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.
JOSHUA 1:7KJVWhat does Joshua 1:7 mean?
Joshua 1:7 urges Joshua to be strong and very courageous so that he can carefully follow all the law given by Moses, without turning aside in any direction, in order to succeed wherever he goes. The verse emphasizes the importance of steadfast obedience to God’s instructions as the key to prospering in his new leadership role.
In this verse, God is speaking directly to Joshua as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after Moses’ death. The command to be strong and courageous is tied specifically to keeping the law (the instructions Moses gave), not just general bravery. The warning not to turn “to the right hand or to the left” highlights the need for unwavering commitment, and the promise of prosperity is linked to this faithful obedience.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 1:7
- חֲזַק (ḥazaq; "strong", H2388): This word means to be firm or resolute. Here, it stresses that Joshua’s strength is not just physical but also about inner resolve to stick to God’s ways.
- אֲמָץ (’amats; "courageous", H553): This term means to be bold or determined. The phrase “very courageous” (מְאֹד, me’od; H3966) intensifies the command, showing that Joshua will need exceptional determination.
- שָׁמַר (shamar; "observe", H8104): This word means to guard or keep watch over. It suggests careful attention, not just casual observance, to the law.
- תּוֹרָה (torah; "law", H8451): This refers to the teachings or instructions given by Moses. The focus is on the whole body of guidance, not just a single rule.
- יַשְׂכִּיל (yaskil; "prosper", H7919): This word can mean to act wisely or to succeed. The idea is that true success comes from wise living according to God’s instructions.
Why Joshua 1:7 matters
- Joshua 1:7 clarifies that success for Joshua as a leader is directly tied to obedience to God’s law, not just military strength or personal qualities.
- The verse shows that courage in the biblical sense is closely connected to faithfulness and careful attention to God’s commands, not just bravery in battle.
- This command sets the tone for the whole book of Joshua, highlighting that the Israelites’ future depends on their relationship to God’s instructions, not just their own efforts.