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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 3:21–29. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is I. The encouragement which Moses gave to Joshua, who was to succeed him in the government, Deu 3:21, Deu 3:22. He commanded him not to fear. This those that are aged and experienced in the service of God should do all they can to strengthen the hands of those that are young, and setting out in religion. Two things he would have him consider for his encouragement: - 1. What God has done. Joshua had seen what a total defeat God had given by the forces of Israel to these two kings, and thence he might easily infer, so shall the Lord do to all the rest of the kingdoms upon which we are to make war. He must not only infer thence that thus the Lord can do with them all, for his arm is not shortened, but thus he will do, for his purpose is not changed; he that has begun will finish; as for God, his work is perfect. Joshua had seen it with his own eyes. And the more we have seen of the instances of divine wisdom, power, and goodness, the more inexcusable we are if we fear what flesh can do unto us. 2. What God had promised. The Lord your God he shall fight for you; and that cause cannot but be victorious which the Lord of hosts fights for. If God be for us, who can be against us so as to prevail? We reproach our leader if we follow him trembling.
II.The prayer which Moses made for himself, and the answer which God gave to that prayer.
1.His prayer was that, if it were God's will, he might go before Israel over Jordan into Canaan. At that time, when he had been encouraging Joshua to fight Israel's battles, taking it for granted that he must be their leader, he was touched with an earnest desire to go over himself, which expresses itself not in any passionate and impatient complaints, or reflections upon the sentence he was under, but in humble prayers to God for a gracious reversing of it. I besought the Lord. Note, We should never allow any desires in our hearts which we cannot in faith offer up to God by prayer; and what desires are innocent, let them be presented to God. We have not because we ask not. Observe,
(1.)What he pleads here. Two things: - [1.] The great experience which he had had of God's goodness to him in what he had done for Israel: "Thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness. Lord, perfect what thou hast begun. Thou hast given me to see thy glory in the conquest of these two kings, and the sight has affected me with wonder and thankfulness. O let me see more of the outgoings of my God, my King! This great work, no doubt, will be carried on and completed; let me have the satisfaction of seeing it." Note, the more we see of God's glory in his works the more we shall desire to see. The works of the Lord are great, and therefore are sought out more and more of all those that have pleasure therein. [2.] The good impressions that had been made upon his heart by what he had seen: For what God is there in heaven or earth that can do according to thy works? The more we are affected with what we have seen of God, of his wisdom, power, and goodness, the better we are prepared for further discoveries. Those shall see the works of God that admire him in them. Moses had thus expressed himself concerning God and his works long before (Exo 15:11), and he still continues of the same mind, that there are no works worthy to be compared with God's works, Psa 86:8.
(2.)What he begs: I pray thee let me go over, Deu 3:25. God had said he should not go over; yet he prays that he might, not knowing but that the threatening was conditional, for it was not ratified with an oath, as that concerning the people was, that they should not enter. Thus Hezekiah prayed for his own life, and David for the life of his child, after both had ben expressly threatened; and the former prevailed, though the latter did not. Moses remembered the time when he had by prayer prevailed with God to recede from the declarations which he had made of his wrath against Israel, Exo 32:14. And why might he not hope in like manner to prevail for himself? Let me go over and see the good land. Not, "Let me go over and be a prince and a ruler there;" he seeks not his own honour, is content to resign the government to Joshua; but, "Let me go to be a spectator of thy kindness to Israel, to see what I believe concerning the goodness of the land of promise." How pathetically does he speak of Canaan, that good land, that goodly mountain! Note, Those may hope to obtain and enjoy God's favours that know how to value them. What he means by that goodly mountain we may learn from Psa 78:54, where it is said of God's Israel that he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain which his right hand had purchased, where it is plainly to be understood of the whole land of Canaan, yet with an eye to the sanctuary, the glory of it.
2.God's answer to this prayer had in it a mixture of mercy and judgment, that he might sing unto God of both.
