Joshua 3:7

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Joshua {H3091}, This day {H3117} will I begin {H2490} to magnify {H1431} thee in the sight {H5869} of all Israel {H3478}, that they may know {H3045} that, as I was with Moses {H4872}, so I will be with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Y'hoshua, "Starting today, I will make you great in full view of all Isra'el; so that they will know that just as I was with Moshe, so I will be with you.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 3:7 marks a pivotal divine declaration at a critical juncture in Israel's history, as the LORD directly addresses Joshua, affirming his leadership and promising His unwavering presence. This verse serves as a powerful, public divine endorsement, designed to establish Joshua's authority and credibility in the eyes of all Israel, ensuring their trust and obedience as they stand poised to enter the Promised Land under his command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine declaration immediately follows the successful mission of the two spies to Jericho in [Joshua 2](/joshua/2 "Joshua 2 - The Spies in Jericho") and directly precedes the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River, detailed in [Joshua 3:9-17](/joshua/3-9-17 "Joshua 3:9-17 - The Miraculous Jordan Crossing"). The Israelites have been encamped at Shittim, on the eastern side of the Jordan, for three days, preparing for the daunting task ahead. The narrative flow emphasizes a crucial transition from preparation to decisive action, with God's direct address to Joshua serving as the indispensable divine impetus. This moment builds powerfully upon God's initial commissioning of Joshua in [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1-9 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Commission and Promise to Joshua"), where He first promised His presence and success. Now, in Joshua 3:7, God reiterates and publicly validates that promise before the entire nation, cementing Joshua's role as Moses' divinely appointed successor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The death of Moses, Israel's venerable and unparalleled leader for forty years, left a significant void. While Joshua had served as Moses' aide and chosen successor, his authority needed to be unequivocally established and publicly affirmed in the eyes of a people accustomed to Moses' direct communication with God and his miraculous leadership. They were on the brink of invading Canaan, a land inhabited by formidable, well-established nations. In the ancient Near East, a leader's legitimacy was often inextricably tied to divine favor and a public demonstration of that favor. God's public "magnification" of Joshua was therefore essential not only to prevent internal dissent and foster national unity but also to instill unwavering confidence in the face of the immense challenges of conquest that lay before them. This divine act served as a visible sign to both Israel and the surrounding nations of God's continued backing of His chosen people and their new leader.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key theological and narrative themes central to the book of Joshua and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Affirmation of Leadership**, demonstrating that true spiritual authority is not self-proclaimed or merely humanly appointed, but divinely initiated, validated, and publicly acknowledged by God Himself. Secondly, the profound declaration, "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee," emphasizes the **Continuity of God's Presence and Faithfulness**. It serves as a powerful assurance to Israel that God's covenant promises and His active, powerful presence would not cease with Moses' death but would continue seamlessly with Joshua, providing immense comfort and confidence. This echoes and reinforces the promise given to Joshua earlier in [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "Joshua 1:5 - God's Promise of Presence to Joshua"), which explicitly states, "I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Thirdly, the verse signals **Preparation for Great Works**, indicating that Joshua's magnification was not for personal glory but was a necessary divine act to enable him to lead Israel effectively through the miraculous Jordan River crossing and the subsequent conquest of Canaan, ultimately culminating in the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (compare [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Covenant Promise to Abraham")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **magnify (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** The Hebrew verb גָּדַל (_gadal_, H1431) means "to make great," "to cause to be great," "to exalt," or "to promote." It signifies an increase in status, importance, or authority, rather than physical size. In this context, God's action of "magnifying" Joshua implies a public elevation of his standing and credibility in the eyes of the entire Israelite community. It is an act of divine legitimation, ensuring that the people would perceive Joshua as God's chosen and empowered leader, worthy of the same respect and obedience they afforded Moses. This divine act would be visibly demonstrated through the miraculous events that followed, particularly the Jordan crossing.
* **know (Hebrew, _yadaʻ'_):** The Hebrew verb יָדַע (_yadaʻ_, H3045) means "to know," but often implies more than mere intellectual apprehension. It can denote experiential knowledge, recognition, or acknowledgment through encounter. Here, God's purpose is "that they may know" – meaning, that Israel would experientially recognize and acknowledge the reality of God's active presence with Joshua, just as they had with Moses. This profound, experiential knowledge would be proven through the subsequent miraculous events, particularly the Jordan crossing, solidifying Joshua's leadership in their hearts and minds, fostering trust and obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel":** This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin of the declaration, emphasizing that Joshua's authority is not self-appointed or humanly conferred but divinely ordained. The phrase "This day" highlights the immediacy and profound significance of the moment, marking the commencement of a new, divinely sanctioned phase of leadership for Israel. God's commitment to "magnify" Joshua "in the sight of all Israel" underscores the public, undeniable, and visible nature of this divine endorsement. It is a public spectacle designed to instill confidence, foster unity, and ensure obedience within the nation as they embark on the conquest.
* **"that they may know that":** This phrase articulates the explicit purpose and intended outcome of God's action. The magnification of Joshua is not an end in itself, nor is it for Joshua's personal aggrandizement, but rather a crucial means to a greater end: for the people of Israel to gain experiential knowledge, firm conviction, and unwavering trust regarding God's continued presence and active involvement in their leadership. This knowledge is absolutely crucial for their collective obedience, unity, and ultimately, their successful entry into the Promised Land.
* **"as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.":** This is the theological core of the divine promise and the foundational basis of Joshua's legitimacy. It establishes an undeniable continuity of divine presence, favor, and empowering support. The past faithfulness of God with Moses, evidenced by numerous miracles, deliverances (e.g., the Red Sea crossing, the provision of manna), and direct communication, serves as the unshakeable guarantee for God's future faithfulness and active presence with Joshua. This profound assurance would alleviate any lingering doubts or anxieties among the people regarding Joshua's capacity to lead them, as it rooted his authority directly in God's unchanging character and His unwavering covenant commitment to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 3:7 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. Foremost is **Divine Speech**, where God directly addresses Joshua, underscoring the absolute authority and certainty of the promise. This direct address elevates the significance of the moment, making it unequivocally clear that Joshua's leadership is divinely sanctioned and empowered. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the phrase "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee," creating a direct comparison and continuity between the two leaders and, more importantly, between God's consistent, unwavering presence with both. This parallelism serves to reassure the people that the divine power, guidance, and miraculous intervention they experienced under Moses would continue unabated under Joshua. Furthermore, the verse contains a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as God's promise to "magnify" Joshua anticipates the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River (as detailed in [Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14-17 "Joshua 3:14-17 - The Jordan River Crossing")) and the subsequent victories in Canaan, which would serve as tangible, undeniable proof of God's presence with Joshua and indeed magnify him in the eyes of all Israel, as later confirmed in [Joshua 4:14](/joshua/4-14 "Joshua 4:14 - Joshua Magnified After Jordan Crossing").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 3:7 is a profound statement about God's sovereignty over leadership and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It teaches that God Himself initiates, calls, and validates those He appoints to lead His people, ensuring their authority is rooted in His divine backing rather than human charisma, popular vote, or self-proclamation. This divine endorsement is not for the leader's personal aggrandizement but is always for the ultimate benefit of the community, enabling them to trust and follow God's appointed shepherd into His divine purposes. The explicit continuity of God's presence, stated in the direct comparison to Moses, highlights God's unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His promises, regardless of changing circumstances or the transition of human leadership. This provides immense comfort and confidence to God's people, reminding us that God's work is ultimately His own, and He will faithfully equip, sustain, and empower those through whom He chooses to accomplish His will.

