Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Just be strong and very brave, so that you can be careful to follow all the laws that Moses my servant gave you. Don't turn away from them in any direction, so that you will succeed wherever you go.
God is telling Joshua to stay strong, be courageous, and stick closely to God's commands without wavering if he wants to succeed.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Joshua, this verse occurs right after Moses' death, as God directly commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land after their long exodus from Egypt and forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Joshua, as Moses' successor, is being encouraged to remain faithful to the Law, the teachings and commandments given through Moses, as the people prepare for battles and conquest in Canaan. This instruction underscores the importance of obedience in a time of transition and uncertainty for the nation.
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