​“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
–Deuteronomy 31:6

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Annotation: Moses encourages the Israelites that God’s presence will be with them always, even in times of fear and loneliness.

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Note: This promise applies to all believers, assuring us that God is with us through every circumstance.

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This verse is part of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, with Joshua being appointed as their new leader. It is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, presence, and steadfastness as His people face the unknown and the challenges ahead.
 

Breaking Down the Verse:
 

1. “Be strong and courageous.”

• This command is meant to encourage the Israelites to be bold and resolute in the face of adversity. They were about to face battles and challenges as they entered the Promised Land, and God wanted them to take heart and not be intimidated by the obstacles in front of them.
   

• Strength and courage are necessary to follow God's commands, especially when the path ahead is difficult or frightening. God encourages His people to face the unknown with faith rather than fear.
   

2. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them...”

• The phrase “do not be afraid or terrified” acknowledges the natural fear that can arise when facing overwhelming circumstances, such as the military enemies in the land. However, God commands His people not to succumb to fear.
   

• The phrase "because of them" refers to the enemies the Israelites would face, particularly the Canaanites who inhabited the land. The Israelites were entering a land occupied by people who could be a source of fear, but God is telling them not to be intimidated by their enemies' strength or numbers.
   

3. “For the Lord your God goes with you...”

• This is the key assurance: The Lord Himself will be with them. This is a promise of God’s presence—the very same God who has led them out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and up to the brink of the Promised Land will continue to be with them.
   

• The Lord’s presence is the source of their strength and courage. Their confidence should not be in their own ability or military strength, but in the fact that God is walking alongside them, empowering them to accomplish what He has called them to do.
   

4. “He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

• This is a promise of God's faithfulness and permanence. The word “never” emphasizes the certainty and absolute nature of God's commitment to His people.
   

• To “forsake” means to abandon or desert. God is reassuring His people that He will not abandon them in times of difficulty. Even though they may face battles, hardships, or fear, God will never withdraw His support. His presence will be with them continuously.
   

• This promise was not just for the Israelites in the context of their conquest of Canaan, but it is a reminder that God’s faithfulness applies to all believers throughout history. His promise of never leaving or forsaking is still true for Christians today.
   

Overall Meaning:

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a call to courageous faith in God’s presence and faithfulness. It is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, believers can stand strong, not because of their own strength, but because the Lord goes with them. The verse assures the Israelites (and us today) that God will never abandon His people, no matter the difficulty they face.
 

The promise is a call to trust in God's unwavering support and faithfulness, even in times of uncertainty or fear.
 

Key Themes:

1. Strength and Courage: Believers are called to be strong and courageous, trusting that God will give them the strength they need to face difficult circumstances. Courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to act with faith, knowing that God is with us.
    

2. God's Presence: The assurance that God is with us is the central strength in facing challenges. It’s not about our own abilities but about the presence of God walking with us in every situation. We are never alone when we trust in Him.
    

3. God's Faithfulness: God's promise to never leave or forsake His people highlights His constant faithfulness. Even when we face difficult times, God remains steadfast, and His love and support are unshakeable.
    

4. Trust Over Fear: This verse calls believers to trust God more than their fears. In any difficult situation—whether facing enemies, challenges, or personal trials—God's presence gives us the confidence to stand firm.
    

Application for Believers:

1. Facing Fears with Faith: Just as the Israelites were about to enter a land filled with uncertainty and challenges, believers today can apply this promise to any difficult situation. When we feel afraid or overwhelmed, we can remember that God’s presence is with us, giving us the strength to stand firm.
    

2. Trusting God’s Presence: This verse calls us to trust in God's constant presence. Whether in times of hardship, transition, or even success, we can be confident that God is with us and will not forsake us. His nearness is our greatest source of comfort and strength.
    

3. Encouragement in Times of Struggle: When facing trials or when we are unsure about the future, we can cling to this promise: God will not leave us or forsake us. This gives us hope and assurance in the midst of uncertainty. We can draw courage from knowing that He is with us, even when the road ahead is difficult.
    

4. Persevering in Faith: The command to be strong and courageous is a call to persevere in faith. It’s easy to grow fearful or discouraged when facing challenges, but this verse reminds us to press on in faith, trusting that God is at work, even when we cannot see the outcome.
    

Summary:

Deuteronomy 31:6 is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering presence and faithfulness. It encourages believers to be strong and courageous, even in the face of fear and adversity, because God is always with them. He promises to never leave nor forsake His people, giving them the strength they need to face any challenge. This verse calls believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and to draw courage from His presence, knowing that He will always walk with us through life's difficulties.

 

Additional Information:

Read the full chapter and find more resources at biblegateway.com (external site)>>

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