Deuteronomy 31:1–8

Deuteronomy 31:1-8: Joshua to Succeed Moses

Synopsis

This passage is sort of a formal handing over of power from Moses to Joshua.

Moses—who is now 120 years old—begins by summoning the Israelites, and reminding them that he will not be crossing the Jordan with them, into the Promised Land. However, he reminds them, God Himself will lead them into the Promised Land. God will destroy the nations who are currently living there—just as He destroyed the kings that have already been defeated, on this side of the Jordan—so that the Israelites can take possession of it. And because the LORD will be with them—because He will never leave them nor forsake them—the Israelites should not be afraid of the nations currently living there.

After this, he specifically summons Joshua, and tells him to have courage, as he leads the people into the Promised Land, and divides it up among them as their inheritance. And he should have courage for the same reason the rest of the Israelites should: because the LORD will be with him.

Thoughts

When Moses tells the Israelites, or Joshua, to have courage, it’s always for the same reason: Because they have no reason to be afraid. This whole passage keeps emphasizing, over and over, “the LORD will be with you, the LORD will be with you.”