Deuteronomy 31:7

My Notes

What Does Deuteronomy 31:7 Mean?

Moses publicly commissions Joshua before all Israel. The charge is threefold: be strong, be courageous, and lead this people into the land God promised. The public setting matters — this isn't a private encouragement; it's a transfer of authority witnessed by the entire nation.

The words "be strong and of a good courage" (chazaq ve-ematz) will be repeated to Joshua by God himself in Joshua 1:6-9. The fact that Moses says it first establishes continuity: what God will say to Joshua later was already spoken through Moses before. The new leader's commissioning begins with human mentoring and is confirmed by divine voice.

The phrase "thou shalt cause them to inherit it" places enormous weight on Joshua. Moses brought them out of Egypt. Joshua must bring them in to Canaan. The liberation and the inheritance are two halves of one story, requiring two different leaders. Moses' work is complete; Joshua's is beginning.

Reflection Questions

• 1.Have you ever had to step into a role someone else started — and how did you handle the transition?
• 2.Why does the public nature of this commission matter for both Joshua and Israel?
• 3.What does it take to convert a God-given promise into present-tense reality?
• 4.Which part of Moses' charge speaks most to your current season: be strong, be courageous, or lead?

Devotional

Moses is saying goodbye. Not privately, not quietly, but in front of everyone. He looks at Joshua and says what needs to be said: be strong. Be courageous. You're going to finish what I started.

The public nature of this commission matters for two reasons. First, Joshua needs Israel to see that Moses endorses him completely. Authority transfers don't work in whispers — the community needs to witness it. Second, Israel needs to see that the mission continues even when the leader changes. Moses is leaving, but the promise isn't.

"Thou shalt cause them to inherit it" is the weight of the charge. Not just lead them, not just get them across the river — cause them to inherit. Give them what was promised. Turn the covenant commitment into land under their feet. Joshua's job is to convert God's ancient promise to Abraham into present-tense reality for this generation.

If you're stepping into a role someone else started, this moment is for you. The strength Moses calls for isn't about Joshua's personality; it's about his position. He doesn't need to be as charismatic as Moses. He needs to be strong enough to finish what Moses began. Different leaders, same mission, same God.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture