Deuteronomy 31:23

c. JOSHUA CHARGED AND ENCOURAGED (Deuteronomy 31:23)

23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

THOUGHT QUESTIONS 31:23

547.

In face of the promises of defection, how could Joshua be strong and of good courage? There is a lesson in this for us. For which generation is each man responsible?

AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION 31:23

23 And [the Lord] charged Joshua son of Nun, Be strong and courageous and firm; for you shall bring the Israelites into the land which I swore to give them; and I will be with you.

COMMENT 31:23

See also Deuteronomy 31:7-8, and God's words to Moses-' successor in Joshua 1:5-9. Surely the new leader needed this encouragement, for he had witnessed the ups and downs of Israel during the entire journey from Egypt. But what leader in the Lord's work does not thrill to the encouragement given to Joshua? And what leader does not need such words of assurance? Surely part of Joshua's success in the years that followed are attributable to the encouragement of his predecessor!