Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. Now Joshua son of NunThe name "Joshua" is derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "The LORD is salvation." This name is significant as it foreshadows the role Joshua will play in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a type of salvation and fulfillment of God's promises. Joshua, the son of Nun, is introduced here as a pivotal figure, emphasizing the continuity of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Historically, Joshua's lineage as the son of Nun places him within the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Joseph. was filled with the spirit of wisdom
The phrase "spirit of wisdom" in Hebrew is "ruach chokmah." The "spirit" (ruach) often denotes a divine influence or empowerment, suggesting that Joshua's wisdom is not merely human but divinely endowed. "Chokmah" (wisdom) in the Hebrew context implies not just knowledge but the practical application of God's truth in leadership and decision-making. This divine wisdom is essential for Joshua as he assumes the mantle of leadership, guiding the Israelites with discernment and understanding. because Moses had laid his hands on him
The act of laying on of hands is a significant biblical practice, symbolizing the transfer of authority, blessing, or spiritual empowerment. In this context, Moses laying his hands on Joshua signifies the formal and divinely sanctioned transfer of leadership. This act is not only a physical gesture but a spiritual one, indicating God's approval and the continuity of His covenantal promises through Joshua. Historically, this practice underscores the importance of orderly succession and the passing on of spiritual authority within the community of God's people. So the Israelites listened to him
The Israelites' response to Joshua's leadership is crucial. The verb "listened" implies obedience and respect for Joshua's authority, which is rooted in the recognition of God's hand upon him. This obedience is a testament to the Israelites' acknowledgment of God's chosen leader and their willingness to follow divine guidance. The historical context here reflects the Israelites' journey and their need for a strong, God-appointed leader to guide them into the fulfillment of God's promises. and did what the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's commandments and the faithfulness required of the Israelites. The commands given to Moses were not just for his time but were to be upheld by future generations. Joshua's leadership is validated by his adherence to these divine instructions, ensuring that the people remain aligned with God's will. This continuity underscores the unchanging nature of God's word and the importance of obedience to His commands as a community of faith. Historically, this reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience leads to blessing and fulfillment of God's promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. Joshua son of NunJoshua is the successor of Moses, chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is described as being filled with the spirit of wisdom. 2. MosesThe great prophet and leader of Israel who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He laid hands on Joshua, signifying the transfer of leadership and blessing. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are now under Joshua's leadership, are obedient to him as they were to Moses. 4. The laying on of handsA significant act of blessing and commissioning, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. 5. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into this land. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipGodly leadership is crucial for guiding God's people. Joshua's leadership, filled with the spirit of wisdom, was essential for the Israelites' success. The Role of the Holy SpiritThe spirit of wisdom given to Joshua signifies the Holy Spirit's role in equipping leaders for their tasks. We should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives. The Significance of Laying on of HandsThis act is a biblical tradition that signifies the transfer of authority and blessing. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and affirming God's calling in others. Obedience to God-Appointed LeadersThe Israelites' obedience to Joshua reflects the importance of respecting and following leaders whom God has appointed. Continuity in God's PlanThe transition from Moses to Joshua shows that God's plan continues through different leaders. We can trust that God is always at work, even as leadership changes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the laying on of hands in Deuteronomy 34:9 relate to the practice of commissioning leaders in the New Testament? 2. In what ways can we seek the spirit of wisdom in our own lives, and how can it impact our decision-making? 3. What qualities made Joshua a suitable successor to Moses, and how can we develop similar qualities in our own leadership roles? 4. How does the obedience of the Israelites to Joshua's leadership challenge us in our attitudes toward authority in the church and community? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a transition in leadership. How did you see God's hand at work during that transition, and what lessons did you learn? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 27:18-23This passage describes God's command to Moses to lay hands on Joshua, commissioning him as the leader of Israel. It highlights the continuity of leadership and the divine approval of Joshua. Acts 6:6The apostles laid hands on the seven chosen men, showing the continuation of this practice in the early church for commissioning and blessing. 1 Timothy 4:14Paul reminds Timothy of the gift he received through the laying on of hands, emphasizing the importance of this act in conferring spiritual gifts and authority. People Dan, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joshua, Manasseh, Moses, Naphtali, Nun, Pharaoh, ZoarPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Gilead, Jericho, Moab, Mount Nebo, Negeb, Pisgah, Valley of Jericho, ZoarTopics Commanded, Ear, Filled, Full, Hands, Hearken, Hearkened, Israelites, Joshua, Laid, Listened, Nun, Obeyed, Orders, Sons, Spirit, WisdomDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 34:9 3050 Holy Spirit, wisdom
3110 Holy Spirit, titles of
3233 Holy Spirit, and sanctification
3251 Holy Spirit, filling with
3272 Holy Spirit, in OT
3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling
5064 spirit, emotional
7372 hands, laying on
7967 spiritual gifts, responsibility
8367 wisdom, importance of Library A Death in the Desert
'So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, ... but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.'--DEUT. xxxiv.5, 6. A fitting end to such a life! The great law-giver and leader had been all his days a lonely man; and now, surrounded by a new generation, and all the old familiar faces vanished, he is more solitary than ever. He had lived alone with God, and it was fitting that alone with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Moses
(First Sunday after Trinity.) DEUT. xxxiv. 5, 6. So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor; but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Some might regret that the last three chapters of Deuteronomy are not read among our Sunday lessons. There was not, however, room for them; and I do not doubt that those who chose our lessons knew better than I what chapters …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Moses the Type of Christ.
"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken."--Deut. xviii. 15. The history of Moses is valuable to Christians, not only as giving us a pattern of fidelity towards God, of great firmness, and great meekness, but also as affording us a type or figure of our Saviour Christ. No prophet arose in Israel like Moses, till Christ came, when the promise in the text was fulfilled--"The Lord thy God," says Moses, "shall …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII So Then we must Confess that the Dead Indeed do not Know what Is...
18. So then we must confess that the dead indeed do not know what is doing here, but while it is in doing here: afterwards, however, they hear it from those who from hence go to them at their death; not indeed every thing, but what things those are allowed to make known who are suffered also to remember these things; and which it is meet for those to hear, whom they inform of the same. It may be also, that from the Angels, who are present in the things which are doing here, the dead do hear somewhat, …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Peræa to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus.
^D John XI. 1-46. ^d 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [For Bethany and the sisters, see p. 478.] 2 And it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair [John xii. 3 ], whose brother Lazarus was sick. [The anointing had not yet taken place, as John himself shows. For a similar anticipation see Matt. x. 4. There are five prominent Marys in the New Testament: those of Nazareth, Magdala and Bethany; the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 34:9 NIVDeuteronomy 34:9 NLTDeuteronomy 34:9 ESVDeuteronomy 34:9 NASBDeuteronomy 34:9 KJV
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