Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse contains a promise from God to Joshua as he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. But does this promise apply to Christians today as well?
There are a few key things to consider when determining if Old Testament promises apply to modern believers:
- What was the original context and audience?
- Is the promise conditional or unconditional?
- Is the principle behind the promise applicable today?
- Is the promise restated or confirmed in the New Testament?
Looking at Joshua 1:9, we see that this promise was originally made to Joshua concerning the task God had called him to – leading Israel to take possession of the Promised Land. It was an unconditional promise from God intended to encourage Joshua as he stepped into leadership after the death of Moses. While we are not called to literally conquer Canaan, the principle behind the promise remains relevant today.
God was calling Joshua to a difficult task that would require courage, strength, and perseverance. As Christians we are also called to tasks that require spiritual courage and strength. Whether it is sharing the gospel, standing for righteousness, or facing trials, believers need to tap into divine empowerment through the Spirit. The exhortation to “be strong and courageous” applies to all who seek to follow God’s will when facing opposition and challenges.
Furthermore, this promise is consistent with other Scriptures that reassure believers of God’s constant presence and provision of strength:
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “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.”
- Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
While Joshua 1:9 was originally addressed to a specific person, its foundational promise of God’s presence and enabling is proclaimed throughout Scripture as a comfort and encouragement to all who walk with Him by faith. We can trust that no matter what God calls us to, He will be with us every step of the way, strengthening and upholding us by His grace.
1. The Original Context and Audience of Joshua 1:9
Joshua 1:9 was part of God’s commission to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into Canaan after the death of Moses. Joshua would be taking Moses’ place and fulfilling the task of conquest and settlement that had eluded Israel in their earlier failed attempt to enter Canaan (Numbers 13-14). This verse forms part of God’s instructions to Joshua after Moses’ death:
Joshua 1:1-9 – After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
God appointed Joshua to pick up where Moses left off and lead Israel into Canaan. This was a daunting task that required strong leadership and complete dependence on God who had promised to drive out the inhabitants before them (Joshua 1:3-5). God’s instruction to Joshua to “be strong and courageous” was necessary in light of the difficulty of capturing fortified Canaanite cities and with God’s assurance that He would be with Joshua as He was with Moses.
The first audience was Joshua himself, who would need courage and boldness to lead Israel where Moses could not. The second audience was Israel, who needed reassurance that God would fulfill His promises to give them the land through Joshua’s leadership. So this verse served to encourage Joshua and the nation that though Moses was gone, God was still with them and would ensure victory in Canaan.
2. The Promise was Unconditional
God’s command to Joshua to “be strong and courageous” was not conditional upon Joshua’s performance. This differentiated it from the blessing and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28-29 which were contingent upon Israel’s obedience or disobedience. Even when Israel failed and suffered defeat, God’s word to Joshua to be courageous remained unchanged. It was an assurance that His presence would go with Joshua no matter what. God promised:
Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5).
This pledge was not based on Joshua’s abilities or success, but rather on God’s faithfulness. God would be with Joshua through times of victory and defeat. This divine promise removed the possibility of abandonment and ensured Joshua could boldly lead the people even through uncertain outcomes. It was a certain assurance, not a conditional promise.
3. The Principle of God’s Presence and Strength Remains Relevant
While modern readers are not leading a military invasion of Canaan, the principle behind God’s promise to Joshua has present-day applications. The tasks God assigns His people still require courage, strength, and trust in His presence. The writer of Hebrews affirms this ongoing relevance:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)
This passage applies Joshua 1:5 to believers, reassuring that God’s presence remains with His people throughout the ages. This promise should embolden our obedience, strengthen our resolve, and comfort our hearts. Though the tasks vary across generations, the accompanying promise of God’s nearness continues. No matter the assignment, God has not left His people to accomplish it alone.
4. The Promise is Restated in the New Testament
Beyond the principles, God’s promise to be with His people everywhere they go is restated and expanded upon in the New Testament:
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20)
No longer was God’s presence tied to a particular leader or place. Through Christ, God promises to be perpetually present with all believers as they go out in His name. The indwelling Holy Spirit ensures God is with His people everywhere, every day, to the end of the age (John 14:16-17).
The New Testament also continues the Old Testament theme of finding strength through God’s Spirit:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
This inner strengthening by the Spirit parallels God’s exhortation to Joshua. What Joshua needed to find strength for outward battles, Christians need for inner spiritual warfare and perseverance through trials. God assures His presence and provision to overcome in every generation.
