Deuteronomy 3:28
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 is to publicly appoint Joshua as his successor. Having served as Moses’ aide and demonstrated faithfulness in battle and leadership, Joshua is prepared to assume responsibility for Israel.

Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,…
Deu 31:23 Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun…
Jos 1:1-2 Now after the death of His servant Moses,…

encourage him,

Joshua faces the formidable task of leading a new generation into Canaan, confronting fortified cities and established nations. He needs assurance that the God who led Israel from Egypt will remain with him.

Deu 31:7-8 Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him…
Jos 1:6-7 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give…
1Ch 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong…

and strengthen him,

Moses is to prepare Joshua with confidence and resolve for the demands of leadership. His strength must rest not merely in ability or military skill, but in obedience to God’s command.

Jos 1:9 Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous?…
Isa 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid…
1Ch 22:13 Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes…

for he will cross over ahead of the people

Joshua will lead Israel across the Jordan and into the land Moses may only view from afar. The crossing marks the end of Israel’s wilderness wandering and the beginning of the conquest.

Deu 31:3 The LORD your God Himself will cross over ahead of you.…
Jos 3:7 Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin…
Jos 1:11 Go through the camp and tell the people,…

and enable them to inherit the land

Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel will receive the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Their inheritance depends upon God’s faithfulness, though they must obey Him and take possession of what He gives.

Deu 1:38 Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it.…
Jos 14:1-2 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited…
Jos 21:43-45 Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn…

that you will see.”

Moses will see the Promised Land but will not enter because of his disobedience at Meribah. Joshua’s appointment confirms that God’s purposes for Israel will continue beyond Moses’ death.

Deu 34:4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land…
Num 27:12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go up this mountain…
Deu 32:52 Although you shall see from a distance the land…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The 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 Transition
God’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 1:1-9
This 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.
Moses' Longing to Enter the Promised Land RefusedR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 3:21-29
Prospect of DeathD. Davies Deuteronomy 3:21-29
God's Refusal of Man's WishesJ. Orr Deuteronomy 3:23-29
People
Ammonites, Amorites, Argob, Gadites, Geshurites, Israelites, Jair, Jehoshua, Joshua, Maacathites, Maachathites, Machir, Manasseh, Moses, Og, Rephaites, Reubenites, Sidonians, Sihon
Places
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 Arnon
Topics
Across, Cause, Charge, Comforting, Commission, Encourage, Harden, Heritage, Inherit, Inheritance, Jehoshua, Jordan, Joshua, Lead, Making, Orders, Pass, Possession, Seest, Strengthen, Strong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 3:28

     7258   promised land, early history
     8130   guidance, from godly people
     8413   edification
     8415   encouragement, examples

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
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

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

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