When we think about the idea of strength, we most normally connect it with physical power. However, strength and power are covering equivalent words, which convey the feeling of an intrinsic ability to have the capacity to act adequately, whether physically, mentally, or ethically. Along these lines Rousseau wisely brought up, "The most grounded is never to be dependably the ace unless he changes his strength into right, and compliance into duty."1 It is not surprising, then, that the scriptural record has much to state concerning strength or power. In the accompanying investigation we might investigate a portion of the constructive parts of strength as displayed especially in its non-physical action, with specific thought of its significance in the advancement of individual character. The investigation will finish up with, an outline of the consequences of our investigation and some closing musings.
The Use of Strength in the Old Testament
The transcendent God, obviously, is more than once appeared to be One of Supreme strength. In that capacity he is the maker, sustainer, and consummator of all things (e.g., Gen 1; Pss. 11; 104; Isa. 40:12-31; Jer. 32:17-22; cf. Employment 38-39; Acts 17: 26 - 27). God's dynamic strength was displayed in his bringing of his kin Israel securely out of capable Egypt. In his "devoted love" he "drove Israel out from their middle with a solid hand and an outstretched arm" (Ps. 136:11, 12)." 2 It is important to take note of that the outstretched arm or hand of God is a vital theme in the Old Testament, not just in connection to Israel's departure from Egypt (e.g., Exod. 6:6; Deut. 7:18-19; 9:29; 2 Kings 17: 36), yet in addition in his inventive movement, and superintending force and expert over all things. In this manner in such manner Jeremiah passes on the Lord's own particular words to his kin:
The Lord God of Israel who administers over all says to give your lords this message, "I made the earth and the general population and creatures on it by my relentless power and awesome strength (lit., by my outstretched arm. I offer it to whomever I see fit." (Jer. 27:4-5)
In some cases reality of God's strength filled in as a notice of judgment as well as remedy for his kin due to their settled treachery (e.g., Ezek. 20:32-38). As Wakely brings up, "Yahweh promised that with a strong hand, an outstretched hand, and overflowed fierceness he would be ruler over his kin (Ezek 20:33) and would gather them from the nations where they had been scattered (Ezek 20:34) keeping in mind the end goal to judge them and cleanse the unfaithful."3
The requirement for God's strength is seen not just in the subtle elements of Israel's freedom from Egypt however in the bigger departure story. After leaving Egypt and after the enterprise of going through the red Sea, Moses broadcasted the two his own confidence and trust in the Lord, and in the way that God alone was his adequacy. In an excellent triumph hymn he pronounced:
I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed greatly,
the steed and its rider he has tossed unto the ocean.
The LORD is my strength and my melody,
also, he has turned into my salvation.
This is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will lift up him. (Exod. 15:2)4
Moses' strength consisted in the power that God alone could supply. It was the Lord who had given Moses and the general population deliverance from their Egyptian followers. Moses' words reflect more than this, be that as it may. For God's strength was the wellspring of Moses' own salvation. In light of his connection to the LORD, Moses could have solid bravery and full certainty to have the capacity to accomplish his supernaturally named errands that lay ahead. Too, Moses had certain confidence that God would likewise lead his kin into the place that is known for promise (vv. 13, 17-18)
It is of incredible enthusiasm to take note of that Moses' words in Exodus 15:2 and his certain expectation of God's further provisions for his kin is reflected in Isaiah's prescience concerning Israel's future endowments (Isa. 11: 16-12: 3). As Smith legitimately calls attention to, "As God was the salvation of the Israelites at the (Exodus 14:13-14; 15:1-18) so God would turn into the salvation of future generations."5 The soul of Moses' words as to God's strength was hence dependable. God's strength supposedly is both accessible to his kin and should fill in as a consolation to them to confide in the lord and to tail him loyally.
Afterward, as Israel arranged to enter the promised arrive, God guaranteed his kin through Moses that they would be fruitful in accomplishing God's motivations for them by following his provisions and guidelines to them. As Craigie sees, "With full trust within the sight of God in their middle, the army of God couldn't neglect to be successful in the victory, and soon the land which had been promised such a long time ago would turn into their ownership in reality."6 Accordingly, Moses challenges the general population, "Be solid and gutsy! Try not to dread or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the person who is running with you and won't surrender you!" (Deut. 31:6). Then Moses issued a comparative note of consolation and test to Joshua, his successor, "Be solid and valiant, for you will go with these individuals to the land that the LORD promised to give their predecessors, and you will empower them to acquire it. The LORD is in fact going before you—he will be with you; he won't desert you. Try not to be anxious or discouraged!" (vv. 7-8).
It is important to take note of that the words utilized here in the Greek interpretation (LXX) decipher a couple of Hebrew verbs that are frequently utilized together to express indicating solid bravery. The two Greek verbs utilized here (anridzomai, "take care of business" and ischuō, "be solid") are additionally of incredible importance. The first of the two verbs conveys the possibility of the need to act in a masculine fashion.7 The Greek sense underscores the Hebrew blend of strength and bravery with the additional emphasis of achieving the maximum capacity of a genuine individual with the greater part of the characteristics that God alone can supply. As Wakely comments, "Both the general population all in all and Joshua, who will accept the desolate part of pioneer, are encouraged to be solid and bold, not as a result of any intrinsic capacities they may have, but since Yahweh their God will be with his dutiful workers and will never come up short or neglect them."8
This test was later strengthened to Joshua when the Lord himself advised him that, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you" (Josh. 1:5). Therefore, Joshua was tested: "Be solid and overcome! You should lead these individuals in the triumph of the land that I seriously promised their precursors I would hand over to them" (v. 6). Joshua was to display more than boldness even with threat. He was to be a model of solid devotion to God and God's statement through Moses in all that he did.