BE OF GOOD COURAGE

Gary McDade

In Deuteronomy and Joshua God’s people are admonished to be “of a good courage” as they were about to conquer Canaan. (Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23; Joshua 1:6, 9, 18; 10:25). Earlier, Moses pled with the spies to courageously search out the land (Numbers 13:20). Six times after that they were urged to “be of good courage.”

2 Samuel 10:12

“Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth Him good.”—Israel’s battle against the Syrians. The Syrians fled before David’s general Joab. (See also: 1 Chronicles 19:13).

1 Chronicles 28:20

“And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (See David’s initial words to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 22:13).

Ezra 10:4

“Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.”—The returned captives weeping and penitent over the sin they committed in taking strange wives of the people of the land upon determining to put them away.

Psalm 27:14

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”—David’s confidence of God’s deliverance from his enemies emerging from his fervent desire to worship God.

Psalm 31:24

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”—David’s recommendation for all to love the Lord and trust Him for deliverance from all enemies.

Isaiah 41:6

“They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.”—God’s promise of deliverance to Israel from their oppressors.

In Conclusion

Finally, in the New Testament we read of Paul taking courage (qa,rsoj—*courage* or *confidence*; only here in the NT) when brethren in Italy came out to meet him upon his arrival at Appii Forum and Three Taverns prior to his appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:15). Paul’s meeting with these brethren proves the power to generate courage that comes from our association with members of the church of Christ.