Deuteronomy 1:38

KJV

[But] Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

KJV (with Strong's)

But Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, which standeth {H5975} before {H6440} thee, he shall go in {H935} thither: encourage {H2388} him: for he shall cause Israel {H3478} to inherit {H5157} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua the son of Nun, your assistant -he will go in there. So encourage him, because he will enable Isra'el to take possession of it.

Berean Standard Bible

Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.

American Standard Version

Joshua the son of Nun, who standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage thou him; for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 1:38 serves as a pivotal declaration of divine succession, revealing God's appointment of Joshua, the son of Nun, as Moses' chosen successor. This verse firmly establishes Joshua's mandate to lead the new generation of Israelites into the Promised Land, thereby ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenant promises despite past failures. It also includes a crucial imperative for Moses, and implicitly for the community, to "encourage" Joshua, underscoring the vital need for support and affirmation for those called to lead God's people in monumental tasks.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy opens as Moses delivers his final addresses to the Israelites gathered on the plains of Moab, poised to enter Canaan. This book functions as a covenant renewal treaty, recapitulating God's law, His faithfulness, and Israel's history of both obedience and rebellion. Chapter 1 specifically recounts the journey from Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea, highlighting the pivotal moment of unbelief that led to the forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses explicitly states that his own exclusion from the Promised Land is a direct consequence of the people's rebellion and his own disobedience at Meribah, as detailed in [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah"). Against this backdrop of past failure and Moses' impending departure, verse 38 emerges as a divine assurance, identifying Joshua as the one through whom God's unwavering promise of the land will finally be realized, providing a seamless transition of leadership essential for the narrative's progression into the conquest.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is approximately 1406 BC, with the Israelites encamped on the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The immediate audience is a new generation, born in the wilderness, who did not experience the Exodus or the initial covenant at Sinai. They stand on the precipice of a radical transformation from a nomadic existence to settled nationhood in Canaan, a transition demanding strong, divinely sanctioned leadership. In the ancient Near East, the transfer of power was often a volatile period, prone to internal strife and external vulnerability. God's clear, public appointment of Joshua, who had long served as Moses' faithful aide (cf. [Exodus 24:13](/exodus/24-13 "Exodus 24:13 - Joshua as Moses' Attendant")), provided crucial stability and legitimacy. The concept of "inheritance" of land was not merely economic but deeply theological, representing the tangible fulfillment of God's ancestral covenant with Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")), making Joshua's role as the one to "cause Israel to inherit it" profoundly significant.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 1:38 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that God's redemptive purposes will prevail despite human failure, whether it be the previous generation's unbelief at [Numbers 14:30](/numbers/14-30 "Numbers 14:30 - Consequences of Unbelief at Kadesh-Barnea") or Moses' own disobedience. The theme of **Leadership and Succession** is paramount, as God meticulously prepares and appoints Joshua, ensuring the continuity of His covenant plan. Furthermore, the emphasis on **Inheritance** reinforces the central promise of the land as a gracious gift from God, a fulfillment of His covenant, rather than something earned by human merit. Finally, the imperative to "encourage him" introduces the crucial theme of **Communal Support for Leadership**, highlighting the immense burdens and spiritual challenges leaders face and the necessity of the community's active participation in upholding them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joshua (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ_):** From H3091, meaning "Jehovah-saved" or "Yahweh is salvation." This name is profoundly significant, prefiguring his role as the divinely appointed deliverer who would lead Israel to victory and into their promised inheritance. It also shares a linguistic root with the Greek name Jesus (_Iesous_), hinting at a deeper redemptive connection.
* **standeth before thee (Hebrew, _ʻâmad_):** From H5975, meaning "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)." In this context, it signifies more than mere physical presence; it implies a position of service, attendance, and readiness. Joshua had served as Moses' faithful minister and aide for many years (cf. [Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - Joshua as Moses' Servant")), indicating that he was already prepared and recognized as a leader-in-training, not a novice. His established role made him a natural and divinely sanctioned choice for succession.
