Joshua 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them.

King James Bible

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

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The verse Joshua 1:6, where God commands Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them," stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's transition from wilderness wandering to the conquest of the Promised Land. This divine directive, delivered to Joshua as he assumes leadership after Moses' death, encapsulates a profound theological and practical charge that resonates with both the immediate context of the Israelites and the broader human experience of stepping into daunting responsibilities under divine guidance. To unpack this verse, we must consider its historical setting, its theological implications, Joshua’s personal challenge, and the timeless principles it offers for leadership and faith.

The historical context of Joshua 1:6 is critical to understanding its weight. The Israelites, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness, stand on the cusp of entering Canaan, a land promised to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The death of Moses, the towering figure who led them out of Egypt and through the wilderness, marks a moment of vulnerability and uncertainty. Joshua, his successor, is tasked with leading a people prone to doubt and rebellion into a land occupied by formidable nations. The command to "be strong and courageous" is not a mere platitude but a divine imperative rooted in the reality of the challenges ahead—military conflicts, logistical complexities, and the spiritual responsibility of keeping a covenant people faithful to God. The promise of the land, tethered to God’s oath to the patriarchs, underscores the certainty of divine faithfulness, yet it also places immense responsibility on Joshua to act as the human instrument of that promise’s fulfillment.

The repetition of the phrase "be strong and courageous" in Joshua 1 (appearing again in verses 7 and 9) signals its centrality to the narrative and Joshua’s mission. Strength and courage, in this context, are not merely personal attributes but qualities rooted in trust in God’s presence and promises. The Hebrew words for "strong" (chazaq) and "courageous" (amats) suggest both resilience and boldness, implying a steadfastness that withstands fear and adversity. For Joshua, this call to courage is not about mustering his own willpower but about anchoring himself in God’s assurance that He will be with him as He was with Moses (Joshua 1:5). This divine presence is the foundation of Joshua’s ability to lead, a reminder that human inadequacy is met with divine sufficiency. The verse, then, is less about Joshua’s natural disposition and more about his dependence on God’s empowerment to fulfill a calling that exceeds human capacity.

The phrase "for you shall cause this people to inherit the land" places Joshua in a unique position as both a leader and a mediator of God’s promise. The verb "cause to inherit" (nachal in Hebrew) implies that Joshua’s leadership is instrumental in actualizing God’s covenant. This is not to suggest that God’s promise depends solely on Joshua’s efforts, but rather that God chooses to work through human agency to accomplish His purposes. This dynamic reflects a broader biblical theme: God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility but works in tandem with it. Joshua’s role is to lead the people into the land, but the success of this mission hinges on his obedience and trust in God’s guidance. The weight of this responsibility—leading an entire nation into a divine inheritance—underscores why courage and strength are repeatedly emphasized. Joshua must navigate not only external threats but also the internal challenges of unifying a people who have, at times, faltered in their faith.

The reference to the land as something "I swore to their fathers to give them" ties Joshua’s mission to the covenantal history of Israel. The promise of the land originates in Genesis, where God assures Abraham that his descendants will possess Canaan (Genesis 12:7, 15:18). This oath, reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, is a cornerstone of Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people. By invoking this promise, God reminds Joshua that his leadership is part of a larger, unbroken narrative of divine faithfulness. The certainty of God’s oath provides Joshua with a theological anchor: the outcome is assured not because of Joshua’s prowess but because of God’s unyielding commitment. Yet, this assurance does not diminish the need for courage, as the process of inheriting the land will involve conflict, uncertainty, and the temptation to despair. The interplay between divine promise and human effort in this verse offers a profound reflection on the nature of faith, which trusts in God’s guarantees while actively engaging in the tasks He assigns.

For Joshua personally, this command addresses the human reality of fear and inadequacy. As Moses’ aide, Joshua had witnessed God’s mighty acts—the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Yet, he also knew the Israelites’ tendencies toward grumbling and disobedience, as seen in incidents like the golden calf (Exodus 32) and the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 14). Stepping into Moses’ role, Joshua faced the daunting task of leading a people who had tested even Moses’ patience. The command to be strong and courageous acknowledges the natural fear that accompanies such a transition. It is a divine affirmation that Joshua’s leadership, though fraught with challenges, is undergirded by God’s presence. This encouragement is not abstract but deeply personal, addressing Joshua’s need for resilience in the face of both external enemies and internal doubts.

