua, pouring his teachings into him for years. This invites us to think about who we are mentoring and guiding in our lives. Investing in others strengthens our communities and plants the seeds of integrity and faith that flourish in future generations. We are urged to be examples of strength so that, like Joshua, others can rise up to take on God’s purposes with courage.
In recognizing the hope and reassurance Moses instilled in Joshua, we are reminded that leadership can often feel isolating and heavy. We are encouraged to bear each other’s burdens. While Joshua will be the one to enter the land, he does so in unity and collaboration with the people. The verse emphasizes that together, the Israelites will conquer and inherit what God has promised. We are always better together. Community plays an essential role as we navigate through uncomfortable transitions.
Context of Deuteronomy 31:7
To fully appreciate the verse, it’s important to understand the broader context of Deuteronomy and the journey of the Israelites. They had wandered for forty years in the wilderness after being freed from captivity in Egypt. God had made a covenant with their ancestors, promising a land overflowing with milk and honey. Yet the journey was not without obstacles. Generations faced doubts and trials while waiting for God’s plan to unfold.
As Moses prepares to pass the mantle onto Joshua, it’s crucial to note that these final moments of leadership are rich with emotion and significance. Moses has been a faithful servant of God, leading the people through trials, challenges, and victories. His leadership has forged a unique bond with his people, and now he must prepare them for a future without him.
Joshua was chosen not only for his past loyalty but also for his potential to lead the people forward. He has seen firsthand both the struggles and the triumphs under Moses’ leadership. In this moment, Moses is not just handing over responsibility; he is empowering Joshua with the conviction that God’s promise remains true and that it is now time to claim it.
This context of enduring faith amidst challenges reflects our own lives. We can relate to feeling lost, confused, or unsure of the path ahead. However, just as God was with the Israelites in the wilderness, He too is with us as we face our uncertainties. We are given the promise of His presence and guidance. We can take comfort knowing that God remains faithful through every challenge we encounter, encouraging us to lean on Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Deuteronomy 31:7
As we break down this powerful verse, we find key phrases that carry profound meaning. The term “be strong” signifies taking courage amidst fears and uncertainties. It suggests that courage is not the absence of fear but rather the resolve to move forward despite it.
This courage comes from having faith in God’s overarching plan. Moses reminds Joshua that while the task ahead is significant, it has divine purpose behind it. God has sworn to their ancestors that He will deliver them to this land, and now it is time for that promise to manifest. This shows us that we aren’t acting alone in our pursuits. God calls us to partner with Him in fulfilling His promises for our lives.
The notion of leading the people into the land is not just about entering a physical space; it signifies a deeper spiritual journey. We are being invited to take our rightful place in God’s plan. It represents living in God’s promises and experiencing His blessings. This requires stepping outside our comfort zones and firmly embracing our divine calling.
Lastly, Moses’ words serve as a reminder that the journey is not solitary; it is a collective cause. Joshua is to lead the community into the promised land. In doing so, we must recognize the importance of community in our endeavors. God does not call us to thrive in isolation but in fellowship.
Lessons to Learn From Deuteronomy 31:7
This verse presents us with meaningful lessons that can transform our approach to life. The first lesson revolves around courage and faith. It prompts us to identify areas in our lives where we may be hesitant to step forward due to fear. Just as God promised the land to the Israelites, He promises to guide us towards our own hopes and dreams. By choosing to be courageous, we can take those first steps in faith.
Another vital lesson is about mentorship and legacy. Moses demonstrates the critical role of preparing the next generation. We are encouraged to invest in others, share our experiences, and empower them. By fostering relationships built on trust and faith, we can help establish a foundation for future generations of leaders.
Moreover, the importance of community shines through this passage. It reminds us that God often calls us to take collective action rather than attempting to fulfill our duties alone. Together, we support and uplift one another, bearing burdens as a united front.
The encouragement found in this verse provides us with the strength we need during tough times. It reminds us that even when we feel inadequate, God equips us for the tasks He places in our lives. Just like Joshua, we may face significant challenges, but we can find comfort in knowing that God walks alongside us through the valleys, guiding us every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Deuteronomy 31:7 serves as a beautiful reminder of the faithfulness of God to His people and His ongoing calling on our lives. Through courage, preparation, and the strength of community, we can pursue our missions with enthusiasm and confidence. As we face unknown paths and challenges, may we remember Moses’ words to Joshua: “Be strong and of good courage.” With God by our side, we can take the leap into the promises He has for us.
Exploring scriptures like this can provide us with guidance and encouragement. If you’re seeking more divine inspiration, check out our other topics on leadership and faith. Each offers insights and teachings as valuable as Deuteronomy 31:7. Here are some suggestions: John 7:13, Numbers 13:23, and John 7:12. These passages can enrich your understanding of biblical leadership and community. Remember, you are never alone on this journey!