²³ The Lord gave this command^(A) to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous,^(B) for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”

Israel’s Rebellion Predicted

¹⁴ The Lord said to Moses, “Now the day of your death^(A) is near. Call Joshua^(B) and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, where I will commission him.^(C)” So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the tent of meeting.^(D)

⁷ Then Moses summoned Joshua and said^(A) to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them,^(B) and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. ⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;^(C) he will never leave you nor forsake you.^(D) Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

⁴⁵ After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them.^(A) It remained in the land until the time of David,^(B)

⁵ No one will be able to stand against you^(A) all the days of your life. As I was with^(B) Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake^(C) you. ⁶ Be strong^(D) and courageous,^(E) because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors^(F) to give them.

⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey^(G) all the law^(H) my servant Moses^(I) gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,^(J) that you may be successful wherever you go.^{(K) 8} Keep this Book of the Law^(L) always on your lips;^(M) meditate^(N) on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.^{(O) 9} Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;^(P) do not be discouraged,^(Q) for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”^(R)

³ The Lord your God himself will cross^(A) over ahead of you.^(B) He will destroy these nations^(C) before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross^(D) over ahead of you, as the Lord said.

²⁸ But commission^(A) Joshua, and encourage^(B) and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across^(C) and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”