Deuteronomy 3:28 - But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.”

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 3:28

What does "Deuteronomy 3:28" mean?


This verse, Deuteronomy 3:28, is a crucial moment in the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"But commission Joshua...": This is the command from God to Moses. Moses is being instructed to formally appoint Joshua as his successor. "Commission" here means to formally entrust him with the responsibility of leading the Israelites.

"...and encourage him...": This emphasizes the importance of providing emotional and moral support to Joshua. Taking over from a leader as revered as Moses would be an immense challenge. Moses is being told to bolster Joshua's confidence and courage.

"...and strengthen him...": This reinforces the need for Moses to provide practical and spiritual support. "Strengthen him" might imply giving him wise counsel, praying for him, and ensuring he has the resources and authority he needs.

"...for he shall go over before this people...": This is the reason for commissioning, encouraging, and strengthening Joshua. Joshua will be the one leading the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. "Go over before this people" means he will be at the forefront, guiding and leading them into battle and ultimately into the land God has promised.

"...and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.”: This is the ultimate purpose of Joshua's leadership. He will be the one who leads the Israelites in conquering and possessing the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. Note that Moses will see the land (from a distance, as he is about to die), but Joshua will cause the people to inherit it.

In essence, the verse signifies:

Divine Appointment: Joshua's leadership is ordained by God.
Transfer of Authority: Moses is passing the baton to Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Importance of Support: Joshua needs both practical and emotional support to succeed in this momentous task.
Fulfillment of God's Promise: Joshua will be the instrument through which God's promise to Abraham is realized.

This verse is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparing and supporting future leaders, especially when they are stepping into challenging roles. It also highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when leadership transitions occur.

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