Theologically, Joshua 1:6 speaks to the balance between divine sovereignty and human agency. God’s promise to give the land is absolute, yet Joshua’s role as the leader who will "cause" the people to inherit it highlights the cooperative nature of God’s work in history. This tension is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in figures like Abraham, who believed God’s promise yet acted in faith, or David, who trusted God’s anointing but faced Goliath with sling in hand. The verse challenges any notion that faith is passive; instead, it portrays faith as an active, courageous response to God’s call. Joshua’s strength and courage are not self-generated but flow from his reliance on God’s promise and presence, a dynamic that invites reflection on how believers today navigate their own callings.

Beyond its historical and theological dimensions, Joshua 1:6 offers timeless principles for leadership and faith. Leadership, whether in a spiritual, professional, or personal context, often involves stepping into roles that feel overwhelming. The call to strength and courage resonates with anyone facing responsibilities that seem to outstrip their abilities. The verse reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward in obedience, trusting in a greater power. For believers, this points to reliance on God’s presence, as articulated in the assurance that follows in Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." This promise of divine accompaniment transforms the command into an invitation to trust.

Moreover, the verse speaks to the communal aspect of leadership. Joshua’s task is not for his own glory but for the sake of the people, to lead them into their inheritance. This highlights a key aspect of biblical leadership: it is others-focused, aimed at fulfilling God’s purposes for His people. Joshua’s courage is not merely for personal endurance but for the collective good, ensuring that the community enters into what God has prepared. This perspective challenges modern notions of leadership that prioritize individual achievement, instead emphasizing service and stewardship of a shared calling.

The broader application of Joshua 1:6 extends to the life of faith itself. The "land" in this context can be seen as a metaphor for the promises of God—whether spiritual rest, purpose, or eternal hope. Entering these promises often requires courage to face uncertainties, opposition, or personal limitations. The command to be strong and courageous invites believers to trust in God’s faithfulness while actively pursuing His will. It acknowledges the reality of fear but counters it with the greater reality of God’s presence and promise. Just as Joshua was called to lead with boldness because of God’s oath, so too are believers called to live with confidence in the One who is faithful to His word.

In conclusion, Joshua 1:6 is a rich and multifaceted verse that speaks to the heart of leadership, faith, and divine-human partnership. It situates Joshua’s call within the grand narrative of God’s covenant with Israel, emphasizing the certainty of divine promises and the necessity of human courage. For Joshua, it was a charge to lead with strength rooted in God’s presence; for readers today, it is a reminder that God equips those He calls, enabling them to face challenges with boldness and trust. The verse’s enduring power lies in its ability to address both the specific moment of Israel’s history and the universal experience of stepping into God’s purposes with faith.

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To all who are called by the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, sanctified by His Spirit and sealed by His promise, grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May your hearts be strengthened in every good work as you persevere in the faith once delivered to the saints.

Beloved brothers and sisters, I write to you with a heart stirred by the Spirit, compelled to speak a word of encouragement and clarity in this present hour. The days in which we live are filled with uncertainty, and many hearts have grown faint. Yet, the Lord who is faithful has not changed, and His word endures, unshaken and sure, as an anchor for the soul. Today, I urge you to give your full attention to the Word of the Lord found in Joshua chapter 1, verse 6: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”

These words were spoken by God to Joshua at a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Moses, the great servant of the Lord, had passed on, and the mantle of leadership fell to Joshua. A wilderness-worn people stood on the brink of promise. The desert days were coming to an end, and the land that flowed with milk and honey lay just beyond the river. But before there was possession, there was preparation. Before there was conquest, there must be courage. And so God speaks to Joshua—not first of strategy, nor of logistics, nor of warfare—but of heart. Be strong and courageous.

