So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Joshua isn't just chosen, he's chosen because he possesses "the Spirit"—implying not just a human spirit, but the indwelling power of God equipping him for leadership. This emphasis on divine empowerment underscores that true qualification for God's work comes from Him, not just human capability.
So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses, sensing his own approaching death, expresses concern for the people of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader who can guide them. In response, God instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, identifying him as a man filled with the Spirit, and to ordain him as the new leader before the priest and the congregation. This moment establishes Joshua's public succession to Moses, ensuring the continuity of leadership and divine guidance for the Israelites.
Ever felt like you know exactly who should be in charge? Moses did too, but when it came to appointing his successor, he didn't rely on his own judgment. Find out why God alone is the true arbiter of leadership.
Moses, a man deeply devoted to God and caring for his people, felt the weight of his impending death. He didn't appoint his successor out of personal preference or political maneuvering. Instead, he went to God.
A Paternal Zeal
Moses showed incredible care, not just for the present, but for the future of Israel. He prayed for a successor so the people wouldn't be like a 'headless body.' This wasn't just duty; it was paternal affection.
God's Sole Authority
Crucially, Moses didn't try to pick the leader himself or let the people decide. He recognized that finding someone truly sufficient for such a monumental task was beyond human judgment. He submitted the choice entirely to God, ensuring that supreme authority always remained with the Creator.
We often look for leaders with impressive skills or a strong personality. But God's criteria are different. Discover what 'a man in whom is the Spirit' truly means.
The phrase 'a man in whom is the Spirit' is God's stamp of approval on Joshua. It's not just about natural talents or acquired knowledge, though Joshua had those. It points to something deeper.
Divine Endowment
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This signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit, equipping Joshua with specific gifts needed for leadership: intelligence, judgment, magnanimity, and skill. It's a supernatural empowerment for the task God sets before him.
Essential Qualifications
This isn't just about general goodness. It highlights specific endowments like wisdom, courage, and the fear of God—qualities essential for guiding God's people. Without this divine unction, any human ability falls short.
Joshua was clearly chosen by God and filled with His Spirit. So why the physical ceremony? Explore the significance of laying hands on the new leader.
While God's choice and Joshua's inner qualifications were paramount, an outward act was necessary. The laying on of hands was a public declaration and a tangible impartation.
Public Affirmation
This ritual, performed before Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, served as a public endorsement. It removed any doubt and ensured everyone could recognize Joshua as the divinely appointed successor.
Conferring Authority and Grace
This wasn't just symbolic. It was a solemn rite where God, through Moses, conferred authority and publicly endowed Joshua with the spiritual gifts and graces necessary for his high office. It was a visible sign that he was set apart for God's service and no longer just a private individual.
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active presence and power of God within history and individuals. In the Old Testament, the Spirit often comes upon individuals to empower them for specific tasks, divine service, or prophetic leadership.
samak · Hebrew Verb
A symbolic act performed to signify the transfer of authority, blessing, or responsibility from one person to another. It identifies the individual as divinely appointed and acknowledges their new role before the community.
This moment highlights a crucial leadership transition. God doesn't just pick anyone; He chooses Joshua because he's already filled with God's Spirit – a clear sign of divine qualification and empowerment for the immense task ahead.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites depart from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their 40-year wilderness journey.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, begin their military campaign to conquer the Promised Land.
c. 1400 BC
Moses Nears the End of His Life
Moses is preparing for his death, having led the Israelites for 40 years. The people need a new leader to guide them into the land.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints Joshua as Successor
God instructs Moses to commission Joshua as his successor by laying hands on him, signifying the transfer of authority and divine empowerment.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua Leads Israel into Promised Land
Following Moses' death, Joshua assumes leadership and successfully guides the Israelites in conquering and settling Canaan.
This passage directly links Joshua's wisdom and qualification for leadership to Moses laying hands on him, highlighting the impartation of God's Spirit for the role.
1 Samuel 16:13It shows the Holy Spirit empowering David for leadership, paralleling how the Spirit was recognized as the key qualification for Joshua's leadership role.
Acts 6:3The apostles sought out men 'full of the Spirit and wisdom' to lead the church, mirroring the emphasis on spiritual endowment for leaders found in Joshua's appointment.
2 Timothy 1:6-7Paul reminds Timothy to 'fan into flame the gift of God' within him, received through the laying on of hands, echoing the concept of spiritual empowerment for ministry through sacred rites.
calvinNumbers 27:15-23: "And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
Qui postea coram Eleazar stabit, et interrogabit eum de judicio Urim coram Jehova: ad verbum ejus egredientur ipse et omnes filii Israel cum eo, et tota congregatio.…
bensonNumbers 27:18: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;"
Numbers 27:18 . In whom is the spirit — Or spiritual endowments from the Holy Ghost; for it is by the influence of the Spirit of God that all good gifts are communicated to the sons of men. It particularly means here, the spirit of wisdom, courage, and the fear of God, with other gifts necessary for a well-qualified governor. Hence Joshua is said to have been…
The verse highlights that Joshua isn't just chosen, he's chosen because he possesses "the Spirit"—implying not just a human spirit, but the indwelling power of God equipping him for leadership. This emphasis on divine empowerment underscores that true qualification for God's work comes from Him, not just human capability.
Moses, sensing his own approaching death, expresses concern for the people of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader who can guide them. In response, God instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, identifying him as a man filled with the Spirit, and to ordain him as the new leader before the priest and the congregation. This moment establishes Joshua's public succession to Moses, ensuring the continuity of leadership and divine guidance for the Israelites.
Moses, sensing his own approaching death, expresses concern for the people of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader who can guide them. In response, God instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, identifying him as a man filled with the Spirit, and to ordain him as the new leader before the priest and the congregation. This moment establishes Joshua's public succession to Moses, ensuring the continuity of leadership and divine guidance for the Israelites.
"So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him." — The verse highlights that Joshua isn't just chosen, he's chosen because he possesses "the Spirit"—implying not just a human spirit, but the indwelling power of God equipping him for leadership. Thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026