Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

Joshua 1:9 Meaning and Commentary

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee?
&c.] The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated; consider who it is that has given these orders and instructions, the great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is faithful to his promises, and able to perform. The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage in his service cheerfully and readily:

be strong, and of a good courage; (See Gill on Joshua 1:6); (See Gill on Joshua 1:7).

be not afraid, nor be thou dismayed;
at his enemies, numerous and powerful, nor discouraged at anything in himself, any unfitness for such service, as he might think, or at any difficulties he might fear from the people he had the government of, and was to lead on; it was enough that the divine Presence was promised him, and which is repeated:

for the Lord thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest:
or, as the Targum of Jonathan,

``for thy help is the Word of the Lord thy God;''

(See Gill on Joshua 1:5).

Joshua 1:9 In-Context

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 "Pass through the host and command the people, saying, `Prepare you victuals, for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.'"