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.

But charge {H6680} Joshua {H3091}, and encourage {H2388} him, and strengthen {H553} him: for he shall go over {H5674} before {H6440} this people {H5971}, and he shall cause them to inherit {H5157} the land {H776} which thou shalt see {H7200}.

However, commission Y'hoshua, encourage him and strengthen him; for he will lead this people across and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.'

But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”

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.

Commentary

Commentary on Deuteronomy 3:28 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 3:28 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, marking a significant transition in leadership as the people prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Context

This verse comes near the end of Moses' recounting of Israel's journey in the wilderness, specifically after the defeat of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og and the allocation of land east of the Jordan. Moses has just been told by God that he will not lead the people into the land across the Jordan because of his actions at Meribah (Deuteronomy 3:26-27). In this context, God instructs Moses to prepare Joshua for the immense task ahead, explicitly designating him as the one who will fulfill the divine promise of inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Leadership Transition: The verse highlights the formal transfer of leadership from Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet, to Joshua, his chosen successor. This transition was crucial for the continuity of God's plan for Israel.
  • Divine Commissioning and Empowerment: God Himself commands Moses to "charge, encourage, and strengthen" Joshua. This indicates that Joshua's leadership was divinely appointed and required divine empowerment, mediated through Moses' instruction and support.
  • Encouragement and Strength: The specific commands to encourage and strengthen emphasize the challenging nature of the task ahead for Joshua (leading the conquest and settlement of Canaan) and the vital need for spiritual and emotional support for leaders.
  • Inheritance of the Land: The core purpose of Joshua's leadership is explicitly stated: he "shall cause them to inherit the land." This underscores the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used here are significant:

  • "Charge" (tsavah): This word implies a formal command or instruction, indicating the weight and authority behind the directions given to Joshua.
  • "Encourage him, and strengthen him" (chazaq): The same root word is used twice, emphasizing the intensity of the action. Chazaq means to be strong, firm, courageous, or bold. It's a call for Moses to impart courage and resilience to Joshua for the daunting task ahead.

Reflection and Application

Deuteronomy 3:28 offers timeless principles about leadership, mentorship, and the importance of support during times of transition. It teaches us:

  • The necessity of preparing and equipping future leaders.
  • The vital role of encouragement and strength from seasoned leaders to those taking on new responsibilities.
  • That divine calling often comes with the promise of divine empowerment and the support of the community.
  • That God uses human leaders to accomplish His purposes, in this case, bringing the people into the inheritance He promised.

Just as Joshua was charged to lead Israel into their physical inheritance, believers today are called to understand and walk in their spiritual inheritance in Christ, a journey that also requires divine strength and mutual encouragement.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 31:3 (6 votes)

    The LORD thy God, he will go over before thee, [and] he will destroy these nations from before thee, and thou shalt possess them: [and] Joshua, he shall go over before thee, as the LORD hath said.

  • Deuteronomy 31:23 (4 votes)

    And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

  • Deuteronomy 31:7 (4 votes)

    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 1:38 (4 votes)

    [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.

  • Numbers 27:18 (3 votes)

    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;

  • Numbers 27:23 (3 votes)

    And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

  • Acts 7:45 (3 votes)

    Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;