Studying Joshua this morning, I came across the first chapter and God illuminated a word that previously went unchecked the many times I have read this passage. Joshua is being given leadership after Moses' death from YHWH. YHWH is speaking directly to Joshua about taking command of the Israelites and leading into the promised land in which YHWH is giving them to possess. In His command, YHWH encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous (verses 6, 7, and 9). The Israelites respond to Joshua that they will obey the words of Joshua just as they had Moses' words, then in the final verse of the chapter says that this obedience is dependent on this: "only be strong and courageous."
What struck me this morning is the word translated "very" in verse 7. YHWH says to Joshua, "Only be strong and very courageous" (emphasis mine). The word here is מְאֹ֗ד (me'od). This is a word that emphasis more intensely the adjective command of courageous, which is the word וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ (weh'eh'matz), which means to be bold or alert. Only verse 7 contains the word "very", which implies the verses that follow this is of the utmost importance.
With all of that said, let us read what YHWH is commanding. YHWH tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because they are about to inherit the promised land and that He will be with Joshua wherever he goes. Yet, YHWH tells Joshua to be very courageous "being careful to do according to all the Law that Moses my servant commanded you." YHWH tells Joshua not to turn away from the Law, and to preach the Law accurately and meditate on the Law day and night. YHWH promises that if Joshua obeys this command, He will make Joshua's "way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Words translated "very courageous" means that YHWH is commanding Joshua to be extra alert and bold when it comes to understanding, preaching, and studying the Word of God. In other words, be strong and courageous and alert as you enter the promised land knowing God is near. Be on extra guard, be extra bold, and be strong when it comes to rightly interpreting, preaching, and studying the Word of God.
Dear Christian, this is what our great God commands for leaders to shepherd His flock to do: be strong, alert, and bold in his administration of the church knowing God is near His faithful. Also, dear pastors, elders, and deacons of the church, be on extra guard, extra alert, extra bold, and be strong in your efforts to study the Word of God, rightly interpreting and understanding the Bible, and to teach and preach the Scriptures. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
