Deuteronomy 31:3

Deuteronomy 31:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said.

King James Version KJV

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

American Standard Version ASV

Jehovah thy God, he will go over before thee; he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt dispossess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as Jehovah hath spoken.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The Lord your God, he will go over before you; he will send destruction on all those nations, and you will take their land as your heritage: and Joshua will go over at your head as the Lord has said.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord your God himself is going to lead you across. He will destroy these nations as you advance, and you will take over their land. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the Lord said.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The Lord thy God he will go ouer before thee: he will destroy these nations before thee, and thou shalt possesse them. Ioshua, he shall goe before thee, as the Lord hath said.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Jehovah thy God He is passing over before thee, He doth destroy these nations from before thee, and thou hast possessed them; Joshua — he is passing over before thee as Jehovah hath spoken,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua will go over before you, as the LORD has spoken.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The Lord thy God then will pass over before thee: he will destroy all these nations in thy sight, and thou shalt possess them: and this Josue shall go over before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Yahweh our God will go ahead of you. He will enable you to destroy the nations that are living there, in order that you can occupy their land. Joshua will be your leader, which is what Yahweh already told me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 31:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 31:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ ה֣וּא עֹבֵ֣ר לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ הֽוּא יַשְׁמִ֞יד אֶת הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה מִ/לְּ/פָנֶ֖י/ךָ וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֑/ם יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ ה֚וּא עֹבֵ֣ר לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal

לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יַשְׁמִ֞יד shâmad H8045 to destroy V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron

מִ/לְּ/פָנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff

וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֑/ם yârash H3423 to possess Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua N-proper

ה֚וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal

לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 31:3

יְהוָ֨ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹהֶ֜י/ךָ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

לְ/פָנֶ֗י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הֽוּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

יַשְׁמִ֞יד shâmad H8045 "to destroy" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word shâmad means to destroy or desolate something, used to describe annihilation or devastation. It is used in the Bible to describe the destruction of cities or nations, such as in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to destroy, exterminate, be destroyed, be exterminated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be annihilated, be exterminated 1a2) to be destroyed, be devastated 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to annihilate, exterminate 1b2) to destroy Aramaic equivalent: she.mad (שְׁמַד "to destroy" H8046)

Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: destory(-uction), bring to nought, overthrow, perish, pluck down, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:30; 2 Samuel 22:38; Psalms 37:38.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/גּוֹיִ֥ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

הָ/אֵ֛לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

מִ/לְּ/פָנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

וִֽ/ירִשְׁתָּ֑/ם yârash H3423 "to possess" Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff

To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.

Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit

Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.

יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" N-proper

Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.

ה֚וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

עֹבֵ֣ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 31:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 31:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 31:3
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 31:3
Sermons on Deuteronomy 31:3

Context — Joshua to Succeed Moses

1When Moses had finished speaking these words to all Israel, 2he said to them, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old; I am no longer able to come and go, and the LORD has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’

3The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will dispossess them. Joshua will cross ahead of you, as the LORD has said.

4And the LORD will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, when He destroyed them along with their land. 5The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 9:3	But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.
2	Deuteronomy 31:23	Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to give them, and I will be with you.”
3	Deuteronomy 3:28	But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”
4	Joshua 4:14	On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.
5	Numbers 27:18–21	And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”
6	Deuteronomy 31:7–8	Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
7	Deuteronomy 31:14	Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting.
8	Joshua 1:2	“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.
9	Genesis 48:21	Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.
10	Deuteronomy 34:9	Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Deuteronomy 31:3 Summary

In Deuteronomy 31:3, God promises to cross over ahead of the Israelites and destroy the nations in their path, and then they will dispossess them. This means that God is committed to being with His people and helping them overcome any obstacles, just as He did when He parted the Red Sea in Exodus 14:19-20. As we face our own challenges, we can trust that God will be with us and give us the strength and courage we need, as He did for Joshua in Numbers 27:18-23. By trusting in God's power and presence, we can overcome any stronghold in our lives, just as the Israelites were able to conquer the Promised Land with God's help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the Lord to 'cross over ahead' of the Israelites?

This phrase signifies God's presence and leadership in their conquest of the Promised Land, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:3 and Exodus 14:19-20, where He parted the Red Sea to rescue His people.

Why did God choose Joshua to cross ahead of the Israelites?

God chose Joshua because he was a faithful leader, as stated in Numbers 27:18-23, where Moses laid hands on him and commissioned him to succeed him, and the Lord promised to be with him, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 31:23.

How does God's promise to 'destroy these nations' relate to the Israelites' responsibility?

