But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see." But commission Joshua,Moses was to establish Joshua before Israel as the appointed leader who would continue the work God had begun through Moses. Joshua had served faithfully as Moses’ aide, led Israel in battle against Amalek, and remained steadfast with Caleb in urging faith in God’s promise. His public commissioning, later carried out before Eleazar and the congregation, confirmed that his authority came from the Lord rather than personal ambition. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… encourage him, Joshua faced the immense responsibility of leading a new generation into a land occupied by fortified peoples and hostile armies. Moses was to strengthen his confidence in God’s promise, teaching Israel that their future depended not upon Joshua’s ability alone but upon the Lord who went before them. Deu 31:7-8 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him… and strengthen him, Joshua needed courage and steadfastness for military conflict, national leadership, and obedience to God’s commands. The Lord would repeat this charge after Moses’ death: “Be strong and courageous,” grounding Joshua’s leadership in God’s continual presence and faithfulness. Jos 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous?… for he will cross over ahead of the people Joshua would lead Israel through the Jordan as Moses had led the previous generation through the Red Sea. The crossing marked the end of Israel’s wilderness discipline and the beginning of their possession of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deu 31:3 The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you.… and enable them to inherit the land God would give the land, yet Joshua would lead the people in receiving what God had promised. Israel’s inheritance displayed the Lord’s covenant faithfulness and required continued obedience to Him. Joshua’s name, meaning “The Lord saves,” also points forward to Jesus, who brings His people into their greater and lasting inheritance. Deu 1:38 Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it.… that you will see.” Moses would view the land from Mount Nebo but would not enter because of his disobedience at Meribah. His exclusion upheld God’s holiness, while God’s allowing him to see the land showed mercy and confirmed that His promises would be fulfilled even after Moses’ death. Deu 34:4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is instructed by God to commission Joshua as his successor. 2. Joshua The appointed successor of Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. 3. The Israelites The people of God, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. Mount Nebo The place where Moses views the Promised Land before his death, as mentioned in the broader context of Deuteronomy. Teaching Points Leadership TransitionGod’s plan includes the preparation and commissioning of new leaders. Just as Moses was instructed to prepare Joshua, we should be intentional in mentoring and preparing future leaders in our communities and churches. Encouragement and Strengthening Encouragement is a vital part of leadership. We are called to support and uplift those who are stepping into new roles, ensuring they feel equipped and confident in their God-given tasks. Faith in God’s Promises Joshua’s leadership was rooted in the promise of God. We, too, should anchor our actions and decisions in the promises found in Scripture, trusting in God’s faithfulness. Obedience to God’s Commands Moses’ obedience in commissioning Joshua highlights the importance of following God’s instructions, even when it means passing the baton to someone else. Vision for the Future Just as Moses was given a vision of the Promised Land, leaders should seek God’s vision for the future, guiding their people with hope and purpose. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the commissioning of Joshua by Moses reflect the importance of mentorship and leadership development in the church today?2. In what ways can we encourage and strengthen those who are stepping into new roles or challenges in our communities? 3. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God’s promises to our personal lives and decision-making processes? 4. What are some practical ways we can ensure a smooth transition of leadership within our own spheres of influence? 5. How does the example of Moses and Joshua challenge us to be obedient to God’s commands, even when it involves personal sacrifice or change? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 1:1-9This passage details God's commissioning of Joshua, echoing the encouragement and strengthening Moses was instructed to provide. Numbers 27:18-23 This passage describes the formal commissioning of Joshua by Moses, as commanded by God. Hebrews 13:5-6 These verses remind believers of God's promise to never leave nor forsake them, similar to the encouragement given to Joshua. 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul’s encouragement to Timothy to lead despite his youth parallels the encouragement given to Joshua as a new leader.
People Ammonites, Amorites, Argob, Gadites, Geshurites, Israelites, Jair, Jehoshua, Joshua, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Manasseh, Moses, Og, Rephaites, Reubenites, Sidonians, SihonPlaces Arabah, Argob, Aroer, Bashan, Beth-baal-peor, Chinnereth, Edrei, Gilead, Havvoth-jair, Hermon, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jordan River, Lebanon, Mount Hermon, Pisgah, Rabbah, Rephaim, Salecah, Salt Sea, Sea of the Arabah, Senir, Sirion, Valley of the ArnonTopics Across, Cause, Charge, Comforting, Commission, Encourage, Harden, Heritage, Inherit, Inheritance, Jehoshua, Jordan, Joshua, Lead, Making, Orders, Pass, Possession, Seest, Strengthen, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 3:28 7258 promised land, early history Library A Model of Intercession"And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and shall say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine is come unto me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him; and he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: I cannot rise and give thee? I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet, because of his importunity, he will arise and give him as many as he needeth."--LUKE xi. 5-8. … Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Gen. xxxi. 11 Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 3:28 NIVDeuteronomy 3:28 NLT Deuteronomy 3:28 ESV Deuteronomy 3:28 NASB Deuteronomy 3:28 KJV Deuteronomy 3:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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