Deuteronomy 1:38
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.
Original Language Analysis
בִּן
the son
H1121
בִּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָֽעֹמֵ֣ד
which standeth
H5975
הָֽעֹמֵ֣ד
which standeth
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
4 of 15
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
H6440
לְפָנֶ֔יךָ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יָ֣בֹא
thee he shall go in
H935
יָ֣בֹא
thee he shall go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
7 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֑מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֑מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
8 of 15
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֹת֣וֹ
H853
אֹת֣וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חַזֵּ֔ק
thither encourage
H2388
חַזֵּ֔ק
thither encourage
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
10 of 15
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 15
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה
to inherit
H5157
יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה
to inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
13 of 15
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:28But 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.Numbers 14:30Doubtless 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.
Historical Context
Joshua, Moses' assistant from youth (Exodus 33:11), was approximately 50 years old when appointed Moses' successor. He had served faithfully as military commander (Exodus 17:9-13) and, with Caleb, brought the faithful minority report at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 14:6-9). Joshua would lead Israel for approximately 25 years, conquering Canaan and distributing tribal inheritances (Joshua 1-24).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joshua's appointment demonstrate God's sovereign preparation of leadership transitions?
- What does the command to 'encourage' Joshua teach about the congregation's responsibility toward appointed leaders?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joshua's appointment as Moses' successor demonstrates God's sovereign preparation of leadership. The command 'encourage him' (Hebrew 'chazaq'—strengthen, make firm) reveals that even chosen leaders require support from the covenant community. Joshua would 'cause Israel to inherit' the land—not by his own strength but as God's ordained instrument. This illustrates the Reformed understanding that God works through appointed means to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Human agency and divine sovereignty cooperate without contradiction.