Strength and courage: these are not mere attitudes of optimism, nor are they rooted in human will or self-confidence. In the divine economy, strength is not the absence of weakness, but the presence of dependence upon God. Courage is not a denial of fear, but a declaration that fear shall not govern the steps of the righteous. What God commanded Joshua to possess was not natural to man, but supernaturally supplied. And the same Spirit that breathed courage into Joshua now lives in us.

You, dear believer, may not stand on the edge of Canaan with armies at your back, but you face your own Jordan crossings. You face battles in your home, your mind, your workplace, your relationships, and perhaps most of all, within your own soul. The promises of God stretch before you like a great land of inheritance—peace that passes understanding, joy unspeakable, purpose ordained before the foundations of the earth. And yet many of us live like wanderers, hesitant to enter in, because fear grips our hearts, or weariness clouds our vision. We are called to more. You are called to more.

Consider the context of this divine exhortation. God says, “You shall cause this people to inherit the land I swore to their fathers.” This reveals something crucial: the inheritance was God’s promise, but the human instrument—Joshua—had a role to play in ushering others into that promise. Likewise, you are not only called to stand firm for your own sake, but your obedience, your courage, your perseverance will lead others into their inheritance. Parents, your steadfastness will shape generations. Teachers, your faithfulness will plant seeds in hearts you may never see fully bloom. Workers, your integrity in a broken system becomes a testimony of the kingdom. Ministers, your tears and labor in obscurity are laying down roads in the wilderness.

The strength and courage required is not primarily physical. It is moral, spiritual, emotional. It is the strength to keep believing when results delay. The courage to love when bitterness seems easier. The fortitude to keep walking with Christ when compromise beckons with comfort. The bravery to speak the truth in a world drunk on relativism. The endurance to trust in God's timing when others have run ahead with their own plans. This strength is not of this world—it flows from abiding in the Vine, from walking in the Spirit, from feeding on the Word, from gazing on the face of Jesus Christ.

Let us not forget that God does not call us to courage without equipping us for it. Just as He was with Moses, so He promised to be with Joshua. And just as He was with Joshua, so He is with us. Our strength is not in numbers, nor in resources, nor in charisma. Our strength is in the presence of the Lord who goes before us, who hems us in behind and before, whose rod and staff comfort us, whose right hand upholds us.

Therefore, we must respond in faith. Do not wait for the feeling of courage to arise—step out in obedience, and courage will meet you there. Do not wait for the strength to be full before you begin—begin, and the strength will be supplied. For the Word of the Lord is sure: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." When you feel the least capable, the least ready, the least worthy—those are often the very moments when God's glory is most ready to be revealed through you.

Dear saints, do not despise the small beginnings. Do not retreat before the giants in the land. Do not say, “Who am I?” when the Lord says, “I will be with you.” Do not look longingly back at Egypt when Canaan lies before you. The promises of God are yes and amen in Christ Jesus, but the path to them still requires a crossing of faith, a battle of prayer, a life yielded fully. Strength and courage are not for the heroes of history only—they are the inheritance of every believer indwelt by the Spirit.

Let this be a call to rise. Rise from complacency. Rise from fear. Rise from the wilderness of indecision. Lay hold of the promises spoken over your life. Begin again if you must. Return to your first love. Fan into flame the gift that is within you. Take courage, not because the way is easy, but because the Lord walks with you in it. You are not forsaken. You are not forgotten. You are chosen. You are equipped. And in the strength of the Lord, you shall cause others to inherit what has long been promised.

Therefore, beloved, be strong and courageous. Not in yourself, but in the Lord your God. The same God who called Joshua, who led Israel across the Jordan, who brought down walls with a shout, who stopped the sun in the sky, is your God still. He has not changed. His Word has not failed. His Spirit has not withdrawn. He is near. He is faithful. And He will do what He has spoken.

May the peace of Christ guard your hearts. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. May you walk forward into your inheritance with boldness and humility. And may your life lead others into the land of promise.

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Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior and our King. We thank You for Your unchanging Word, living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and we give You praise for the faithfulness of Your promises through every generation. Lord, our hearts tremble with reverence and awe before You, for You are holy, and Your ways are higher than our ways. Yet, in Your mercy, You have drawn near to us, called us by name, and made us Your own. What grace, that we who once were far off are now sons and daughters by the blood of the Lamb.

