Topical Encyclopedia Courage is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with faith and obedience to God's commands. One of the most prominent instances where courage is enjoined is in the commissioning of Joshua, the successor of Moses, as the leader of the Israelites. This moment is pivotal in the narrative of the Israelites as they stand on the brink of entering the Promised Land.Biblical Context The call for courage is explicitly directed to Joshua in the Book of Joshua, particularly in the first chapter. After the death of Moses, God speaks directly to Joshua, who is tasked with leading the Israelites into Canaan. This transition of leadership is significant, as Joshua is stepping into the shoes of Moses, a revered prophet and leader. Scriptural Exhortation In Joshua 1:6-9, God repeatedly commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. The Berean Standard Bible renders these verses as follows: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Theological Significance The command to be strong and courageous is not merely a call to personal bravery but is deeply rooted in the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness. Joshua's courage is to be founded on the promises of God and the divine mandate to lead the people according to the Law given through Moses. The repeated exhortation underscores the importance of reliance on God rather than on human strength or wisdom. Courage and Obedience The connection between courage and obedience is evident in the instructions given to Joshua. Courage is linked to the careful observance of the Law, suggesting that true courage involves a steadfast commitment to God's commands. The prosperity and success promised to Joshua are contingent upon his adherence to the Law, highlighting the integral relationship between faithfulness to God and the courage to act upon His promises. Divine Assurance The assurance of God's presence is a central element in the call to courage. The phrase "for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" serves as a powerful reminder that Joshua's strength and courage are not self-derived but are grounded in the reality of God's unwavering presence. This assurance is meant to dispel fear and discouragement, enabling Joshua to lead with confidence. Historical Impact Joshua's leadership, marked by the courage enjoined upon him, leads to significant victories and the eventual settlement of the Israelites in the Promised Land. His example serves as an enduring model of leadership that combines faith, obedience, and courage, inspiring subsequent generations to trust in God's promises and presence. In summary, the enjoining of courage upon Joshua is a profound biblical moment that encapsulates the essence of faith-driven leadership. It emphasizes the necessity of courage rooted in divine assurance and obedience to God's Word, setting a precedent for all who seek to follow God's calling in their lives. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 31:7,8,22,23And Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 1:1-9 Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord On Family Religion 1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4 Book 5 Footnotes The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Of Evil-Speaking in General. The Elizabethan Reaction Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace ... The General Conference of 1836 Resources What does the Bible say about courage? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the key to overcoming discouragement? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to mount up with wings like eagles? | GotQuestions.org Courage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Courage: Enjoined by Jehoshaphat Upon the Judicial and Executive officers be Appointed Courage: Ezra, in Undertaking the Perilous Journey from Babylon to Palestine Without a Guard Courage: Personal Bravery in Entering Into the Tent of Saul, and Carrying Away Saul's Spear Courage: Personal Bravery: Agag, in the Indifference With Which he Faced Death Courage: Personal Bravery: David, in Killing Goliath Courage: Personal Bravery: David's Captains Courage: Personal Bravery: Deborah, in Leading Israel's Armies Courage: Personal Bravery: Esther, in Going to the King to Save Her People Courage: Personal Bravery: Jael, in Killing Sisera Courage: Personal Bravery: Joab, in Reproving King David Courage: Personal Bravery: Joseph of Arimathaea, in Caring for the Body of Jesus Courage: Personal Bravery: Joshua and Caleb, in Advising That Israel Go at Once and Possess the Land Courage: Personal Bravery: Nehemiah, in Refusing to Take Refuge in the Temple Courage: Personal Bravery: Othniel, in Striking Kirjath-Sepher Courage: Personal Bravery: Peter and Other Disciples Courage: Personal Bravery: The Apostles, Under Persecution Courage: Personal Bravery: Thomas, in Being Willing to Die With Jesus Courage: Scriptures Relating To Courage: The Courage of Conviction in offering Isaac Courage: The Courage of Conviction: Abraham, in Leaving his Fatherland Courage: The Courage of Conviction: Gideon, in Destroying the Altar of Baal Courage: The Courage of Conviction: Peter and John, in Refusing to Obey Men, Rather than God Courage: The Courage of Conviction: The Jews, in Returning Answer to Tatnai Related Terms |
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