He will not leave you or forsake you.
Moses' final words to Israel — and a promise that outlasts every leader.
The episode in a glance.
- 01Moses is about to die, and he's handing off leadership.
- 02'Be strong and courageous' — again, because the task is hard.
- 03The promise is God's, not Moses': 'he will not leave you.'
- 04This promise is quoted again in Hebrews 13:5 — it endures.
Read along.
Deuteronomy 31:6 is Moses' farewell to the nation he led for forty years: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.'
Imagine hearing this from a dying leader. Moses won't be crossing the Jordan. He won't be entering the Promised Land. He's handing the baton to Joshua and the next generation.
And his final charge is: don't be afraid. Not because the enemies are small. Not because the battles will be easy. Because 'the Lord your God goes with you.'
'He will not leave you or forsake you.' The verb is emphatic in Hebrew — it's a double negative for emphasis. He absolutely, categorically, will not abandon you. Not in victory. Not in defeat. Not ever.
This promise echoes through the centuries. The writer of Hebrews quotes it to Christians facing persecution. The promise outlasted Moses, outlasted Joshua, and still stands for you.