Deuteronomy 31:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 31:23
23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 31 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, discipleship, mercy. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 31:23
23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
Analysis
And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage—Moses's commissioning echoed God's earlier words (31:7-8), now delivered personally. The Hebrew chazaq ve-ematz (חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ) means 'be strong and resolute/steadfast.' For thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee—the promise of divine presence accompanied the daunting commission. Joshua would succeed not through personal capability but God's enabling presence.
This charge established a pattern repeated throughout Scripture: God assigns humanly impossible tasks accompanied by promise of His presence. The combination of command (be strong) and promise (I will be with you) appears with Moses (Exodus 3:12), Joshua repeatedly (Joshua 1:5-9), Gideon (Judges 6:12-16), and ultimately with the Great Commission: 'Go... and surely I am with you always' (Matthew 28:19-20). Human strength alone fails; divine presence makes success certain despite overwhelming odds.
Historical Context
Delivered circa 1406 BC in Moses's final month. Joshua had waited forty years for this moment—since spying out Canaan as a young man alongside Caleb (Numbers 13-14). Only he and Caleb from their generation would enter the Promised Land. Joshua faced enormous challenges: conquering fortified cities, leading a new generation, maintaining covenant faithfulness. Yet God's presence assured success. Joshua's subsequent career vindicated this promise: he conquered Canaan, divided the land, and served faithfully until his death (Joshua 24).
Reflection
- Why does God's commission to difficult tasks always include promise of His presence? What does this reveal?
- How does 'be strong' differ from self-reliant confidence versus God-dependent courage?
- What impossible tasks has God assigned you, and how does His promised presence empower obedience?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 3:28, 31:14, Acts 7:45