Be Strong and Resolute: A Timeless Charge
Yehoshua 1:1-18
As Yehoshua embarks on his leadership journey, Hashem repeatedly strengthens him with the words חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָ֔ץ, be strong and resolute. This phrase is said three times in this opening perek of Sefer Yehoshua. Why the repetition? Why the insistence on this charge? The Abarbanel suggests that these three directives, rather than suggesting a weakness in Yehoshua, address three distinct aspects of his leadership.
The first directive is addressed to Yehoshua as he leads the people:
חֲזַ֖ק וֶאֱמָ֑ץ כִּ֣י אַתָּ֗ה תַּנְחִיל֙ אֶת־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶת־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־נִשְׁבַּ֥עְתִּי לַאֲבוֹתָ֖ם לָתֵ֥ת לָהֶֽם׃, Be strong and resolute, for you shall apportion to this people the land that I swore to their fathers (Yehoshua 1:6). As a leader, Yehoshua would face moments of doubt and dissent from within the nation. His leadership might be questioned; the people might waver in their confidence. In this moment, Yehoshua is reminded: חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָ֔ץ—stand strong and resolute!
The second charge shifts focus to Yehoshua’s own spiritual resilience:
רַק֩ חֲזַ֨ק וֶֽאֱמַ֜ץ מְאֹ֗ד לִשְׁמֹ֤ר לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ כְּכָל־הַתּוֹרָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוְּךָ֙ מֹשֶׁ֣ה עַבְדִּ֔י... לֹֽא־יָמ֡וּשׁ סֵפֶר֩ הַתּוֹרָ֨ה הַזֶּ֜ה מִפִּ֗יךָ...Be strong and resolute to observe all of the Torah... Let not this Book of Teaching cease from your lips...(Yehoshua 1:7-8). The Torah is Yehoshua’s guidepost, his anchor amidst the trials he will face. In a world of shifting values, Yehoshua is tasked with unwavering devotion to the Torah. By internalizing its teachings day and night, Yehoshua would find the strength to confront the religious and spiritual challenges ahead.
The third and final charge touches on those who may seek to erode Yehoshua’s resolve:
הֲל֤וֹא צִוִּיתִ֙יךָ֙ חֲזַ֣ק וֱֶאֱמָ֔ץ אַל־תַּעֲרֹ֖ץ וְאַל־תֵּחָ֑ת כִּ֤י עִמְּךָ֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ בְּכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר תֵּלֵֽךְ׃, Have I not commanded you: Be strong and resolute; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Yehoshua 1:9). Hashem reassures Yehoshua that he will not walk alone. Even when the challenges seem insurmountable, when it feels as though the task is too great, Yehoshua is reminded that Hashem is by his side—always.
These timeless words resonate far beyond Yehoshua’s personal mission. They echo for us today. As we leave the protective embrace of our sukkot and step back into a world filled with pain, uncertainty, and upheaval—war, displacement, antisemitism, political instability—how do we move forward?
Hashem's message to Yehoshua and to us is two-fold:
חֲזַ֣ק—Be strong. In the here and now, remember that Hashem is with us, guiding our steps and supporting us on this journey.
וֱֶאֱמָ֔ץ—Be resolute. This is a call for confidence in the future, to hold on to our faith even when the world looks and feels unsteady.
As we enter the winter months, Hashem implores and empowers us: חֲזַ֣ק וֱֶאֱמָ֔ץ—strengthen your resolve, hold fast to your faith, and trust in the better days to come.
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