(1.)There was judgment in the denial of his request, and that in something of anger too: The Lord was wroth with me for your sakes, Deu 3:26. God not only sees sin in his people, but is much displeased with it; and even those that are delivered from the wrath to come may yet lie under the tokens of God's wrath in this world, and may be denied some particular favour which their hearts are much set upon. God is a gracious, tender, loving Father; but he is angry with his children when they do amiss, and denies them many a thing that they desire and are ready to cry for. But how was he wroth with Moses for the sake of Israel? Either,
[1.]For that sin which they provoked him to; see Psa 106:32, Psa 106:33. Or,
[2.]The removal of Moses at that time, when he could so ill be spared, was a rebuke to all Israel, and a punishment of their sin. Or,
[3.]It was for their sakes, that it might be a warning to them to take heed of offending God by passionate and unbelieving speeches at any time, after the similitude of his transgression; for, if this were done to such a green tree, what should be done to the dry? He acknowledges that God would not hear him. God had often heard him for Israel, yet he would not hear him for himself. It was the prerogative of Christ, the great Intercessor, to be heard always; yet of him his enemies said, He saved others, himself he could not save, which the Jews would not have upbraided him with had they considered that Moses, their great prophet, prevailed for others, but for himself he could not prevail. Though Moses, being one of the wrestling seed of Jacob, did not seek in vain, yet he had not the thing itself which he sought for. God may accept our prayers, and yet not grant us the very thing we pray for.
(2.)Here is mercy mixed with this wrath in several things: - [1.] God quieted the spirit of Moses under the decree that had gone forth by that word (Deu 3:26), Let it suffice thee. With this word, no doubt, a divine power went to reconcile Moses to the will of God, and to bring him to acquiesce in it. If God does not by his providence give us what we desire, yet, if by his grace he makes us content without it, it comes much to one. "Let it suffice thee to have God for they father, and heaven for thy portion, though thou hast not every thing thou wouldest have in this world. Be satisfied with this, God is all-sufficient." [2.] He put an honour upon his prayer in directing him not to insist upon this request: Speak no more to me of this matter. It intimates that what God does not think fit to grant we should not think fit to ask, and that God takes such a pleasure in the prayer of the upright that it is no pleasure to him, no, not in any particular instance, to give a denial to it. [3.] He promised him a sight of Canaan from the top of Pisgah, Deu 3:27. Though he should not have the possession of it, he should have the prospect of it; not to tantalize him, but such a sight of it as would yield him true satisfaction, and would enable him to form a very clear and pleasing idea of that promised land. Probably Moses had not only his sight preserved for other purposes, but greatly enlarged for this purpose; for, if he had not had such a sight of it as others could not have from the same place, it would have been no particular favour to Moses, nor the matter of a promise. Even great believers, in this present state, see heaven but at a distance. [4.] He provided him a successor, one who should support the honour of Moses and carry on and complete that glorious work which the heart of Moses was so much upon, the bringing of Israel to Canaan, and settling them there (Deu 3:28): Charge Joshua and encourage him in this work. Those to whom God gives a charge, he will be sure to give encouragement to. And it is a comfort to the church's friends (when they are dying and going off) to see God's work likely to be carried on by other hands, when they are silent in the dust.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 3:28 marks a pivotal divine instruction to Moses, commanding him to formally commission Joshua as his successor. This verse underscores God's sovereign provision of leadership, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan for Israel. It highlights Joshua's indispensable role in leading the Israelites across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, thereby fulfilling God's ancient covenant promise of inheritance. The emphasis on charging, encouraging, and strengthening Joshua reveals the profound weight of his future responsibilities and God's faithfulness in equipping His chosen instruments.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within Moses' final addresses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, serving as a critical transition point in the narrative of the Pentateuch. It immediately follows God's definitive pronouncement to Moses that he would not enter the Promised Land due to his act of disobedience at Meribah Deuteronomy 3:26. Moses had earnestly pleaded with God to be allowed to cross, but the Lord firmly denied his request, instead directing him to ascend Mount Pisgah to view the land he would not physically enter Deuteronomy 3:27. In this context of Moses' impending departure, the command to "charge Joshua" is not merely a succession plan but a divine provision, ensuring the continuity of God's covenant purposes for His people. This instruction sets the theological and narrative stage for the subsequent book of Joshua, which meticulously details the conquest and distribution of the promised inheritance.
Historical & Cultural Context
At this juncture, the Israelites stood on the cusp of a monumental transition. After forty years of wilderness wandering, they were encamped on the eastern side of the Jordan River, poised to enter Canaan, a land inhabited by formidable kingdoms. This was a shift from a nomadic, wilderness existence under Moses' unique leadership to a settled, agricultural life requiring military conquest, judicial administration, and spiritual fidelity within a new land. Leadership succession was paramount for the nation's stability and the fulfillment of their divine destiny. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the formal transfer of authority was a solemn event, often involving public affirmation and ritual acts to signify the divine backing of the new leader. The act of "charging" and "strengthening" a successor would have been understood as a comprehensive act of commissioning, imparting not only authority but also the necessary wisdom, courage, and spiritual anointing for the daunting tasks ahead.
