Deuteronomy 31:6-8 is Moses’ final charge to Israel and to his successor Joshua, urging them to be strong and courageous because the LORD himself goes ahead of them and will never abandon them. The passage answers the fear of facing a daunting future by pointing to God’s faithful presence rather than to Israel’s own strength.
These words come near the end of Moses’ life, as the people stand on the edge of the promised land east of the Jordan River. Moses is not going to lead them across, so he speaks publicly to the whole nation and then commissions Joshua in front of them all.
6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.” 7 Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 The LORD himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (WEB)
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Summary
Moses begins with a command: be strong and courageous, and do not be afraid of the nations living in the land. He gives the reason at once. God is the one who goes with them, and he will neither fail them nor leave them.
He then turns to Joshua, speaking in the hearing of all Israel. The same charge is repeated to him, now tied to the promise that he will lead the people into the inheritance God swore to their ancestors. The passage closes by restating God’s presence and calling again for courage without fear or discouragement.
Context of Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Deuteronomy is presented as a series of speeches by Moses to Israel before they enter Canaan, and it is traditionally attributed to him, though many scholars see later editing in its final form. The first readers were the generation that had grown up in the wilderness, a people who needed to hear that the next stage of their story rested on God’s commitment rather than on their military readiness.
The surrounding verses, from verse 3 through verse 11, set the stage. Verses 3 to 5 explain that God will clear the way and that Joshua will lead, while verses 9 to 11 describe Moses writing the law and ordering it read aloud at regular intervals. The courage charge sits in the middle of that instruction, so the call to trust God is tied to the ongoing practice of hearing his word together.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 Verse by Verse
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(WEB)
God repeats the call to be strong and courageous to Joshua directly, grounding it in his constant presence wherever Joshua goes. The verse shows that Moses’ charge was passed on as a living word and not a single moment of encouragement.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
(WEB)
This verse speaks to a later generation in exile, assuring them that God is with them and will strengthen them. It echoes Deuteronomy by answering fear with the reminder of God’s near and active help.
A Prayer Based on Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Lord, you know the things I am afraid of, and some of them feel bigger than I am. Help me to hear your word the way Israel did, as a promise that you go before me and will not leave me to face them alone. Give me courage that rests in you and not in my own ability to manage every outcome.
When discouragement tries to settle in, remind me that you are with me in the ordinary and the hard places alike. Make me strong in trust and gentle with others who are afraid. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6-8?
Joshua was Moses’ assistant and was chosen to succeed him as leader of Israel. In this passage Moses publicly commissions him to lead the people into the promised land.
Why does the passage repeat “be strong and courageous”?
The repetition emphasizes how much the people and Joshua need to hear this message. The command is given to both Israel and Joshua, showing that courage is needed at every stage of the journey.
Does this verse promise that nothing bad will happen?
The passage promises God’s faithful presence, not an absence of difficulty. Israel still faced real battles, and the promise is that God will not abandon them in the midst of those struggles.
