Be Strong and of a Good Courage, Joshua 1:9 Linocut Wall Art

What is painted

This one is not a watercolor. It is made in the look of a relief print, with the chunky carved lines you get from cutting into linoleum. The traveler stands on a rocky outcrop, seen from behind, cloak falling to his knees, one hand on a tall walking staff, so he could be anyone. Beyond him, range after range of mountains step down toward a big half sun in golden ochre, its rays cut as sharp strokes, and the sky is drawn in a few long streaks.

The verse is set in strong capitals across the lower part: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid”, with Joshua 1:9. The short palette of ink black and ochre on warm cream gives it a graphic, almost woodcut feel.

Courage for the day after Moses

The book of Joshua opens just after the death of Moses. The man who had led Israel out of Egypt and through forty years in the wilderness is gone, and Joshua, his assistant, must take the people across the Jordan into the land. It is a moment of real fear, and God speaks to him three times in a few verses with the same command: be strong and of a good courage (Joshua 1:6, 7 and 9).

The full verse gives the reason: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whither soever thou goest.” The courage is not self-confidence. It rests on a promise of presence, which is why the traveler on this print stands alone and is still not alone.

For a son, a father, a new beginning

The graphic style suits an office, a study or a young man's bedroom, places where soft pastel art would feel out of place. It is a popular confirmation gift, a Father's Day present and a way to mark a graduation, a deployment, a move or any first step into unknown country. Pastors and youth leaders often choose this Christian poster for the same reason.

It ships free inside the US, printed to order on heavy archival matte paper and sent unframed with a paper border. Pick a size from 5x7 to 24x36, or an A or metric size, or download the digital file instead. It is Christian wall art that feels rugged rather than sweet.