Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 31:6

What does "Deuteronomy 31:6" mean?


Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful message of encouragement and reassurance delivered by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the desert. Let's break down its meaning:

"Be strong and courageous": This is a command to be brave and resolute. Entering the Promised Land would involve facing challenges, including potential conflict with existing inhabitants. Moses is urging the Israelites to maintain their resolve and mental fortitude. It's not just about physical strength, but also about inner strength and unwavering faith.

"Don’t be afraid or scared of them": This reinforces the need to overcome fear. The "them" refers to the people who already inhabited the land. Moses acknowledges the fear that the Israelites might feel when facing an unknown and potentially hostile population. He is telling them not to let fear paralyze them or deter them from their mission.

"For Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you": This is the core of the reassurance. It reminds the Israelites that they are not alone in their endeavor. "Yahweh" (often translated as "LORD") is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship. The promise of God's presence is paramount. This isn't just any deity, but their God, the one who has already demonstrated his power and faithfulness through the Exodus and their journey through the wilderness.

"He will not fail you nor forsake you": This is the ultimate guarantee. It assures the Israelites that God will remain with them, providing support and protection. "Fail" implies that God won't let them down in their mission, and "forsake" means that He won't abandon them, even in difficult times. This is a promise of unwavering loyalty and support from God.

In essence, the verse means:

Moses is exhorting the Israelites to be brave and strong as they face the challenges ahead, reminding them that they don't need to be afraid because God is with them. God promises his unwavering presence and support, assuring them that he will neither fail them in their mission nor abandon them in their struggles.

The Significance:

Comfort and Empowerment: The verse offers comfort and empowerment in the face of adversity. It provides a basis for confidence and action, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
Relationship with God: It emphasizes the personal and covenant relationship between God and his people. God is not a distant, uninvolved deity, but a present and active participant in their lives.
Promise of Deliverance: It reinforces the promise of God's deliverance and faithfulness. God is committed to fulfilling his promises to his people and bringing them into the blessings he has promised.
Timeless Message: The message of this verse is timeless and applicable to any situation where individuals or communities face challenges and need courage, strength, and the assurance of God's presence. It remains a source of encouragement and inspiration for many to this day. It's not just about entering a physical land; it's about tackling any daunting task or obstacle in life with the knowledge that God is with you.