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.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְחַזְּקֵ֣הוּ
and encourage
H2388
וְחַזְּקֵ֣הוּ
and encourage
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
4 of 18
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְאַמְּצֵ֑הוּ
him and strengthen
H553
וְאַמְּצֵ֑הוּ
him and strengthen
Strong's:
H553
Word #:
5 of 18
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
7 of 18
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
יַֽעֲבֹ֗ר
him for he shall go over
H5674
יַֽעֲבֹ֗ר
him for he shall go over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
8 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לִפְנֵי֙
before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הָעָ֣ם
this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֔ה
H2088
וְהוּא֙
H1931
וְהוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
12 of 18
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
יַנְחִ֣יל
and he shall cause them to inherit
H5157
יַנְחִ֣יל
and he shall cause them to inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
13 of 18
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אוֹתָ֔ם
H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:3The 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 31:23And 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 1:38But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.Deuteronomy 31:7And 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.Acts 7:45Which 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;
Historical Context
This began Joshua's formal preparation for leadership, culminating in public commissioning (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23). Moses' willingness to invest in Joshua despite personal disappointment models selfless leadership. Joshua's success depended partly on Moses' faithful mentoring, showing how leaders create legacy through developing others.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are you actively encouraging and strengthening to continue God's work after you?
- How can personal disappointment become motivation to invest in others' success?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command to Moses—'charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him'—shifts focus from personal disappointment to investing in the next generation. Moses must actively prepare his successor through specific charge (instruction), encouragement (emotional support), and strengthening (confidence-building). The reason 'for he shall go over before this people... cause them to inherit' emphasizes Joshua's crucial role. Finishing well means empowering others to continue God's work.