Topical Encyclopedia Moses, the great prophet and leader of Israel, is a central figure in the Old Testament. His role in leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness is foundational to the narrative of the Hebrew Scriptures. As Moses' life and leadership drew to a close, the appointment of his successor became a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. This transition is marked by the appointment of Joshua, a faithful servant and warrior, to lead the people into the Promised Land.Biblical Context The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor is recorded in several passages, primarily in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. This transition occurs as the Israelites are poised to enter Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers. Moses, having been told by God that he would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), seeks to ensure that the people will have a capable leader to guide them. Divine Command and Moses' Obedience In Numbers 27:12-23, God instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. The Lord tells Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him" (Numbers 27:18). This act of laying hands is significant, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the conferring of blessing. Moses is to present Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly, ensuring that the people recognize Joshua's new role. Moses faithfully follows God's command, demonstrating his obedience and concern for the future of Israel. He lays his hands on Joshua and commissions him, as the Lord had instructed. This public endorsement by Moses, coupled with the divine mandate, establishes Joshua's authority and prepares the people for the transition in leadership. Joshua's Qualifications Joshua's selection as Moses' successor is not arbitrary. Throughout the wilderness journey, Joshua has proven himself to be a man of faith and courage. He is first introduced in Exodus 17:9-14, where he leads Israel in battle against the Amalekites. His loyalty and dedication are further evidenced when he, along with Caleb, brings back a positive report from the land of Canaan, urging the people to trust in God's promise (Numbers 14:6-9). Joshua's character is marked by his unwavering faith in God and his willingness to serve under Moses' leadership. His experience as a military leader and his close association with Moses make him an ideal candidate to lead the Israelites into the challenges that lie ahead in Canaan. Moses' Final Instructions In Deuteronomy 31, Moses gives his final instructions to Joshua and the people of Israel. He encourages Joshua with the words, "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" (Deuteronomy 31:7). Moses reassures Joshua of God's presence, emphasizing that the Lord will go before him and will not forsake him. Moses' charge to Joshua is a powerful reminder of the continuity of God's promises and the necessity of faithfulness and courage in leadership. The transition from Moses to Joshua marks a new chapter in Israel's history, as they prepare to take possession of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Significance in Israel's History The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor is a critical moment in the biblical narrative. It underscores the importance of divinely appointed leadership and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. Joshua's leadership will be characterized by his reliance on God's guidance and his commitment to the law given through Moses. This transition also highlights the theme of faithfulness across generations. Just as Moses was faithful in his service to God and the people, Joshua is called to continue this legacy, leading Israel with strength and courage into the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 27:22,23And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 31:7,8,14,23 Deuteronomy 34:9 Library On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord The Allegory of Melchizedek. Covenanting a Duty. City of God Disestablishment Resources In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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