Never Leave or Forsake
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The phrase "never leave or forsake" is a profound biblical promise that underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and presence with His people. This assurance is rooted in several key passages throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's commitment to His covenant and His people.

Old Testament Foundations

The promise that God will never leave nor forsake His people is first articulated in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses encourages the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." . This assurance is reiterated in Deuteronomy 31:8, where Moses again emphasizes God's constant presence: "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." .

This promise is further affirmed in Joshua 1:5, as God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites: "No man shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." . Here, the promise serves as a foundation for Joshua's leadership and the people's confidence in God's guidance.

Psalms and Prophets

The theme of God's enduring presence is echoed in the Psalms and prophetic writings. In Psalm 37:28, the psalmist declares, "For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be cut off." . This verse highlights God's commitment to righteousness and His people.

Isaiah 41:10 offers another powerful reminder: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." . This passage reassures believers of God's support and strength in times of trouble.

New Testament Assurance

The New Testament continues this theme, applying it to the life of believers in Christ. In Hebrews 13:5, the author exhorts Christians to live free from the love of money, reminding them of God's promise: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'" . This citation of the Old Testament promise underscores its enduring relevance and application to the Christian life.

Theological Significance

The promise that God will never leave or forsake His people is central to the biblical understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It reflects His covenantal faithfulness, a key attribute of God throughout Scripture. This assurance provides believers with comfort, courage, and confidence, knowing that God's presence is constant and His promises are sure.

In times of trial, uncertainty, or fear, the promise of God's unfailing presence serves as a source of strength and hope. It calls believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, regardless of circumstances. This promise is not only a comfort but also a call to faithfulness, as believers are encouraged to live in light of God's enduring presence and support.
Topical Bible Verses
Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Topicalbible.org

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, he it is that does go before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Topicalbible.org

Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you.
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew
2308. chadal -- to cease
... 1), failed (1), gave (1), hold back (1), leave (5), let my alone (1), neglects
(1), never mind (2 ... cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave off, let alone, rest ...
/hebrew/2308.htm - 6k
Library

September 16. "I Will Never Leave Thee nor Forsake Thee" (Heb. ...
... SEPTEMBER 16. "I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee" (Heb. xiii. 5).
"I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee" (Hebrews 13:5). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 16 i will never.htm

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
... upon you now. No, since he has said, "I will never leave nor forsake thee"
leave your troubles in your pews, and bear away a song. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/never never never never never.htm

A New Year's Benediction
... "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things
as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."" ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/a new years benediction.htm

Alive unto God.
... and bereavements alone, we know that alone we must die, and be judged, and yet,
as Christians, we know that Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us, that He ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xli alive unto god.htm

March 25 Morning
... I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."HEB.13:5. So that we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/march 25 morning.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... small voice" amid the long-drawn breath of the tempest, and earthquake, and
storm;""The Lord is there!" Be assured He will never leave nor forsake any that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

Hebrews xii. 28, 29
... says) "with such things as ye have." Then here also the consolation; ( ver.5 )
"For He" (he says) "hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee"; ( ver ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii hebrews xii 28.htm

Be of Good Cheer.
... "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). "He hath
said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/be of good cheer.htm

Tenth Commandment
... "Be content with such things as ye have," not worrying about the future,
because God has promised never to leave or forsake you. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... But look here. Has not God made you a promise, saying, "I will never leave thee
nor forsake thee?" Would you like to be called a promise-breaker? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Resources
Did Jesus mean that we should never refer to our earthly father as “father” (Matthew 23:9)? Is it wrong for Catholics to refer to their priests as “father”? | GotQuestions.org

Can a person believe in some sense but not be saved? | GotQuestions.org

Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Never: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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