The Israelites were still required to trust and obey God, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:5, where they were instructed to do to their enemies exactly as God had commanded them, and in Joshua 1:6-9, where Joshua was encouraged to be strong and courageous in following God's commands.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse highlights God's faithfulness, power, and promise-keeping nature, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, where He is described as a God who keeps covenant and shows loving devotion to those who love Him.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to 'cross over ahead' of me and lead the way?
How can I, like Joshua, demonstrate faith and courage in the face of challenges and uncertainties?
In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting God's power and presence in my own life, just as the Israelites were called to do in Deuteronomy 31:3?
What are some 'nations' or strongholds in my life that God wants to help me overcome, and how can I cooperate with Him in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 31:3

The Lord thy God, he will go over before thee,.... This he said to encourage the people of Israel; that though he should die, and not go over with them, their ever living and true God, the great

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 31:3

The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, and he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: and Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3

Deuteronomy 31:3 The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, [and] he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: [and] Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.Ver. 3. And Joshua.] Called Jesus. A clear type of Jesus Christ. What Moses could not do because of the people’ s unbelief - viz., to bring them to Canaan, Joshua did. So what Moses’ s law could not do - viz., to bring us to heaven, because of the infirmity of our flesh, Christ by his gospel hath done for us.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3

XXXI. Deuteronomy 31:1-8. MOSES RESIGNS HIS CHARGE AS LEADER TO JOSHUA.(1) And Moses went and spake.—The expression is unusual. Possibly it means “went on to speak.” The Palestine Targum has, “He went into the house of instruction and spake.” The LXX. have apparently preserved a different reading, and say, “And Moses made an end of speaking these words” (like Deuteronomy 32:45), as if the Hebrew were vay’cal instead of vay-yelek. A transposition of two letters would make all the difference. (2) I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in.—The description of Moses’ death in Deuteronomy 34:7, says, “his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” Yet he may have felt within himself that his work was done. “I have no longer authority, for the authority is taken from me and given into the hand of Joshua” is one interpretation. And it suits with what follows. “The Lord hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” (3) The Lord thy God, he will go over before thee . . . Joshua, he shall go over before thee.—Can it be accidental that Jehovah and Joshua are spoken of in exactly the same language, and that there is no distinguishing conjunction between them, the “and” of the English Version being supplied? “Jehovah, He is going over; Joshua, he is going over.” Verbally, the two are as much identified as “The God who fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel that redeemed me from all evil” (Genesis 48:15-16). The prophetical truth of this identification is too remarkable to be missed. (4) As he did to Sihon and to Og.—The value of these two conquests, before Israel passed the Jordan, was inestimable, as an encouragement to them to persevere. (5) According unto all the commandments.—The Hebrew word for “commandments” is in the singular, Mitzvah, the principle of action. (6) Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid.—Here this is addressed to the people in the plural number. The same thing is said to Joshua in the next verse. (7, 8) And Moses called unto Joshua.—In these words Moses formally delivers the charge of the people to Joshua, to lead them over Jordan. He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee.—Repeated by Jehovah Himself (Joshua 1:5). “Will not let thee go” is the exact meaning of “fail” here. Comp. Deuteronomy 9:14, “let me alone.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 31:3

Verse 3. Joshua, he shall go over before thee] See Clarke on Numbers 27:17, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 31:3

3. will go over before thee] Deuteronomy 9:3, where also there follows (with much else) as here, he will destroy, thou shalt dispossess or succeed them (but in another form of the vb.). This part of the v. may be a later intrusion, for the remainder follows naturally in Deuteronomy 31:2.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 31:3

	Sermon	Description
	(2008 Usa Tour) Caleb, Give Me This Mountain! by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the book of Joshua and briefly mentioning the story of Caleb. He then transitions to discussing the importance of being consumed
	Through the Bible - Joshua by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God when He performs miracles in our lives. He uses the example of the Israelites crossing the River Jorda
	Transmitting God's Power to Others - Part 1 by Derek Prince	This sermon emphasizes the significance of laying on of hands in transmitting God's power and authority for continuity in the body of Christ. It explores the spiritual purposes of
	The Daily Offerings to the Lord by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the ordination of Joshua as instructed by the Lord to Moses. He emphasizes that vows are unnecessary and that trusting in one's own fl
	The Death of Moses by David Ravenhill	David Ravenhill discusses the significance of Moses' death and the transition to Joshua's leadership, emphasizing that God often raises new leaders during times of change. He refle
	God the Holy Spirit: His Advent by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world befo
	Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of surviving a car accident. The car was driving erratically in the rain and eventually rolled over, pinning the speaker'