* **encourage him (Hebrew, _châzaq_):** From H2388, a primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate." This is not a casual suggestion but a powerful imperative. The command is primarily directed to Moses, who is to publicly affirm, commission, and thereby strengthen Joshua's resolve. Implicitly, it also instructs the people to support Joshua, recognizing the immense challenges he would face in leading the conquest and settlement of Canaan. This strengthening would involve verbal affirmation, obedience, and active cooperation.
* **to inherit it (Hebrew, _nâchal_):** From H5157, meaning "to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate." In this context, it refers to Israel's taking possession of the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham's descendants. Joshua's primary mission is to "cause Israel to inherit it," meaning he is the divinely appointed instrument through whom God's covenant promise of the land will be fulfilled. It underscores the active role Israel must play, under Joshua's leadership, in claiming their God-given inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee,"**: This clause immediately identifies the divinely chosen successor. Joshua is presented not as an unknown, but as Moses' long-time attendant, a man already known for his faithfulness, service, and presence in Moses' inner circle. His lineage ("son of Nun") grounds him within the community, while his position "before thee" highlights his readiness and established role in Moses' presence, signifying his preparedness for leadership.
* **"he shall go in thither:"**: This is a direct, declarative statement of Joshua's destiny and divine mission. Despite Moses' exclusion, God's overarching plan for Israel to enter the Promised Land remains unwavering, and Joshua is the appointed leader to accomplish this. "Thither" unequivocally refers to the land of Canaan, emphasizing the certainty of Israel's entry under his guidance.
* **"encourage him:"**: This is a powerful imperative command, given by God to Moses, to strengthen Joshua for the monumental task ahead. It signifies the crucial need for affirmation, support, and fortification of spirit for a leader facing immense responsibility, potential opposition, and the weight of leading an entire nation into a new era. This command underscores the communal responsibility to uphold those in authority.
* **"for he shall cause Israel to inherit it."**: This final clause provides the divine rationale and ultimate purpose for Joshua's appointment. His leadership is not merely for guidance but specifically to enable Israel to take possession of their promised inheritance—the land of Canaan. This emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and highlights Joshua's indispensable role as the instrument through whom these promises will be realized.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 1:38 is rich with significant literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Divine Mandate** is central, as the verse explicitly states God's direct appointment of Joshua, unequivocally establishing his authority and legitimacy. This is reinforced by the **Succession Narrative**, a recurring biblical motif that ensures continuity in leadership and the unbroken progression of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "he shall go in thither" functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, predicting Joshua's future role and the successful entry into Canaan. The command "encourage him" serves as an **Imperative**, highlighting the urgency and necessity of supporting the new leader, shifting the focus from individual responsibility to communal action. Furthermore, the mention of "inherit it" is a form of **Repetition** of a core covenant theme, underscoring God's faithfulness to His promises despite the previous generation's failures and Moses' personal disqualification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 1:38 stands as a profound theological statement about God's sovereign plan, His unwavering faithfulness, and the nature of leadership within His covenant community. It powerfully illustrates that even when human leaders fail or are removed, God's ultimate purposes are never thwarted. He meticulously prepares and appoints new instruments to carry out His will, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive history. The transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua is thus not merely a practical necessity but a deeply theological act, demonstrating God's active and intimate involvement in the affairs of His people. This verse also underscores the communal responsibility to uphold and encourage those whom God has placed in leadership, recognizing the immense spiritual and practical burdens they carry. It teaches that the fulfillment of God's promises often requires human cooperation and faithful leadership, empowered by divine grace and supported by the community.

