Joshua 1:9

9 "Have I not commanded you? ¹Be strong and courageous! ²Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever * you go."

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 strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.

8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

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

11 "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess it.' "

Cross References

• 1. Joshua 1:7
• 2. Deuteronomy 31:8