Joshua 1:6
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of dividing land for inheritance (nachalah, נַחֲלָה) was central to Israelite theology and economics. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern societies where land ownership concentrated among ruling classes, Israel's system (detailed in Joshua 13-21) distributed land equitably among tribes, clans, and families. Each family received permanent allotment that couldn't be permanently alienated (Leviticus 25:23-28; 1 Kings 21:3), creating economic stability and preventing permanent poverty.
The patriarchal promises referenced here formed the foundation of Israel's covenant identity. God's oath to Abraham (Genesis 22:16-18) was unconditional, based on divine character rather than human merit. This oath sustained Israel through centuries of slavery in Egypt and forty years of wilderness wandering. Now, 600+ years after Abraham, fulfillment had arrived—demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.
Ancient warfare required tremendous courage. Battles were fought hand-to-hand with swords, spears, and arrows. Casualties were high, medical care primitive, and defeat often meant death or slavery. Fortified cities had walls 20-30 feet high and 10-15 feet thick. Attacking such defenses required extraordinary bravery. Joshua needed divine encouragement to lead Israel against such formidable obstacles.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific situations is God calling you to "be strong and courageous," and how can you distinguish biblical courage from worldly recklessness or presumption?
- How does understanding courage as a choice (commanded, not merely felt) change your approach to fearful situations where you know God's will?
- What promises has God made—either to you personally or to His church corporately—that should give you courage for current challenges?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
The command "be strong and of a good courage" (chazaq ve'emats, חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) uses two Hebrew verbs emphasizing inner fortitude and resolve. Chazaq (חָזַק) means to be firm, strong, or secure, while emats (אָמַץ) means to be alert, courageous, or bold. Together they demand both inner strength and outward courage—not mere feeling but determined action despite fear. This command appears three times in this chapter (vv. 6, 7, 9), emphasizing its importance.
The basis for courage is the purpose clause: "for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land." Joshua's courage isn't self-generated optimism but confidence rooted in divine calling and promise. The Hebrew nachal (נָחַל, "divide for an inheritance") indicates permanent family possession passed to descendants. This wasn't temporary military occupation but permanent settlement according to tribal allotments.
The phrase "which I sware unto their fathers" roots the promise in the patriarchal covenants with Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 15:18), Isaac (Genesis 26:3), and Jacob (Genesis 28:13; 35:12). God's oath-bound promise provided unshakable foundation for courage. The courage demanded of Joshua wasn't presumption but faith in explicit divine commitment. What God has sworn, He will certainly perform (Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:17-18).