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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 31 - Verse 23

31:23
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.

Meaning

In this verse, God is speaking to Joshua, who has taken on the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. God gives Joshua a charge to be strong and courageous as he leads the people into the land that was promised to their ancestors. This charge is meant to encourage Joshua in the face of the challenges and obstacles that he will undoubtedly face as he carries out this monumental task. By reassuring Joshua that He will be with him every step of the way, God is providing Joshua with the strength and courage he will need to lead the Israelites to their new home.

This verse serves as a reminder that God is always present, guiding and supporting His people in their times of need. By instructing Joshua to be strong and courageous, God is emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in Him as Joshua carries out his mission. This message of strength and courage is not only meant for Joshua, but also for all who read and reflect on this verse, reminding them to place their trust in God as they face their own challenges and journeys in life.

Theological Overview

The verse where God gives Joshua the command to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land is often seen as a message of encouragement and empowerment. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises. By instructing Joshua to be strong and courageous, God is reminding him of His presence and power to fulfill His covenant with the Israelites. The words "be strong and of good courage" emphasize the need for Joshua to rely on God's strength rather than his own. This verse also serves as a reminder for believers today to trust in God's faithfulness and to face challenges with courage and confidence. In a word study of the key terms in this verse, "strong" is translated from the Hebrew word "chazaq," which means to strengthen, prevail, or be firm. "Courage" comes from the root word "amats," which conveys the idea of being resolute or bold. Together, these words convey the necessity for Joshua to be firm in his faith and bold in his actions as he leads the people of Israel.

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