244 Global Ethics for Leadership
19.1 Courage in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament we find examples of two forms of courage.
There is civilian courage and military courage.^200 The Hebrew words for
courage are derived from two roots, which are: אמאתסand Hazaq, or
khâzaq.
19.1.1 ‘Amats
The primary meaning of ‘amats is: to be strong, alert, courageous,
brave, large, solid, and hard. It also means: to make secure, make firm,
be determined, demonstrate your superiority, muster one’s strength and
be strong. It is generally translated as: strong, courage, strengthen, de-
termined, make haste, be victorious, consolidate, fortify, choose, gather
together. Also derived from the same root are: strength, strong, power,
ability). We should note that ‘amats is used as a verb in 41 verses in the
Old Testament.^201
19.1.2 Hazaq, or Khâzaq
Hazaq, is variously translated by words such as: strong, strength,
strengthen, seize, increase, exert pressure, harden, retain, support, cour-
age, protect oneself, violence, stand firm, help, hold on, or support one-
self, vigourously. There are derived from it: strength) (once in the mas-
culin of hezeq The usage of Hazaq is similar to that of ‘amats.
Generally, Hazaq is used in the context of a battle, or war, when the
combatants need steadfastness, valour and intrepidness. In its primary
meaning it is used to exhort to be, or to become, strong and courageous,
not to be afraid and not to tremble with fear. In that perspective the idea
of courage is an appeal for moral and mental strength.
200
201 Deuteronomy 20:8 and Amos 2:16^
Some of these verses are: Genesis 25:23; Deuteronomy 2:30; 3:28; 15:7;
31:6-7, 23; Joshua 1:6-9, 18 etc.