Today, O God, we anchor our hearts in the power of Your Word found in Joshua 1:6: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.” And we pray, Lord, not as those who merely read the Scriptures, but as those who desire to live them—to receive them as life, as direction, as the voice of the Spirit speaking now to our generation.

Father, strengthen us. In our weakness, be our strength. In our weariness, be our rest. In our uncertainty, be our steady hand. We confess, Lord, that we are often not strong. We are tempted to retreat, to doubt, to linger on the edges of Your promise rather than stepping into the fullness of what You have declared over our lives. But we believe, O God, that You have not called us to wander aimlessly, nor to live in fear, but to walk in faith, to possess the promises, and to take our place in Your divine purpose for our time.

Raise up courage within us, not the courage of the flesh that boasts in itself, but the courage that is born of trust—trust in Your character, Your voice, Your nearness. When fear surrounds us, help us remember that You are the Lord who goes before us. When our hearts grow faint, teach us to rest not in our own might, but in the power of Your Spirit. Breathe fresh boldness into our inner man, that we might stand in obedience even when the path is unfamiliar, even when the cost is high, even when the battle seems too great.

Lord, we acknowledge that, just like Joshua, we have been entrusted with a task bigger than ourselves. We have been given influence, relationships, opportunities, and assignments that we cannot fulfill apart from Your help. You have called us to be lights in the darkness, to speak the truth in love, to carry burdens with joy, to shepherd others into the inheritance of faith. Let us not shy away from this calling. Let us not say, “I am too young,” or “I am too broken,” or “I am too late.” Let us not wait for a better moment. You, O Lord, are the One who qualifies the unqualified, who strengthens the trembling, who anoints the ordinary with divine power.

Let our lives be marked by courage that leads others into promise. Let our homes be places where peace and righteousness reign. Let our churches be communities of healing and holiness. Let our workplaces become platforms for integrity and compassion. Let our daily steps, however mundane they may seem, be guided by a sense of mission—that we walk with purpose because we walk with You.

Father, we know that there are still many who have not entered into their inheritance. Many have grown discouraged, disillusioned, or distracted. But You, Lord, are the God who restores. Use us as vessels to encourage the weary, to speak life to the hopeless, to pull others up from the banks of the Jordan and remind them that the promise still stands. Make us burden bearers, intercessors, encouragers, pioneers—men and women who build up what has been torn down and call forth what has been buried.

And God, we do not ask for courage only in public places, but in the private places where no one sees. Give us strength to obey in secret. Give us integrity when the world is not watching. Give us discipline when our flesh wants ease. Give us endurance when we are tempted to quit. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time, we shall reap—if we do not give up.

O Father, burn away our excuses. Break every chain of fear. Silence the lies that say we are alone, unworthy, forgotten. Fill us instead with a renewed vision of who You are and what You are doing in this generation. Let Your fire fall on our hearts again. Awaken us from spiritual complacency. Let us hear Your voice calling, “Be strong and courageous,” and let us rise up, not because we feel ready, but because we believe You are with us.

Thank You, Lord, that You have not left us to figure this out alone. You have given us Your Word, Your Spirit, and one another. Let us be a people who contend together, who lift up one another’s arms when we grow tired, who speak life when death tries to creep in, who refuse to abandon their post, who fight not for personal gain, but for the fulfillment of Your will on earth as it is in heaven.

We pray now for those whose hands hang limp—revive them. For those standing at the edge of obedience—push them forward in love. For those in the midst of battle—cover them with Your peace. For those who doubt they have a role—open their eyes to see that they were born for such a time as this. And for the church as a whole—unite us, purify us, and empower us that the name of Jesus would be lifted high in every place.

All of this we pray, not by our merit or strength, but through Jesus Christ, who is our Joshua, our Deliverer, our Captain, our Savior. In Him we live, and move, and have our being. In Him, the promises of God are yes and amen. And in Him, we declare today: we will be strong, we will be courageous, for the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.

In the mighty, matchless, eternal name of Jesus we pray. Amen.