What does Joshua 1:6 mean?

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Joshua 1:6

Explanation

Joshua 1:6 is an exhortation from God to Joshua, the newly appointed leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. The verse encapsulates a divine command to be strong and courageous in the task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, which is Canaan. This land was the territory God had promised to the patriarchs of the Israelites — Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There is a literal component of physical conquest in the verse, as Joshua is tasked with dividing the land among the tribes of Israel. Additionally, the call for strength and courage implies an inner spiritual fortitude that Joshua must maintain amidst the challenges of leadership and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Historical Context

The Book of Joshua is set during the period after the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and their wanderings in the wilderness for forty years. Moses, their leader, has died, and Joshua, his assistant, has been appointed as his successor. The verse is located at the beginning of the book, which chronicles the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan, a land occupied by various other groups at the time. The occupation and division of Canaan among the tribes were seen as the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to the forefathers of the Israelites and were central to Israelite identity and faith.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Joshua 1:6 underscores God’s sovereignty in the fulfillment of His promises and the pivotal role that human obedience and faith play in the divine plan. For Christians, the verse often symbolizes God’s faithfulness and the need for personal commitment to God’s directives. Some theological viewpoints may see this as a testament to the idea that God empowers and equips those he calls for leadership. Others may focus on the communal aspect, where following the guidance of a God-appointed leader is essential for the community’s welfare.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Joshua 1:6 might be applied in daily life as encouragement to show resilience and trust in God’s plan, especially when faced with moments of transition or challenge. The qualities of strength and courage are aspired to in personal character development. Furthermore, the concept of stewardship is highlighted—just as Joshua was to responsibly divide the land, individuals are called to manage their own responsibilities with integrity and according to what they believe is God’s guidance.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 31:7: “And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.”
• 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.”
• 1 Chronicles 28:20: “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of a courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.”

Language Study

• “Be strong” (Hebrew: חֲזַק chazaq): This term often conveys the sense of being firm and steadfast, denoting both physical and moral courage.
• “And of a good courage” (Hebrew: וֶאֱמָץ ve’ematz): This phrase suggests a resolute mindset, displaying confidence and bravery, especially in the face of adversity.
• “Divide for an inheritance” (Hebrew: תַּנְחִיל tanchil): To give as a possession or to allot. It is a legal term denoting the distribution of the land as an inheritance.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, it was common for military conquests and land allotments to be seen as divinely sanctioned. Many cultures believed their gods promised land and victory, similar to the Israelite belief in God’s promise to their ancestors. In Egyptian and Mesopotamian literature, kings and leaders were also often described as having divine support in their endeavors.

Scientific Perspectives

The narrative in Joshua, including the conquest and division of land, intersects with archaeology and history rather than science. While there is ongoing scholarly debate concerning the precise historical accuracy of the conquest account, the text provides valuable insights into the Israelite self-understanding and their perception of the divine within the context of the implied timeframe.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Joshua 1:6 emphasize the mantle of leadership passed from Moses to Joshua and the continuity of God’s promise to Israel. Many scholars highlight the repeated injunction to courage and strength as key to understanding Joshua’s role and the psyche of the Israelite community at this juncture. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that God’s charge to Joshua includes a call to duty as well as an assurance of God’s presence. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges points to the historical and spiritual inception of the national life of Israel in Canaan with a focus on the God-given strategy for occupation and settlement.