Joshua 5:1  Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.

The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Jos 5:1.

When all the Amorite kings across the Jordan to the west and all the Canaanite kings near the sea heard how the LORD had dried up the water of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, they lost heart and their courage failed because of the Israelites. 

Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jos 5:1.

When all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings who lived along the Mediterranean coast heard how the LORD had dried up the Jordan River so the people of Israel could cross, they lost heart and were paralyzed with fear because of them. 

Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Jos 5:1.

(Emphasis added)

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Moses (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8) and God (Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:6-9) told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The book bearing Joshua’s name shows us the difference between reverence and terror. When we see God for who he is, we cannot help but revere him. When those who oppose God see him for who he is, they cannot help but experience terror. 

Take a look at the three translations above and the added emphasis in each. What happened when Joshua and Israel moved forward in obedience and faith in God? Their enemies’ “hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites,” (New International Version).

“They lost heart and their courage failed because of the Israelites,” (Christian Standard Bible).

“They lost heart and were paralyzed with fear because of them,” (New Living Translation. 

We today have the opportunity to align ourselves with God and operate from a place and pace of reverence, obedience, and faith. 

We have noticed from Genesis up to Joshua how God provides as he guides. One of his best gifts is courage. His words to Joshua in 1:7-9 put steel in our spines. Here is a text worth committing to memory because one of these days, you and I are going to need it. God says this to everyone who seeks to know and experience him. This is what Jesus said when he commissioned his followers. This is what was made possible for every believer in the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. 

How will you demonstrate courage today?

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I will remember God will never leave me nor forsake me but instead will give me strength and courage for whatever he leads me to face.

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Our Father, we pray David’s prayer, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me,” (Psalm 23:4). If you are with me, If you lead me, if you empower me, what can stand against me? Lead forward in courage and confidence today. Amen.