Emotions run high as you tie your shoes, stretch your arms, and prepare to start the game. Your coach calls everyone to a huddle inspiring greatness with his words alone. As your team cheer boosts your morale, you swell with excitement at the game to come! When Moses appoints Joshua, we might be apt to read without understanding the depth of emotion behind it.
Moses, the Israelites’ first leader, is presenting the next God-appointed leader to the Israelites and preparing to say goodbye. They all know his time on earth is ending just as they are about to enter a new ‘land that devours its inhabitants‘ where the people are like strong giants, as told erroneously by their ancestors to strike fear.
Times of transition can often strike fear of the unknown. God knows this, and we hear Moses say for the first time:
Be strong and courageous.
Deuteronomy 31:6a
It is a common misconception that this phrase originates in the book of Joshua. The fact that Moses, when appointing Joshua as their next leader, coins the phrase first, it serves as a source of even greater comfort and leadership when the Israelites hear it later from Joshua in the midst of the taking over of the Promised Land.
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Be strong and courageous…
The Hebrew word for ‘strong’ is chazaq, “a verb meaning to be strong, to strengthen, to be courageous, to overpower.” Understanding that, it makes even more sense why this phrase became the common thread of pep talks. When Moses appoints Joshua, then the Lord does, the phrase is used three times in one chapter alone.
Since courage is already intimated in the prior word, it may seem redundant to use it again. However, what we find in the definition of the Hebrew word, amats, creates an even stronger sentiment to guide the Isrealites with:
- to be alert
- physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
- confirm
- be courageous (of good courage, steadfastly minded, strong, stronger)
- establish
- fortify
- harden
- increase
- prevail
- strengthen (self)
- make strong (obstinate, speed)
Now, these two words used in conjunction become even more powerful. While they meld together with their cross intentions, they also add in a bit more by seeing the undertones of the battles to come while remaining steadfast.
Pep Talks…
After Moses informs the Israelites he will not cross over the Jordan, that God will go before them to destroy their enemies, and that Joshua will go next to lead them, he then reassures the Israelites as a whole:
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Next, Moses calls up Joshua in a way to present him to the people as their official next leader. It could be argued that the people needed to see this transition take place from their first and only leader to a new one. We see a couple chapters over, that God does further establish Joshua in this role for the eyes of Israel to see and confirm:
The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
Joshua 3:7
After Joshua is in the presence of all the people, Moses tells him this:
Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:7b-8
Confirmation…
Joshua has just been warned that the people will turn away, that prosperity will dissolve their steadfastness, they will turn away, worship other gods, that God will turn His face away, and that disasters and difficulties will result. It is then that God gives this charge to Joshua:
And the Lord commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.”
Deuteronomy 31:23
It is of no short order that his full name is used. There was to be no mistake who the Lord was talking to. It was a promise to him specifically. How generous then for us to consider that we were given a related promise. Similarly to how Moses appoints Joshua, we are appointed by Christ.
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:14
The words we utter and the actions we display should be seriously analyzed with regard to the Bible. Our lives ought to reflect Who dwells within us. Who (or what) is giving you a pep talk to start your day ready to serve the Lord and guard the good deposit?
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