Deuteronomy 31:7,8

Moses' Commission to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7).

Having encouraged the people Moses then hands over the reins to Joshua ‘in the sight of all the people'.

Deuteronomy 31:7

‘ And Moses called to Joshua, and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you will go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you will cause them to inherit it.'

All the detail had no doubt already been dealt with, but this was the final commissioning ceremony as Joshua took over the reins. In front of all the people he was ‘sworn in' (see Deuteronomy 3:28 and compare Numbers 27:21). All the concentration, however, was not on him but on the fact that Yahweh was with him. He could be strong and of good courage for his future victory was certain. He would go in with his people, into the land, and he would possess it, for it was the land that Yahweh had sworn to their fathers to give them. And all because Yahweh was with him.

Deuteronomy 31:8

‘ And Yahweh, he it is who does go before you. He will be with you, he will not fail you, nor forsake you. Fear not, nor be dismayed.'

And this was because it was Yahweh Who would be going before them. He would be with them. He would not fail or forsake them. Thus he and they had no reason to be afraid or be dismayed, for all was in Yahweh's hands. When Moses was dead Yahweh would repeat to Joshua precisely the same thing (Joshua 1:5), confirming his position as the new God-chosen leader and commander. Joshua was taking on no light responsibility. He was replacing Moses.

He had, however, been groomed for it from when he was a young man. He had been with Moses in the Mount (Exodus 24:13; Exodus 32:17). He had commanded the army of Israel in resisting enemy attack (Exodus 17:9). He had watched over the original Tent of Meeting where he had probably had much to do with the recording of the words of Moses (Exodus 33:11). He was constantly Moses' right hand man (Exodus 24:13; Numbers 11:28). He had been one of the spies who searched out Canaan (Numbers 14:6; Numbers 14:30; Numbers 14:38). He had been demonstrated to be selected out for leadership (Numbers 32:28; Numbers 34:17). He had thus received plenty of training before being ‘chosen'. If we would be chosen by God we must first prepare ourselves well.