This theme of divine presence and affirmation of leaders resonates throughout Scripture:
* [Joshua 1:5](/joshua/1-5 "God's Promise to Joshua")
* [Deuteronomy 31:6-8](/deuteronomy/31-6-8 "God's Promise to Joshua and Israel")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God's Unchanging Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 3:7 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today, demonstrating God's active involvement in His people's lives and His commitment to His purposes. It reminds us that God is actively involved in raising up and affirming leaders, not just in ancient Israel, but in the church, in our communities, and even in our personal spheres of influence. When God calls someone to a task, He also equips and empowers them, often publicly, to ensure their credibility and effectiveness. This verse encourages us to trust in God's unfailing presence, especially during times of significant transition, when facing daunting challenges, or when stepping into new responsibilities. Just as He was faithfully with Moses and then with Joshua, He promises to be with us, providing the strength, wisdom, and validation needed to fulfill His will. It teaches us to look for God's hand in affirming those He has called and to find our ultimate confidence not in human ability or resources, but in God's unchanging faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His people and His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God "magnify" or affirm leaders in the church or in your life today, and what evidence do you see of His backing?**
* **What new "Jordan River" challenges or transitions are you currently facing, and how does the promise of God's presence with you, "as He was with Moses," encourage and equip you for them?**
* **In what ways might you be called to trust God's appointed leaders, or to step out in faith in your own sphere of influence, even when doubts or uncertainties arise?**

### FAQ
**Why was it necessary for God to "magnify" Joshua?**

Answer: It was necessary for several crucial reasons, primarily to ensure the successful continuation of God's redemptive plan for Israel. Firstly, Moses had been Israel's leader for forty years, a figure of immense authority, unique divine communication, and proven miraculous power. His death left a significant spiritual and leadership void, and while Joshua was Moses' chosen successor and had served faithfully, his authority needed to be unequivocally established in the eyes of a people accustomed to Moses' unparalleled leadership. Secondly, Israel was on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, a monumental task that required immense unity, unwavering faith, and absolute obedience to their new leader. Any lingering doubts about Joshua's legitimacy or ability could have led to rebellion, disunity, or failure in the face of formidable enemies. God's public "magnification" of Joshua, therefore, served to divinely validate his leadership, instill profound confidence in the people, and ensure their full cooperation as they embarked on the daunting conquest of Canaan. This divine endorsement was then tangibly and powerfully demonstrated through the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River under Joshua's command, as recounted in [Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14-17 "The Jordan River Crossing").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 3:7, with its profound emphasis on a divinely appointed leader and the continuity of God's empowering presence, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate leadership and presence found in Jesus Christ. Just as God magnified Joshua in the sight of Israel to lead them into the earthly Promised Land, so God the Father has supremely magnified His Son, Jesus, in the sight of all humanity to lead His people into the true, eternal rest. Jesus is the greater Joshua (a Hellenized form of the Hebrew name "Yeshua" or "Yehoshua"), the one who truly fulfills God's promise to be "with us." He is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Prophecy of Emmanuel")), the very embodiment of God's presence, uniquely and fully incarnate. While God's presence was with Moses and Joshua externally and in a limited sense, in Christ, God's presence is uniquely and fully incarnate, dwelling among us (see [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He leads His new covenant people not merely across a physical river but through the spiritual wilderness of sin and death, into the heavenly "rest" that remains for the people of God ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Furthermore, Jesus' ascension did not leave His followers alone; He promised the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to be "with you forever" ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - Promise of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring the continuity of God's empowering presence in every believer, just as God was with Joshua. Thus, Joshua 3:7 ultimately points to Christ as the divinely appointed and eternally present Leader who brings His people into their ultimate, spiritual inheritance.

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

Joshua 4:14

On that day the LORD magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Chronicles 29:25

And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

Psalms 18:35

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Job 7:17

¶ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?