How does God's presence in Deuteronomy 31:14 relate to Matthew 28:20? Setting the Scene in Deuteronomy 31:14 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Behold, the time for you to die is near; call Joshua and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting so that I may commission him.’ When Moses and Joshua had presented themselves,” (Deuteronomy 31:14) • The moment marks a pivotal leadership hand-off. • God summons both men to the Tent of Meeting—His dwelling place among Israel (Exodus 25:8). • What follows is a visible manifestation of the LORD in the pillar of cloud (v. 15), underscoring that He Himself will remain with the nation even as Moses departs. Setting the Scene in Matthew 28:20 “…and behold, I am with you all the days, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) • Jesus, risen and about to ascend, gives the Great Commission (vv. 18-19). • His closing assurance parallels Yahweh’s Old-Testament promise of abiding presence. • The phrase “all the days” (pasas tas hēmeras) is comprehensive—no gap, no interruption. Key Parallels 1. Leadership Transition • Deuteronomy: Moses → Joshua • Matthew: Jesus’ earthly ministry → the apostles’ mission • In both cases the departing leader leaves not abandonment but divine accompaniment. 2. Commissioning Context • Joshua is commissioned to lead Israel into the land (Deuteronomy 31:23). • The disciples are commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). • God’s presence guarantees the success of each mission. 3. Form of Presence • Old Testament: physical cloud of glory; Tabernacle; theophany. • New Testament: indwelling Spirit (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8) sent by the ascended Christ. • Same God, new covenant expression. 4. Covenant Faithfulness • “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). • Jesus’ “I am with you” echoes and fulfills this covenant formula. Progression of Revelation • The Tent of Meeting localized God’s nearness; Christ universalizes it. • The cloud could be seen; the Spirit cannot be seen yet is no less real (Romans 8:9-11). • The Old Testament shadow gives way to New Testament substance (Colossians 2:17). Practical Takeaways • God’s presence is not tied to a place but to His people (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). • Every calling from God is matched by His companionship; obedience never occurs in isolation. • The promise extends “to the end of the age,” securing believers until Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Summary The LORD’s appearance in Deuteronomy 31:14 and Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20 are two points on the same line of redemptive history. Whether commissioning Joshua to conquer Canaan or charging the church to evangelize the world, God Himself guarantees, “I will be with you.” |
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