Key Themes
Deuteronomy 3:28 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty in Leadership, illustrating God's meticulous orchestration of leadership transitions, from Moses, the great lawgiver, to Joshua, the divinely appointed conqueror. This highlights that God raises up and empowers leaders for His specific purposes, ensuring His plans are fulfilled regardless of human limitations. Another crucial theme is Covenant Faithfulness and Fulfillment, as Joshua is explicitly tasked with bringing the people into the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob centuries earlier Genesis 12:7. The verse also underscores the Necessity of Empowerment and Encouragement for those in leadership, acknowledging the immense challenges Joshua would face in leading the conquest and settlement of Canaan. Finally, it reinforces the Principle of Inheritance, not merely as a physical possession, but as the tangible manifestation of God's promises and the culmination of their arduous journey.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root meaning "to constitute, enjoin, appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order." Its use here signifies a formal, authoritative, and solemn directive from God through Moses to Joshua. It implies a weighty responsibility and a clear mandate, indicating that Joshua's leadership is not self-appointed but divinely ordained and accompanied by specific instructions for the immense task ahead.
A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer; aid, amend, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand." This comprehensive definition encompasses both "encourage" and "strengthen" as translated in the KJV. The command to Moses is to impart not just moral support, but a deep sense of inner fortitude, resilience, courage, and steadfastness to Joshua for the daunting military and administrative tasks ahead. This strengthening is both spiritual and practical, enabling Joshua to face challenges with divine confidence.
A primitive root meaning "to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate; divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion)." In this context, it refers to Joshua's pivotal role in enabling the Israelites to take possession of the land of Canaan, dispossessing its current inhabitants. This word is central to the covenant promises made to Abraham, signifying the fulfillment of God's long-standing pledge to give the land to His chosen people. Joshua is the human instrument through whom this divine promise will be realized.
Verse Breakdown
"But charge Joshua"
This is a direct, authoritative divine command from God to Moses, initiating the formal and solemn transfer of leadership. It underscores the gravity of the moment and the divine backing behind Joshua's appointment. Moses is not merely offering advice but is commanded to impart a weighty responsibility and clear mandate.
"and encourage him, and strengthen him"
This phrase specifies the crucial nature of the charge. It's not just a formal appointment but an active impartation of courage, resilience, and inner fortitude. Moses is to build up Joshua, recognizing the immense pressure, fear, and challenges he will inevitably face. The use of two verbs with similar meanings (covered by the single Hebrew root châzaq) serves to intensify the emphasis on the profound and vital need for Joshua to receive robust support and divine empowerment.
"for he shall go over before this people"
This clause defines Joshua's immediate and primary role: to physically lead the people across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. "Before this people" highlights his position as their vanguard, their guide, and their military commander, taking the lead in the conquest and settlement, demonstrating courageous leadership from the front.
"and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see"
This final clause states the ultimate purpose and outcome of Joshua's leadership. He is the divinely appointed instrument who will facilitate the Israelites' actual possession of the land, thereby bringing about the fulfillment of God's covenant promise. The poignant contrast with Moses, who was permitted only to "see" the land from a distance, profoundly emphasizes Joshua's unique and indispensable role in bringing about the physical inheritance and the culmination of Israel's wilderness journey.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 3:28 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is Command/Imperative, as God issues direct and forceful instructions ("charge," "encourage," "strengthen") to Moses, underscoring the divine authority and the urgency of the leadership transition. There is also clear Foreshadowing, as the verse explicitly predicts Joshua's future success and pivotal role in leading the Israelites into the land, effectively setting the narrative stage for the entire book of Joshua. An implicit Contrast is powerfully drawn between Moses, who is allowed only to see the land from a distance, and Joshua, who will enter it and cause the people to inherit it. This highlights the distinct yet complementary roles each leader plays in God's overarching redemptive plan. Finally, the Repetition of the Hebrew root châzaq (translated as "encourage him, and strengthen him") serves as a potent device for Emphasis, stressing the profound and vital need for Joshua's inner fortitude and the essential support he must receive from Moses.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 3:28 is rich with theological significance, primarily underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst human failure and leadership transitions. Despite Moses' inability to enter the land due to his disobedience, God's grand plan for Israel's inheritance does not falter; instead, He sovereignly raises up and commissions a new leader, Joshua, to bring it to fruition. This demonstrates that God's purposes are not contingent upon any single human agent but are ultimately accomplished through His divine power and provision. The verse also highlights the crucial principle of leadership succession and the profound responsibility of seasoned leaders to mentor, encourage, and empower those who will follow them. It reveals God's consistent method of working through human instruments, equipping them for the specific tasks He calls them to, and ensuring the continuity of His redemptive work through generations.