Deuteronomy 1:38
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The phrase "who stands before you" isn't just a description of Joshua's current role; it highlights his intimate service and readiness to follow God's direct command. This close proximity and submission are presented as the very foundation for his ability to lead Israel into their inheritance.
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)
Moses is recounting their journey from Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land, recalling their rebellion and God's subsequent judgment that this generation would not enter Canaan. He explains that Joshua, who has faithfully served him, is the one designated to lead Israel into the land, and therefore Moses is commissioning him for this vital task.
Joshua isn't just Moses' assistant; he's in a unique position of service and readiness. What does it mean to 'stand before' your leader?
The phrase 'who stands before you' is key here. It signifies Joshua's intimate service and proximity to Moses, and by extension, to God's presence and will.
A Position of Preparedness
This wasn't just a title; it described Joshua's role as Moses' minister and attendant. Think of him as someone constantly in the ear of leadership, learning, observing, and being prepared for the next step. This constant exposure to divine leadership made him ready.
More Than Just an Aide
'Standing before' also implies respect, loyalty, and a readiness to act. It’s a posture of attentiveness. Joshua wasn't just present; he was engaged, learning the heart of leadership and the ways of God through Moses.
God doesn't just appoint Joshua; He commands Moses to actively 'encourage' him. Why is encouragement so vital in leadership transition?
God’s commission to Moses to 'encourage him' is profound. It’s not just a handover; it’s a divinely orchestrated moment of empowerment.
Strengthening for the Task
'Encourage' literally means 'strengthen' or 'make strong.' God knew Joshua would face immense challenges – leading a grumbling nation into a hostile land. He needed more than just Moses' blessing; he needed divine bolstering through human affirmation.
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A Legacy of Support
This shows that leadership transitions are supported by intentional encouragement. Moses, having just heard his own leadership would end, is tasked with building up his successor. This is a model for us: God's plans involve strengthening those He raises up, often through the support of those who came before.
Joshua's role is defined by bringing Israel into their inheritance. What does it mean to be the one who 'causes' this inheritance?
The ultimate purpose of Joshua's leadership is to bring the people into the land God promised. He is the executor of God's promise.
God's Promise, Joshua's Role
It's crucial to see that God is the one who 'swore to their fathers to give them' the land. Joshua doesn't give the inheritance; he causes Israel to inherit it. This means he is the divinely appointed agent, the captain who leads them to possess what God has already decreed.
Faith and Force
This involved military conquest and meticulous division of the land. Joshua would lead battles, dispossessing the current inhabitants. The word 'inherit' here carries the weight of taking possession, often through force, as a gift from God. It's a picture of how God's promises are realized through our faithful obedience and action, empowered by Him.
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 verse is spoken by Moses at the very end of Israel's 40-year wilderness journey, just before his death and Joshua's ascension to leadership. It highlights the transition of command from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing God's faithfulness in bringing His people into the land, even when their human leaders falter or are removed.
c. 1446 BC
Israelites at Kadesh-barnea
After leaving Egypt and wandering in the desert, the Israelites arrive at Kadesh-barnea, on the border of the Promised Land. Here, they send spies into Canaan.
c. 1445 BC
Rejection of the Promised Land
The spies return with a discouraging report, leading the people to rebel against God's command to enter Canaan. As a result, God decrees that the rebellious generation will wander in the desert for 40 years.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints Joshua as Successor
As Moses nears the end of his life and the Israelites prepare to finally enter the Promised Land, God designates Joshua, Moses' faithful attendant, as the next leader. Moses is instructed to publicly commission Joshua.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Crosses the Jordan River
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin their conquest of Canaan, fulfilling God's promises to their ancestors.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest and Division of Canaan
The Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the land of Canaan and divide it among the twelve tribes as their inheritance.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy 1:38 by commanding Joshua to 'be strong and courageous' because he will 'cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them,' directly linking his leadership to God's promise.
Numbers 27:18-20Here, God explicitly designates Joshua as Moses' successor and instructs Moses to 'encourage him and strengthen him,' highlighting the divine mandate and the need for support in leading Israel, mirroring the sentiment in Deuteronomy.
Hebrews 11:31Rahab's faith is highlighted for welcoming the spies and not perishing with those who were disobedient, indirectly connecting to Joshua's mission by showing that faithfulness, even from outsiders, was valued in the conquest of the land.
1 Samuel 16:7While not about leadership transfer, this verse reminds us that God looks at the heart, underscoring the importance of Joshua's faithfulness and integrity ('who stands before you') in being chosen to lead Israel, a quality God values in His leaders.
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…
The phrase "who stands before you" isn't just a description of Joshua's current role; it highlights his intimate service and readiness to follow God's direct command. This close proximity and submission are presented as the very foundation for his ability to lead Israel into their inheritance.
Moses is recounting their journey from Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land, recalling their rebellion and God's subsequent judgment that this generation would not enter Canaan. He explains that Joshua, who has faithfully served him, is the one designated to lead Israel into the land, and therefore Moses is commissioning him for this vital task.
Moses is recounting their journey from Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land, recalling their rebellion and God's subsequent judgment that this generation would not enter Canaan. He explains that Joshua, who has faithfully served him, is the one designated to lead Israel into the land, and therefore Moses is commissioning him for this vital task.
"Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it." — The phrase "who stands before you" isn't just a description of Joshua's current role; it highlights his intimate service and readiness to follow God's direct command. This close proximity and submiss…
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Last reviewed October 2026
