Meaning of Deuteronomy 31:7

This verse captures a pivotal moment of transition and succession in Israel's history, as Moses, the divinely appointed leader, commissions his successor, Joshua. The command to "be strong and courageous" is not merely a general encouragement but a specific charge, laden with the weight of immense responsibility. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into the promised land, a daunting undertaking that involves warfare, conquest, and the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes. This act signifies Moses' relinquishing of leadership and God's affirmation of Joshua as the one to carry out His plan for His people, underscoring the divine mandate behind this transfer of authority.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 31 marks the final days of Moses' life and leadership. He has guided Israel through the wilderness for forty years, but due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), he is forbidden from entering the Promised Land. Therefore, the crucial task of leading the people across the Jordan River and conquering Canaan falls to Joshua, who has served as Moses' loyal aide and military commander. This public commissioning of Joshua before all Israel is essential for ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and for instilling confidence in the people, who are about to face a formidable challenge.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Mandate for Leadership: The verse emphasizes that Joshua's leadership is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. God has chosen him, and Moses is merely the instrument of this selection.
• Courage in the Face of Adversity: The repeated exhortation to be "strong and courageous" highlights the immense difficulties Joshua and Israel will face. The conquest of Canaan involves powerful nations and fortified cities.
• Fulfillment of God's Promises: The inheritance of the land is directly linked to God's oath to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Joshua's role is to facilitate the fulfillment of this ancient promise.
• Responsibility and Obedience: Joshua's commission includes the practical and spiritual responsibility of dividing the land. This requires wisdom, justice, and obedience to God's instructions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse speaks to the importance of courage and strength when facing God-given tasks, especially those that seem overwhelming. It reminds us that God equips those He calls and that His promises are sure, even when their fulfillment requires significant effort and perseverance. The transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua serves as a model for recognizing and supporting appointed leaders within the community of faith, while also understanding that leadership is a stewardship entrusted by God. It encourages reliance on God's power rather than our own abilities when undertaking His work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a critical juncture in the Old Testament narrative. It bridges the wilderness generation and the generation that will enter and possess the land. Joshua's leadership directly leads to the conquest of Canaan, a foundational event for the establishment of Israel as a nation. His faithfulness sets the stage for the period of the Judges and eventually the monarchy. Furthermore, the concept of a divinely appointed leader who brings God's people into a promised inheritance foreshadows later messianic figures and ultimately, Jesus Christ, who leads believers into the spiritual inheritance of the Kingdom of God.

Analogies

• A Relay Race: Moses hands off the baton (leadership) to Joshua, who must continue the race (leading Israel into the land) with renewed energy and courage.
• A General Commissioning a Captain: A seasoned general, unable to personally lead the final assault, commissions a trusted captain to take his place, giving him the strategic plans and the authority to execute them.
• A Builder Passing on Blueprints: A master architect, having overseen the initial stages of construction, entrusts the critical phase of building the structure to a skilled foreman, equipping him with the detailed blueprints and the mandate to complete the work.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 31:23: God directly commissions Joshua, saying, "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you." This reinforces the divine backing for Joshua's task.
• Joshua 1:6, 9: The book of Joshua opens with repeated exhortations from God to Joshua to "Be strong and courageous," echoing Moses' charge and emphasizing God's presence and the importance of obeying His law.
• Numbers 27:15-23: This passage details God's instruction to Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor, highlighting the divine selection process.
• Hebrews 4:8: This New Testament passage refers back to Joshua's name (which is related to Jesus' name) and the concept of entering God's rest, connecting the Old Testament conquest to a spiritual reality for believers.