דברים, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ב

As the Israelites prepare to enter the land of Israel, a profound message of courage is delivered to ready them for the battles ahead. The instruction is meant to instill a deep, unwavering confidence in both the nation and its leaders, assuring them of absolute divine backing in their future military campaigns.

Although the command to cast aside fear is spoken directly to Joshua, the directive is given in the plural. This broad phrasing embraces the entire nation, ensuring that not a single individual feels any anxiety or worry regarding the enemies they are about to face [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, these are the exact words Joshua is instructed to relay to the people, guiding them to place their complete trust in God [אור החיים].

The assurance that God will fight for the Israelites carries a specific weight regarding the upcoming conflicts. Unlike the open, undeniable miracles they previously experienced, the battles led by Joshua are destined to unfold through natural means. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize that despite the ordinary appearance of warfare, God is the one actively fighting on their behalf. This mirrors their earlier victories over Sihon and Og, which were also achieved through seemingly natural military efforts.

This absolute confidence is further rooted in the understanding that God's will does not waver. Even as earthly circumstances shift, His support for the nation remains entirely constant and stable [העמק דבר]. Delivering this reassuring message at this exact moment also serves as a natural introduction to Moses' own plea to enter the land, an event that unfolds immediately afterward [מלבי״ם].