Deuteronomy 31:7 - Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it.
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What does "Deuteronomy 31:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 31:7 is a pivotal moment where Moses, nearing the end of his life, is publicly commissioning Joshua as his successor to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"Moses called to Joshua...": This highlights the formal and intentional nature of the transfer of leadership. Moses is not just passing the baton casually; he's deliberately choosing and publicly acknowledging Joshua as his replacement.
"...and said to him in the sight of all Israel...": The public setting is crucial. By addressing Joshua in front of the entire nation, Moses is validating Joshua's authority and ensuring the Israelites recognize him as their new leader. It's a public endorsement and a clear instruction to the people to follow Joshua.
"“Be strong and courageous...": This is the core message. Joshua is facing an immense challenge: leading a large and sometimes rebellious group of people into a land occupied by powerful enemies. "Strong and courageous" is not just about physical prowess, but about inner fortitude, resilience, and unwavering faith in God. It's a command to overcome fear and doubt and to lead with confidence.
"...for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them...": This reiterates the divine promise. The land is not just a prize to be won through military might; it's a gift from God, fulfilling the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reminds Joshua (and the people) that God is the one ultimately in control and that their success depends on obedience to Him.
"...and you shall cause them to inherit it.": This is the specific task assigned to Joshua. He's not just going to enter the land; he's going to lead the people in claiming their inheritance, dividing it among them, and establishing them as a nation in their own land. This speaks to the long-term commitment and responsibility Joshua is taking on. It implies a process of conquest, settlement, and establishing a just and ordered society.
In essence, this verse:
Marks the formal transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous in the face of daunting challenges.
Reminds Joshua of God's promise to give the land to Israel.
Assigns Joshua the task of leading the people in conquering and inheriting the Promised Land.
The phrase "Be strong and courageous" is not just a platitude; it's a divine imperative, essential for fulfilling God's plan and overcoming the obstacles that lie ahead. This theme is repeated throughout the book of Joshua, highlighting its importance.
Deuteronomy 31:7 - Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it.
What does "Deuteronomy 31:7" mean?
This verse from Deuteronomy 31:7 is a pivotal moment where Moses, nearing the end of his life, is publicly commissioning Joshua as his successor to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:
"Moses called to Joshua...": This highlights the formal and intentional nature of the transfer of leadership. Moses is not just passing the baton casually; he's deliberately choosing and publicly acknowledging Joshua as his replacement.
"...and said to him in the sight of all Israel...": The public setting is crucial. By addressing Joshua in front of the entire nation, Moses is validating Joshua's authority and ensuring the Israelites recognize him as their new leader. It's a public endorsement and a clear instruction to the people to follow Joshua.
"“Be strong and courageous...": This is the core message. Joshua is facing an immense challenge: leading a large and sometimes rebellious group of people into a land occupied by powerful enemies. "Strong and courageous" is not just about physical prowess, but about inner fortitude, resilience, and unwavering faith in God. It's a command to overcome fear and doubt and to lead with confidence.
"...for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them...": This reiterates the divine promise. The land is not just a prize to be won through military might; it's a gift from God, fulfilling the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reminds Joshua (and the people) that God is the one ultimately in control and that their success depends on obedience to Him.
"...and you shall cause them to inherit it.": This is the specific task assigned to Joshua. He's not just going to enter the land; he's going to lead the people in claiming their inheritance, dividing it among them, and establishing them as a nation in their own land. This speaks to the long-term commitment and responsibility Joshua is taking on. It implies a process of conquest, settlement, and establishing a just and ordered society.
In essence, this verse:
Marks the formal transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous in the face of daunting challenges.
Reminds Joshua of God's promise to give the land to Israel.
Assigns Joshua the task of leading the people in conquering and inheriting the Promised Land.
The phrase "Be strong and courageous" is not just a platitude; it's a divine imperative, essential for fulfilling God's plan and overcoming the obstacles that lie ahead. This theme is repeated throughout the book of Joshua, highlighting its importance.