Deuteronomy 34 – Joshua 2 / Luke 13:22-14:6 / Psalm 79 / Proverbs 12:26
Joshua was told three times by God and once by the men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, be strong and courageous! This was all written within a 10-verse portion in Joshua chapter 1. Why do you suppose God wanted Joshua to hear this message 4 times? While I can’t answer that for sure, let’s explore one possibility.
Let’s first look at the meaning of both strong and courageous, then let’s look at the meaning of the number 4. Then I want to relay to you a word the Lord gave me from a friend this week, and yes, it all ties together!
Strong is hazaq, which means to tie fast, to bind bonds strongly, to gird. This is by no means the complete definition; there was much more, but this is the portion of the definition I want to explore.
Courageous is ames, which means to be alert, firm and strong. Also, to be strong in the feet or swift-footed. Again, there is much more to this definition, but this will allow us to explore where Holy Spirit is leading.
The number 4 is arbah or arbahah, which means authority, government, rule, dominion, completeness, and several more.
I’m sure following in the footsteps of Moses as leader of Israel was intimidating to say the least! Moses had seen God face to face. And it says in Deuteronomy 34:6 The LORD buried him (Moses) in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place.
God talked to Moses face to face. God buried Moses. And now Joshua is appointed by God to take over leadership. I’d say he needed these four reminders to be strong and courageous. What was being spoken to him as he heard these words? When I read the definition of strong, I thought of a warrior putting on his armor – taking up his shield, tying on the belt that held his sword. He was preparing for physical battle.
When I read the meaning of the word courageous, I thought of a skilled warrior who is unafraid and handles his weapons with great dexterity. Remember, by now Joshua is about 80 years old! Can you imagine a man of this age leading the warriors of Israel into a physically demanding battle?
Then we look at the number 4. God is reminding Joshua that it is He who has given him authority; He has appointed Joshua to rule over His people and help them take the land they were promised many years ago.
They were finally walking in the fulfillment of the words spoken all those years ago to Abraham. I’m sure it was surreal for all of them – the words were now reality. The promise was now seen with their own eyes.
I led a prayer call last week for my upcoming class The Best Yes. As we took turns praying for one another, a friend said she heard a word for me – sure-footed. This word means unlikely to stumble or slip, confident and competent. I was immediately reminded of Caleb, one of my personal heroes.
I’m 58 – not as far along in years as Caleb when he entered the land God promised – and I am entering a new season as Still the Mom. There are times I wonder why I’m beginning something new later in life, but God keeps assuring me I have many years left to “fight”.
So, I, like Caleb, will be strong and courageous. I will be sure-footed, and dress myself daily in the armor of God. I will take up my authority in the places God has promised to me, and I will remain firm, alert, and strong.
What has God promised you? There is still time to be strong and courageous, and to walk in the places He has for you. I bless you today with the strength and the courage to go where He leads and to make a lasting impact on the world around you!
