Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
This verse adds a crucial qualifier to the commands for courage: strength and courage must be directed toward obedience to God's law. The Hebrew raq (רַק, 'only') functions restrictively—courage alone is insufficient without Torah observance. The intensifier 'very courageous' (emats me'od, אֱמַץ מְאֹד) demands exceptional boldness specifically for keeping God's commandments. The purpose clause 'that thou mayest observe to do' uses shamar la'asot (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת), combining careful guarding with active performance—both preservation and practice of the law. The comprehensive scope 'according to all the law' (kekhol-hatorah, כְּכָל־הַתּוֹרָה) excludes selective obedience. The prohibition 'turn not from it to the right hand or to the left' (lo tasur mimenu yamin usmol) demands unwavering adherence without deviation in either direction—neither adding to nor subtracting from God's commands. The promise 'that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest' (lemaan taskil bekhol asher telekh) links success directly to covenant fidelity, establishing the principle that true prosperity flows from obedience.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings often received royal inscriptions or law codes to guide governance, but Israel's uniqueness was Torah's divine origin and comprehensive scope. Unlike Hammurabi's Code (primarily civil law) or Egyptian wisdom literature, Torah governed all of life—worship, ethics, social relations, diet, and warfare. Joshua's charge to observe 'all the law' emphasizes the indivisibility of God's commands. The prohibition against turning right or left echoes Deuteronomy 5:32 and 28:14, establishing a consistent pattern: blessing follows complete obedience, curse follows disobedience. This verse established precedent for theocratic leadership in Israel—military and political authority remained subordinate to divine revelation. Successful conquest depended not primarily on military prowess but on Torah observance, inverting typical ancient Near Eastern assumptions about power and success.
Questions for Reflection
In what areas of your life are you tempted to selective obedience—obeying the commands you find comfortable while rationalizing away more difficult ones?
How does the connection between obedience and prosperity challenge modern prosperity gospel teaching that promises blessing without emphasizing holiness?
What does it mean practically to 'turn not to the right hand or to the left' in your daily decisions and commitments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse adds a crucial qualifier to the commands for courage: strength and courage must be directed toward obedience to God's law. The Hebrew raq (רַק, 'only') functions restrictively—courage alone is insufficient without Torah observance. The intensifier 'very courageous' (emats me'od, אֱמַץ מְאֹד) demands exceptional boldness specifically for keeping God's commandments. The purpose clause 'that thou mayest observe to do' uses shamar la'asot (שָׁמַר לַעֲשׂוֹת), combining careful guarding with active performance—both preservation and practice of the law. The comprehensive scope 'according to all the law' (kekhol-hatorah, כְּכָל־הַתּוֹרָה) excludes selective obedience. The prohibition 'turn not from it to the right hand or to the left' (lo tasur mimenu yamin usmol) demands unwavering adherence without deviation in either direction—neither adding to nor subtracting from God's commands. The promise 'that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest' (lemaan taskil bekhol asher telekh) links success directly to covenant fidelity, establishing the principle that true prosperity flows from obedience.