Deuteronomy 31 · KJV
5And the LORD shall give them up before your face, that ye may do unto them according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you.
6Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
7And 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.
8And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
9And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.
Reflection
The surprise is that Joshua receives this enormous responsibility, yet the promise isn’t that he’ll feel fearless. Moses repeats that God goes with him—and goes before him. When a task feels daunting, take one next step, remembering you don’t go alone. Keep moving with courage.
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Sit with this
What situation in your everyday life feels intimidating right now, and what might it look like to face it with courage?
Prayer
God, when the way ahead feels uncertain and fear rises in us, steady our hearts and give us courage to take the next step. Help us remember that you go with us, will not fail us, and will never leave us; may we face what lies ahead with trust in your presence.
Go deeper
Bible study notes
Historical context
Deuteronomy places this address on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan, as Israel prepares to enter Canaan. Moses is near the end of his leadership; he will not cross the Jordan with the people, and Joshua is to lead them in his place. The book is traditionally associated with Moses, though its final composition and dating are debated. In this passage, Moses first encourages all Israel, then speaks directly to Joshua before the people, making the leadership transition public. Israel’s task is connected to the covenant promise that God made to their ancestors: they are to receive the land God pledged to give them. The repeated call to courage is therefore not a claim that Israel can succeed by confidence or military strength alone. Its ground is the Lord’s presence and faithfulness: God goes with them and before them. The promise addresses Israel’s particular calling in the land, while also revealing a broader biblical theme of God’s faithful presence with those he calls.
Language notes
The Hebrew verb translated “be strong” is chazaq, which can convey becoming firm or taking strength. “Of a good courage” translates amats, a word associated with being resolute or steadfast. Together, the words call Israel and Joshua to determined action, not fearlessness based on their own ability. The repeated assurance that God will not “fail” or “forsake” them reinforces the reason for that resolve. The Hebrew behind “forsake” can carry the sense of leaving or abandoning someone. The passage also says the Lord goes “before” Israel, emphasizing that he leads the way; Joshua’s leadership remains real, but it is exercised under God’s prior and continuing presence.
Cross-references
Joshua 1:9 · Isaiah 41:10 · Hebrews 13:5
Application
Choose one responsibility you have been avoiding because it feels intimidating. Write down the next faithful step you can take, then pray through this passage before taking it. Ask not for a guarantee that the situation will be easy or turn out exactly as you wish, but for courage to obey and trust God’s presence as you act. If the task is significant, tell a trusted Christian what step you plan to take and ask them to pray with you. Israel’s promise concerned its particular calling, yet the passage invites believers to remember that courage is not self-reliance: we can meet today’s duties faithfully while depending on God rather than fear.
Discussion questions
- What situation in your everyday life feels intimidating right now, and what might it look like to face it with courage?
- How does the promise that God goes with you and will not forsake you shape the way you approach uncertainty or change?
- When have you needed someone to encourage you, or had a chance to encourage someone else, as Moses encouraged Joshua?
- What practical step can our group take this week to support someone who is facing a difficult or uncertain season?
Related verses
- Joshua 1:9
- Isaiah 41:10
- Psalm 23:4
- Matthew 28:20
- Hebrews 13:5
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