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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 or to the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. Bible see other translations

“very courageous.” The “very” could also be put before “strong” such that the phrase read, “be very strong and courageous.” But since in the Hebrew text the word “very” is before “courageous,” most translations read that way.

“Law.” The word “Law” is “Torah.” Here we see that the book of Joshua, the first book in the Prophets in the Hebrew Bible, begins with a reminder to be anchored in the Torah. Studying the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, is essential to learn how to think and reason the way God does.

[For more on the meaning of Torah, see commentary on Proverbs 1:8.]

“have success.” The verb can mean “have success”a but commonly it has to do with having understanding or prudence; and that gives good decision-making ability, which leads to success.


a)
Koehler and Baumgartner, HALOT Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.

Commentary for: Joshua 1:7

 
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