Topical Encyclopedia Courage is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, particularly in the history of the Israelites. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, often faced daunting challenges and adversaries, requiring them to exhibit great courage rooted in their faith and trust in God.1. The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings The account of the Exodus is a profound testament to the courage of the Israelites. Under the leadership of Moses, they escaped the oppressive rule of Pharaoh in Egypt. Despite their initial fear, the Israelites witnessed God's mighty hand through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. In Exodus 14:13-14 , Moses encourages the people, saying, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." During their 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites faced numerous trials that tested their courage. They encountered scarcity of food and water, hostile nations, and internal dissent. Yet, their journey was marked by moments of faith and bravery, as they relied on God's provision and guidance. 2. The Conquest of Canaan The conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership is another significant period where the Israelites demonstrated courage. God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous as he led the people into the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:9 , God reassures him, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." The Israelites faced formidable enemies, including the fortified city of Jericho. Their courage was evident as they followed God's unconventional battle plan, marching around the city for seven days until its walls fell (Joshua 6). Their faith-driven courage led to the successful conquest of the land promised to their forefathers. 3. The Period of the Judges During the time of the Judges, the Israelites repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God raised up judges to lead and deliver them from their enemies. Figures like Gideon and Deborah exemplified courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Gideon, though initially hesitant, led a small army to victory against the Midianites, trusting in God's promise (Judges 7). Deborah, a prophetess and judge, inspired Barak to lead the Israelites to triumph over the Canaanite forces (Judges 4-5). 4. The Monarchy and Beyond The establishment of the monarchy brought new challenges that required courage. King David, before ascending the throne, displayed remarkable bravery as a young shepherd boy when he faced Goliath, the Philistine giant. His confidence was rooted in his faith in God, as he declared in 1 Samuel 17:45 , "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." Throughout the reigns of various kings, the Israelites faced threats from surrounding nations. Courage was essential for leaders like Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem (2 Kings 19). 5. The Exile and Return The Babylonian exile was a period of great trial for the Israelites, yet it also showcased their courage and resilience. Figures like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith despite the threat of persecution and death (Daniel 3, 6). Their courage inspired the exiled community to remain faithful to God. The return from exile under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah required courage to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the temple amidst opposition. Nehemiah's leadership, in particular, was marked by prayerful dependence on God and bold action (Nehemiah 4:14): "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Throughout their history, the Israelites' courage was not merely a human attribute but a divine empowerment, as they relied on God's promises and presence to face their challenges. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:6-8And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 32:7,8 Library How the Midianites and Other Nations Fought against the Israelites ... How the Canaanites Brought the Israelites under Slavery for Twenty ... How the Israelites after this Misfortune Grew Wicked and Served ... The Courage of Four Captives Jeremiah's Courage in Danger Micaiah's Courage in Telling the Truth His Charge of Cowardice is Baseless: for Basil Displayed the ... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ... Dread of Ridicule. Resources What does the Bible say about boldness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fortitude? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about cowardice or being a coward? | 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 Self-disparagement (1 Occurrence) |
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