Deuteronomy 31:6–8

Context

Chapter 31 of Deuteronomy deals with the final period of Moses' life. Moses states that he is one hundred and twenty years old and that he will not cross the Jordan (Deuteronomy 31:2). He then declares that God will go over before the people and destroy the nations of Canaan (Deuteronomy 31:3–5). In this context, verse 6 is an exhortation addressed to the whole people. The Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) renders the address in the singular ("you"), but the imperatives in the Hebrew original are plural, so verse 6 is read as spoken to the people as a whole. In verses 7–8, Moses calls Joshua and repeats the same words "in the sight of all Israel." He then charges Joshua to lead the people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers. The scene is a public transfer of leadership, and later God Himself gives Joshua the same charge (Deuteronomy 31:23).

Interpretation

• Historical and contextual reading: The passage is a promise given to Israel on the eve of the conquest of Canaan. The courage it calls for is not personal self-confidence; it rests on God's presence: "the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee." The promise is grounded in the covenant made with the patriarchs.
• Reading as leadership succession: The transition from Moses to Joshua is read as an illustration that, even when leaders change, it is God who leads His people. This theme is taken up again in chapter 1 of Joshua.
• New Testament application: Hebrews 13:5–6 quotes the promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews uses this promise as the reason Christians should be free from the love of money and content with what they have. On this basis, many interpreters hold that the promise may also be applied to believers today.

Questions Concerning Application

There is little denominational controversy over this passage. Interpreters differ in emphasis, however, on how far a promise given to Israel and to Joshua may be applied to individuals. Some argue that the specific promise of conquering the land should be distinguished from the general promise of God's presence. In addition, some critics of prosperity theology have objected to citing the passage alongside the theme of "prosperity" as though it guaranteed worldly success.

In the Korean Church

The phrase "be strong and of a good courage," along with Joshua 1, is widely used in the Korean church. It is frequently cited on occasions marking new beginnings or succession to office, such as the first sermon of the new year, ordination and installation services, and services marking the departure and installation of senior pastors.

Related Passages

• Deuteronomy 31:23
• Joshua 1:5–9
• Hebrews 13:5–6
• Isaiah 43:1–2
• Matthew 28:20