What does Deuteronomy 31:6 mean?

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Explanation

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a verse that speaks of courage, trust, and the faithfulness of God. It is a command accompanied by a promise. The command is to “be strong and of a good courage” and not to fear or be dismayed by the adversaries or challenges at hand. The promise is that God Himself will be with the individual or group being addressed, providing a guarantee that He “will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”. The literal meaning is clear—do not be afraid because God is with you. On a deeper level, it speaks to the unyielding support that believers have from their deity, and it addresses the human condition of fear in the face of daunting circumstances, providing not just a reassurance but a divine presence to rely upon.

Historical Context

This verse is situated in the book of Deuteronomy, which means “second law” and is a retelling of the law for the new generation that has arisen since the Exodus from Egypt. The historical context is Moses’ speech to the Israelites just before they enter the Promised Land, Canaan. It is a moment of transition, where leadership will pass from Moses to Joshua. At this time, the people of Israel were on the edge of a major shift, moving from wandering in the wilderness to conquering and settling a new land, facing formidable enemies.

Theological Insights

There are numerous theological themes within this verse. Firstly, it portrays God as immanently present with His people, guiding and supporting them. This reflects the theological idea of God’s omnipresence and faithfulness. Additionally, the notion of “courage” and “fear not” is linked to the concept of relying on God’s sovereignty rather than human strength. Various theological perspectives might emphasize differing aspects, such as God’s covenant faithfulness (Reformed), the need for human cooperation with divine will (Arminian), or the verse as a prefiguration of Christ being with believers always (Christocentric).

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Deuteronomy 31:6 could be invoked by individuals or communities facing challenges or transitions. It could be a source of encouragement for those undergoing personal difficulties, professional changes, or collective social issues. The teaching to be courageous and not to fear on the grounds of divine presence indicates an application of faith and reliance on a higher power in everyday life.

Cross-References

• Joshua 1:5: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
• Joshua 1:9: “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.”
• Hebrews 13:5: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Language Study

The Hebrew words used in this passage are significant. “Chazak” (be strong) implies strength, firmness, and steadfastness. “Amats” (of a good courage) carries the meaning of being resolute or boldly courageous. “Yare” (fear) typically refers to being afraid or terrified, while “arats” (be afraid) can mean to dread or be in terror. “Lo” (not) is the straightforward negation, and “ya‘azveka” (forsake thee) means to leave or abandon. Understanding these original terms adds depth to comprehending the force and encouragement of the command to not be governed by fear.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In cultures surrounding ancient Israel, there were also exhortations and prayers for divine assistance in times of trouble, such as those found in the Egyptian “Hearst Papyrus” invoking deities for protection. In many ancient myths and religions, the concept of gods participating in warfare or providing courage is common. However, the monotheistic context of Deuteronomy provides a distinct narrative of a single, all-powerful God pledged to an entire people group, rather than multiple gods who might act capriciously.

Scientific Perspectives

Science may not directly address the concepts of divine presence or religious courage. Still, psychology does provide insight into human responses to fear and the effects of beliefs on behavior. For example, research on resilience and the placebo effect can inform on the power of conviction and the psychological benefits of faith and assurance, which may parallel religious calls to not fear due to divine support.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of Deuteronomy 31:6:

• John Calvin saw the reassurance of God’s presence as key to fostering courage, emphasizing the importance of faith in God’s promises.
• Matthew Henry commented on the sufficiency of God’s grace and presence in the face of all fears and dangers, with an application extending to personal spiritual battles as well as outward challenges.
• The New American Commentary suggests that the call to courage is based not on the abilities of the people, but strictly on the presence and promises of God, underscoring a relationship of trust and covenant.

These perspectives highlight the verse’s enduring importance, its promise capable of addressing various seasons and struggles in life.