Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. Then Moses called for JoshuaMoses publicly summoned Joshua, the man God had appointed to succeed him. Joshua had served Moses faithfully as an aide, military leader, and witness of God’s dealings with Israel. Moses would not enter Canaan because of his disobedience at Meribah, but God’s purpose for Israel would continue through Joshua. Num 27:18-23 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun,… and said to him in the presence of all Israel, The public commissioning established Joshua’s authority before the nation and called Israel to receive him as their new leader. Leadership in Israel was not a private ambition or political succession; it rested on God’s appointment and was confirmed among God’s covenant people. Deu 29:2 Moses summoned all Israel and proclaimed to them,… “Be strong and courageous, Joshua would need steadfast faith as he faced fortified cities, hostile nations, and the weight of governing Israel. Moses directed him toward courage rooted in the Lord’s faithfulness rather than personal ability. The Lord would repeat this charge directly to Joshua after Moses’ death, joining strength and courage with obedience to God’s law (Joshua 1:6–9). Jos 1:6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give… for you will go with this people into the land Joshua would enter Canaan alongside the people, bearing responsibility to lead them in conquest and settlement. Israel’s entrance into the land marked the end of the wilderness generation’s discipline and the beginning of God’s promised inheritance. Jos 1:2 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise… that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, Canaan belonged to Israel because the Lord had pledged it to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The coming conquest would display God’s faithfulness to His ancient covenant and His judgment on the persistent wickedness of the Canaanite nations. Deu 6:10 And when the LORD your God brings you into the land… and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. Joshua would oversee the division of the land among Israel’s tribes, as recorded in Joshua 13–21. The inheritance gave each tribe a lasting place within the covenant nation and testified that the Lord had fulfilled what He promised. Israel’s earthly inheritance also anticipates the secure inheritance God grants His people through Christ (Ephesians 1:11). Deu 3:28 But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who brought them out of Egypt and guided them through the wilderness. He is preparing to pass leadership to Joshua. 2. Joshua Moses' assistant and successor, chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. His name in Hebrew, "Yehoshua," means "Yahweh is salvation." 3. Israel The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as an inheritance. 5. The LORD's Oath The covenant promise God made to the patriarchs to give their descendants the land of Canaan. Teaching Points Leadership TransitionLeadership transitions are significant moments that require divine guidance and human courage. Moses' charge to Joshua highlights the importance of preparing and empowering new leaders. Divine Promises God's promises are sure and steadfast. Just as He promised the land to the patriarchs, He fulfills His word through Joshua. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to His promises. Courage and Strength The call to be strong and courageous is a recurring biblical theme. It is not based on human ability but on God's presence and promises. Believers are encouraged to face challenges with confidence in God's support. Inheritance and Legacy The concept of inheritance in the Bible extends beyond physical land to spiritual blessings. Christians are called to live in the reality of their spiritual inheritance in Christ. Public Affirmation Moses' public charge to Joshua underscores the importance of community support and accountability in leadership roles. The community's role is to encourage and uphold their leaders. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?2. In what ways can we apply the command to "be strong and courageous" in our personal lives today? 3. How does the concept of inheritance in Deuteronomy 31:7 relate to the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ? 4. What role does community play in supporting and affirming leaders, as seen in Moses' charge to Joshua? 5. How can we draw strength and courage from God's promises in times of uncertainty or transition? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 1:6-9God reiterates the command to Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing His presence and the importance of adhering to the Law. Hebrews 13:5-6 Echoes the assurance of God's presence and faithfulness, encouraging believers to be confident and courageous. 1 Chronicles 28:20 David's charge to Solomon mirrors Moses' charge to Joshua, emphasizing strength, courage, and reliance on God.
People Amorites, Israelites, Joshua, Levi, Levites, Moses, Nun, Og, SihonPlaces Jordan River, MoabTopics Calleth, Cause, Courage, Courageous, Divide, Fathers, Forefathers, Heart, Heritage, Inherit, Inheritance, Joshua, Oath, Possession, Presence, Sight, Strong, Summoned, Swore, SwornDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 31:7 5957 strength, spiritual Library Pilgrim SongGerhard Ter Steegen Deut. xxxi. 8 On, O beloved children, The evening is at hand, And desolate and fearful The solitary land. Take heart! the rest eternal Awaits our weary feet; From strength to strength press onwards, The end, how passing sweet! Lo, we can tread rejoicing The narrow pilgrim road; We know the voice that calls us, We know our faithful God. Come, children, on to glory! With every face set fast Towards the golden towers Where we shall rest at last. It was with voice of singing We … Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others First Sunday in Lent Josiah, a Pattern for the Ignorant. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Jesus Makes a Preaching Tour through Galilee. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 31:7 NIVDeuteronomy 31:7 NLT Deuteronomy 31:7 ESV Deuteronomy 31:7 NASB Deuteronomy 31:7 KJV Deuteronomy 31:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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