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 3:28 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly concerning leadership, mentorship, and the enduring nature of God's faithfulness. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans for His people always move forward, even through significant transitions and changes in human leadership. For those in positions of influence, this passage underscores the vital responsibility to identify, train, and wholeheartedly encourage the next generation of leaders. This isn't merely about imparting knowledge or delegating tasks, but about actively strengthening their resolve, building their confidence, and praying for their spiritual and emotional resilience in the face of daunting challenges. For those stepping into new roles, especially those with significant responsibility, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance that divine calling often comes with divine empowerment and the promise of support from the community of faith. Just as Joshua was commissioned to lead Israel into a physical inheritance, believers are called to embrace and walk in their spiritual inheritance in Christ, a journey that also requires courage, strength, and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ. We are to be people who "go over before" others, leading them into the fullness of God's promises, trusting that He equips those He calls and empowers those He sends.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Moses specifically commanded to "charge, encourage, and strengthen" Joshua?
Moses was commanded to do this because he was the established, divinely appointed leader through whom God had communicated His will for forty years. This public and personal act of commissioning from Moses would lend immense authority, legitimacy, and spiritual weight to Joshua's new role in the eyes of the people. Furthermore, the task of leading the conquest and settlement of Canaan was incredibly daunting, requiring immense courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Moses, having experienced the challenges of leadership firsthand, was uniquely positioned to understand Joshua's needs and to impart the necessary spiritual and practical support. It was a divine mandate to ensure a smooth, effective, and divinely sanctioned transition of leadership, securing the continuity of God's plan for Israel.
What was Joshua's significance before this commissioning?
Before his formal commissioning here, Joshua had already demonstrated his faithfulness, courage, and leadership potential over many years. He served as Moses' personal aide and minister, often accompanying him to the Tent of Meeting Exodus 24:13. He was a military commander who led Israel against the Amalekites, securing victory through God's power Exodus 17:9. Most notably, he was one of the two faithful spies (along with Caleb) who brought back a positive report from Canaan, trusting in God's ability to give them the land despite the formidable inhabitants, in stark contrast to the ten unfaithful spies Numbers 14:6-9. His proven loyalty, spiritual discernment, and courageous faith made him God's chosen successor.
How does this verse demonstrate God's faithfulness despite human limitations?
This verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His human instruments fall short. Despite Moses' sin at Meribah, which prevented him from entering the Promised Land Numbers 20:12, God's ultimate plan for Israel to inherit the land remained intact. He did not abandon His people or His promise due to one leader's failure. Instead, He sovereignly and graciously provided a new, capable, and divinely prepared leader in Joshua, ensuring that His divine purpose would be fulfilled. This demonstrates that God's grand redemptive plans are not dependent on the perfection of His human instruments but are secured by His own unchanging character, infinite power, and steadfast love.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Deuteronomy 3:28 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose Hebrew name (Yeshua) is the same as Jesus, serves as a powerful and direct type of Christ. Just as Joshua was divinely commissioned to lead God's people into their physical inheritance in the Promised Land, Jesus is the supremely appointed Leader who brings His people into their spiritual and eternal inheritance. He is the true "Joshua" who "goes over before this people," not merely across a physical river, but through the ultimate Jordan of death and resurrection, pioneering the way into the heavenly sanctuary and eternal life Hebrews 6:20. Jesus is the one whom the Father "charged, encouraged, and strengthened" for the ultimate task of redemption, empowering Him through the Holy Spirit for His earthly ministry, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. Through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and triumphant resurrection, Jesus "causes us to inherit" all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places Ephesians 1:3 and the promise of eternal life in the new heavens and new earth Revelation 21:1-7. Unlike Moses, who could only see the land but not enter, and unlike Joshua, who led the people into a temporal, earthly inheritance, Jesus not only saw the full scope of God's redemptive plan but perfectly fulfilled it, leading His people into the very presence of God and securing for them an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven 1 Peter 1:4. He is the ultimate Leader, whose commission is eternal, whose strength is infinite, and whose work ensures the complete and glorious fulfillment of all God's promises for His people.