Do not be afraid or lose heart; our steadfast God is both the source and guarantee of victory.
Then Joshua said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” (v.25)
In this moment recorded during Joshua’s southern campaign in the land of Canaan, Joshua addresses his commanders after he has summoned them to put their feet on the necks of five defeated kings—Amorite rulers who attacked the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:1-5). Joshua, who led Israel’s forces around 1400 BC, reassures his men with strong covenant imagery: God will fight for His people when they trust and obey. In telling them, “Do not fear,” Joshua echoes God’s constant command to Israel, showing that the outcome of any battle lies primarily in the Lord’s sovereign power rather than the strength of the armies themselves. This also parallels God’s previous instructions through Moses that He would defend Israel if they remained faithful, driving out the Amorites and other hostile nations that occupied the land.
By urging the officers to “be strong and courageous,” Joshua is not only reinforcing the command God had given him earlier in his leadership (Joshua 1:6-9) but also testifying that God’s promises stand secure against all odds. This moment solidifies Israel’s understanding that victory demands both action and faith. They must be prepared to engage in warfare, yet always with a posture of dependence on the Almighty. The five Amorite kings had gathered formidable defenses, but they were no match for the Lord’s might. Joshua’s leadership here reflects the principle that believers are called to trust in God’s word and move forward with confidence that the Lord will accomplish His purposes.
This verse reminds us today that courage flows from God’s faithfulness and His presence, even when facing seemingly insurmountable enemies.
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Joshua 10:25 meaning
Then Joshua said to them, “Do not fear or be dismayed! Be strong and courageous, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies with whom you fight.” (v.25)
In this moment recorded during Joshua’s southern campaign in the land of Canaan, Joshua addresses his commanders after he has summoned them to put their feet on the necks of five defeated kings—Amorite rulers who attacked the Gibeonites (Joshua 10:1-5). Joshua, who led Israel’s forces around 1400 BC, reassures his men with strong covenant imagery: God will fight for His people when they trust and obey. In telling them, “Do not fear,” Joshua echoes God’s constant command to Israel, showing that the outcome of any battle lies primarily in the Lord’s sovereign power rather than the strength of the armies themselves. This also parallels God’s previous instructions through Moses that He would defend Israel if they remained faithful, driving out the Amorites and other hostile nations that occupied the land.
By urging the officers to “be strong and courageous,” Joshua is not only reinforcing the command God had given him earlier in his leadership (Joshua 1:6-9) but also testifying that God’s promises stand secure against all odds. This moment solidifies Israel’s understanding that victory demands both action and faith. They must be prepared to engage in warfare, yet always with a posture of dependence on the Almighty. The five Amorite kings had gathered formidable defenses, but they were no match for the Lord’s might. Joshua’s leadership here reflects the principle that believers are called to trust in God’s word and move forward with confidence that the Lord will accomplish His purposes.
This verse reminds us today that courage flows from God’s faithfulness and His presence, even when facing seemingly insurmountable enemies.