* [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18-23 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Joshua Appointed Moses' Successor and Commissioned")
* [Joshua 1:6-9](/joshua/1-6-9 "Joshua 1:6-9 - God's Charge and Promise to Joshua")
* [Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8-9 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - The Incompleteness of Joshua's Rest and the True Rest in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 1:38 offers enduring principles for believers today, particularly concerning divine faithfulness, the dynamics of leadership, and the communal responsibility to support those in authority. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is perpetually at work, raising up and equipping individuals to lead His people through various transitions and challenges. Just as Joshua, despite his preparedness, required explicit encouragement, so too do our spiritual, community, and even family leaders. We are called to actively support, pray for, and affirm those in leadership, recognizing the profound weight of their responsibilities and the spiritual opposition they often face. This verse also challenges us to reflect on our own roles within God's ongoing plan: Are we faithfully serving in our appointed capacities, preparing the next generation of leaders, and trusting in God's sovereign hand to bring His purposes to fruition? Ultimately, it fosters a deep and abiding trust in God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, assuring us that His promises will always be realized, often through unexpected and divinely appointed means.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine appointment of Joshua, despite Moses' exclusion, deepen your understanding of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what specific, practical ways can you "encourage" the leaders in your church, community, or family this week?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual, relational, or missional) is God calling you to help others receive, and what role might you play in that process?**
* **How does Joshua's long-standing service to Moses before his public appointment illustrate the importance of faithfulness and preparation for greater responsibility?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses not allowed to enter the Promised Land, and how does this relate to Joshua's appointment?**

Answer: Moses was prohibited from entering the Promised Land primarily due to his act of disobedience at Meribah, where he struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded (see [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). This act, while seemingly minor, represented a failure to fully trust and obey God's specific instructions and to properly honor Him as holy before the Israelites. Deuteronomy 1:37-38 explicitly states Moses' exclusion and immediately presents Joshua as the divinely chosen one to lead the people into the land. This highlights that while God is merciful, He also upholds His holiness and the consequences of disobedience, even for His most faithful servants. Joshua's appointment underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, ensuring that His plan for Israel's inheritance would proceed despite Moses' personal failure, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human agency.

**What does the command "encourage him" signify for believers today?**

Answer: The command "encourage him" (referring to Joshua, and given to Moses) is a powerful directive that extends far beyond its immediate context, offering timeless wisdom for believers today. It signifies the vital importance of actively supporting and strengthening those in leadership, whether in the church, community, or even within the family. Leaders often bear immense burdens, face spiritual opposition, experience moments of doubt, and can become weary. To "encourage" them, from the Hebrew *chazaq*, means to fortify their resolve, to make them strong and firm in their purpose. For believers today, this translates into actively praying for our leaders, offering verbal affirmation and appreciation, providing practical assistance when needed, and submitting to their godly authority. It is a call to build up rather than tear down, recognizing that strong, encouraged leadership is essential for the flourishing of any community, especially the people of God, as they strive to fulfill God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 1:38, with its focus on Joshua leading Israel into their promised inheritance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, the ultimate "Joshua" (Yeshua). Just as Joshua's name means "Yahweh is salvation," Jesus' name signifies that "he will save his people from their sins" (cf. [Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). While the first Joshua led Israel into a physical land and a temporal rest, he could not provide the ultimate, spiritual rest. The author of Hebrews explicitly states that if Joshua had given them true rest, God would not have spoken later about another day (see [Hebrews 4:8](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8 - The Incompleteness of Joshua's Rest")). It is Jesus, the greater Joshua, who leads His people into the true and eternal rest of God, a spiritual inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries (cf. [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus has "caused" His people to inherit not a physical land, but the kingdom of God, eternal life, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (cf. [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ"), [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). He is the one who disarms the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Victory Over Powers")), leading His church in triumph into a glorious, eternal inheritance secured by His blood, fulfilling the promise of a greater "land" and a perfect rest that Joshua's leadership only foreshadowed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 3:28

But charge 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 thou shalt see.

Deuteronomy 31:7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Numbers 14:30

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 13:16

These [are] the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

Proverbs 22:29

¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

Numbers 27:18

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;