5. How Christians Can Apply This Promise Today
Joshua 1:9 remains a source of encouragement for modern believers. While it was originally given for the task of conquering Canaan, the underlying principles and promises find new life in Christ. Christians today can apply this verse in the following ways:
- Courage to live counter-culturally – The call to be “strong and courageous” in the face of Canaanite culture mirrors the countercultural lives Christians are called to. God’s presence gives strength to stand out and resist assimilation (Daniel 1:8).
- Confidence in accomplishing God’s will – Whatever God calls His people to, He enables. His presence overcomes self-doubt. Christians can have boldness to accomplish God’s will knowing He goes with them (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Trust during uncertain futures – Joshua could not see how God would fulfill His promise for the land. Similarly Christians must trust God’s presence when the future is unclear or filled with obstacles (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Inner strength for spiritual warfare – Conquering Canaan required physical strength and stamina. But standing firm in faith requires drawing spiritual strength from God (Ephesians 6:10).
- Courage in Christian leadership – Joshua faced the task of filling Moses’ shoes. Leaders today can also draw courage from God’s presence to stand in the gap (Acts 4:13).
- Assurance of God’s presence – More than a mere saying, Christians have the actual presence of Christ within through the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:27). This empowering presence enabled Joshua and enables us.
With God’s promise to never leave or forsake His people, Christians can have confidence to follow His call wherever it may lead. Though times change, God’s loving presence remains the steadfast source of strength and courage for all who trust in Him.
6. Joshua’s Response of Obedience
After God commissioned Joshua with the exhortation of Joshua 1:9, the new leader responded in obedience and faith:
Joshua 1:10-11 – Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”
Despite the enormous obstacle of the flooded Jordan River and the fortified Canaanite cities, Joshua acted on God’s promises with courage and obedience. He believed God’s pledge to be present and enable the conquest. His actions reflected confident trust in God’s faithfulness.
In the same way, Christians affirm their belief in God’s promises by acting on them with courage and obedience. Thoughcircumstances seem impossible at times, faith calls us to trust and obey as Joshua did. God may lead us into situations far beyond our abilities and comfort zones. But His presence enables us to take bold steps of obedience as we rely prayerfully on His strength.
7. God Demonstrated His Faithfulness to Joshua
God backed up the exhortation in Joshua 1:9 by tangibly demonstrating His presence and power as the conquest progressed. Though there were setbacks, God proved faithful time and again to strengthen, encourage, and guide Joshua as he led the people by faith:
- God miraculously stopped the Jordan River, affirming His presence (Joshua 3:7-17).
- The walls of Jericho supernaturally fell, confirming God’s power (Joshua 6:20).
- The sun stood still as God fought for Israel (Joshua 10:12-14).
- God reassured Joshua after an initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:10-15).
- God gave divine military strategy for the taking of Ai (Joshua 8:1-2).
At every major step, God validated His promise to empower Joshua. God did not remove all adversity, but He displayed His faithfulness again and again. Joshua learned to depend on divine strength in each new challenge. We too must trust not only God’s promises, but also His proven faithfulness in our past experiences.
8. Joshua’s Legacy of Faith and Courage
In the end, Joshua demonstrated the same courage and faith as those who had gone before him, becoming an example for future generations:
And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua… (Joshua 24:31a)
Joshua remained strong and obedient to the end and left Israel faithfully following the Lord. His legacy inspired the leaders who came after him. Joshua exemplified God’s faithfulness to the original audience of Joshua 1:9, proving the timelessness of God’s promise to be present with His people wherever they go.
For the modern reader, Joshua stands as an illustration of the courage that rises from trusting God’s promises. Though centuries have passed, the call goes out to every generation to walk boldly in the strength of the timeless God who remains forever present.
May we, like Joshua, have the courage to cling to God’s promises and step out to follow His call, no matter how intimidating the journey ahead may appear.
9. Conclusion: God’s Presence and Strength for Every Task
In summary, God’s promise in Joshua 1:9 to “be strong and courageous” was originally given to Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan. Though this specific task does not apply directly to modern Christians, the underlying principles remain relevant.
God still calls His people to display courage and strength in following Him by faith. The Christian life inevitably involves spiritual battles that require perseverance and boldness. But just as God emboldened Joshua, He offers strength and presence through the Holy Spirit to believers today. His promises are sure, His power unlimited, His companionship steadfast.
No matter what God asks of His people across generations, He enables the faithful response. May Joshua’s example spur us to trust God wholly, obey Him courageously, and experience His faithful presence in every task ahead. The God who strengthened Joshua stands ready to empower His people today for every assignment.
