Deuteronomy 31:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 31:7
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 31 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, obedience, faith. 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 addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. 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 31:7
7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.
Analysis
And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel—this public commissioning before the entire assembly (le'ene kol-Yisra'el) transfers authority transparently, preventing succession disputes and confirming Joshua's divine appointment. Be strong and of a good courage (חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ chazaq ve'emats)—this command appears repeatedly in Joshua's commissioning (Deuteronomy 31:6, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18). Chazaq means to be strong, firm, resolute; amats means to be alert, determined, courageous. These aren't psychological qualities to manufacture but divine imperatives to obey.
For thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them—Joshua's courage rests on God's sworn oath (nishba) to the patriarchs, not on military superiority or personal ability. The promise is certain; Joshua's role is to lead Israel into what God has already guaranteed. And thou shalt cause them to inherit it (ve'atah tanchilenu)—the Hiphil (causative) form indicates Joshua will actively mediate the inheritance, dividing the land among the tribes (Joshua 13-21).
Historical Context
This commissioning (circa 1406 BC) follows Moses' private anointing of Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23) and precedes God's direct commissioning in Deuteronomy 31:23. The public nature was crucial—all Israel witnessed the leadership transfer, obligating them to follow Joshua's authority. Moses' death and Joshua's leadership transition occurred smoothly because of this careful preparation. The phrase "be strong and courageous" became Joshua's defining mandate and appears at critical junctures throughout his life.
Reflection
- How does grounding your courage in God's promises (rather than personal ability) change your approach to leadership?
- What leadership transitions in your life need transparent, public affirmation to prevent confusion or conflict?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Daniel 10:19, Ephesians 6:10
- Good: Deuteronomy 31:6, 31:23, Joshua 1:6
- References Israel: Deuteronomy 1:38
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 3:28