Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
What does Joshua 1:9 mean?
Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Joshua 1:7-9 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Joshua 1:9
Have not I commanded thee?.... The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated; consider who it is that has given these orders and instructions, the great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is faithful to his promises, and able to perform. The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage in his service cheerfully and readily: be strong, and of a good courage; See Gill on Joshua 1:6 ; See Gill on Joshua 1:7 .
Key words
- commanded
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Have not I commanded thee?.
- thee
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Have not I commanded thee?.
- strong
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The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage in his service cheerfully and readily: be strong, and of a good courage; See Gill on Joshua 1:6 ; See Gill on Joshua 1:7 .
Context in Joshua 1
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Joshua 1 belongs to the opening movement of the book, especially the section often described as crossing the Jordan and initial acts of consecration. Joshua tells of the crossing into Canaan, the fall of Jericho, complex campaigns in the land, tribal allotments, and a final renewal of covenant loyalty. Read this chapter with the wider themes of inheritance, rest, and covenant fidelity in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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