Deuteronomy 1:38
Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice that Joshua isn't just Moses' assistant; he's described as "standing before you," a phrase implying faithful service and readiness to step up. This isn't just a promotion, but a divine endorsement of his character, making him the one fit to lead Israel into their promised inheritance.
Moses, facing the disobedience and faithlessness of the generation that left Egypt, explains that while they will not enter the Promised Land, God's promise will still be fulfilled through Joshua, his faithful servant and successor. Joshua is commissioned to lead Israel into the land and secure it for them, a stark contrast to the generation's failure.
Moses is told he won't enter the Promised Land, but someone else will. Who is this successor, and what made him ready?
The verse introduces Joshua the son of Nun as Moses's successor. The phrase 'who stands before you' isn't just about physical proximity; it signifies Joshua's role as Moses's minister and servant. He was in a position of close proximity and service to Moses, learning directly from him and observing his leadership. This loyal service positioned him to step into a role of immense responsibility. It's a reminder that God often prepares leaders through seasons of faithful service and proximity to those who are already in ministry.
God doesn't just appoint Joshua; He gives Moses a specific directive regarding his successor. What does this command reveal about leadership and transition?
God's command to Moses, 'Encourage him,' is crucial. This isn't a passive handover; it's an active empowerment. 'Encourage' translates to 'strengthen' or 'make strong.' Moses is tasked with reinforcing Joshua, likely through words of assurance and by publicly bestowing authority. This highlights that leadership transitions are often difficult and require intentional support. God Himself commits to being with Joshua, but He also commissions human leaders to build up the next generation. True encouragement involves affirming God's call and promising His presence.
The ultimate goal is the inheritance of the land. What is the nature of this inheritance, and what is Joshua's role in securing it?
The inheritance is 'it' – the good land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This land is a gift from God, a physical manifestation of His covenant faithfulness. Joshua's role is to 'cause Israel to inherit it.' This means he is God's instrument to lead them in conquering the land, dispossessing its current inhabitants, and dividing it for them. While it's an inheritance from God, it requires faith and action from Joshua and Israel. This foreshadows how Jesus, the true 'Joshua,' leads us into our heavenly inheritance not just by His victory, but by His empowering us to live out its reality.
Understand the original words
chazaq · Hebrew Verb
An act of bolstering, strengthening, or making courageous, often used in commissioning someone for a difficult task or divine mission.
nachal · Hebrew Verb
To take possession of an estate or property, often denoting the portion given by God to His people as a covenantal right and blessing.
This directive to encourage Joshua comes at a critical juncture, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises even when His people falter, and underscoring the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
The Exodus from Egypt marks the beginning of Israel's 40-year journey in the wilderness. This event sets the stage for their eventual entrance into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Reaches Kadesh-Barnea
After nearly 40 years of wandering, the Israelites arrive at Kadesh-Barnea, on the border of the Promised Land. This is the pivotal moment when they were supposed to enter.
c. 1406 BC
Rejection of the Land
The Israelites, prompted by fear from the spies' negative report, refuse to enter the Promised Land. This act of disobedience seals their fate to wander for another 40 years.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Exclusion from the Land
Due to the people's rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, Moses himself is told by God that he will not enter the Promised Land. This creates the need for a new leader.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy's command to Joshua, directly instructing him to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the promised land, reinforcing the theme of God's empowerment for a divinely appointed task.
Numbers 27:18-23This passage describes Joshua's formal commissioning by God, with Moses laying hands on him, which directly parallels the encouragement mentioned in Deuteronomy and highlights Joshua's transition to leadership.
Hebrews 4:8This New Testament passage contrasts Joshua's ability to lead the people into a physical rest in the land with Jesus' ability to lead believers into a spiritual rest, drawing a clear typological link between the Old Testament leader and Christ.
1 Samuel 16:7While not directly about Joshua, this verse reveals God's perspective on leadership, emphasizing that He looks at the heart and chooses those He deems fit, which underscores God's sovereign choice of Joshua despite human failings.
wesleyDeuteronomy 1:38: "But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."
1:38 Who standeth - Who is now thy servant.
gillDeuteronomy 1:38: "But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."
But Joshua, the son of Nun, which standeth before thee,.... His servant and minister, which this phrase is expressive of: he shall go in thither: into the good land, instead of Moses, and as his successor, and who was to go before the children of Israel, and introduce them into it, as a type of Christ, who brings many sons to glory: encourage…
Notice that Joshua isn't just Moses' assistant; he's described as "standing before you," a phrase implying faithful service and readiness to step up. This isn't just a promotion, but a divine endorsement of his character, making him the one fit to lead Israel into their promised inheritance.
Moses, facing the disobedience and faithlessness of the generation that left Egypt, explains that while they will not enter the Promised Land, God's promise will still be fulfilled through Joshua, his faithful servant and successor. Joshua is commissioned to lead Israel into the land and secure it for them, a stark contrast to the generation's failure.
Moses, facing the disobedience and faithlessness of the generation that left Egypt, explains that while they will not enter the Promised Land, God's promise will still be fulfilled through Joshua, his faithful servant and successor. Joshua is commissioned to lead Israel into the land and secure it for them, a stark contrast to the generation's failure.
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c. 1406 BC— this verse
Joshua Appointed Leader
God directly instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. Moses is commanded to encourage Joshua, recognizing his vital role in leading Israel into their inheritance.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Appoints Joshua
Moses publicly commissions Joshua, transferring leadership and encouraging him for the immense task ahead. This confirms God's directive and prepares Joshua for his future role.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death
Moses dies on Mount Nebo, having seen the Promised Land from afar but not entering it. Joshua now stands as the sole leader of Israel.
"Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it." — Notice that Joshua isn't just Moses' assistant; he's described as "standing before you," a phrase implying faithful service and readiness to step up. This isn't just a promotion, but a divine endorse…
