Deuteronomy 31:23

MOSES AND JOSHUA

‘(Moses) gave Joshua … a charge.’

Deuteronomy 31:23

I. Moses, the great leader, is about to leave Israel; Joshua, the new leader, was untried, and it is no wonder if their courage began to ebb. But see with what stirring words Moses encourages the people. He points them far above and beyond Joshua, to their true leader, God. It matters little what human leader stands before them when the great God Who has led them thus far is still at their head. To Joshua, who no doubt realises the heavy responsibilities which are being laid upon him, and is feeling keenly being thus left alone without Moses, the words of this charge must have been peculiarly strengthening—‘And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee. He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed.’

II. Christians, this is what confronts us; enemies strong and fierce, battles hard and bitter, loss of those upon whom we have leaned most heavily for comfort and advice, loneliness and discouragement; but shall we not let these precious words, ringing down through the ages, touch our hearts, and stir us to fresh courage and resolve, as we realise that they are just as true for us as they were for Israel?

‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’

III. How touching and beautiful it is to see Moses, the white-haired faithful old servant of God, standing there among them, the only one of the company who may not enter Canaan, and yet perceive his sweet submission to God’s will! Not a word of murmuring, not the least reproach, not the slightest envy or jealousy of the one who should take his place. Instead of thoughts of self, Moses’ great thought is to encourage others to press forward, even though he must be left behind.

Illustrations

(1) ‘Fain would Moses himself have entered “the good land beyond Jordan,” but God willed otherwise. It was announced to him that he was about to be gathered to his people on Mount Abarim, as Aaron had been on Mount Hor. While silently submissive, he prayed “the God of the spirits of all flesh” to set a man over the congregation, that they might not be as sheep without a shepherd. In answer to this request he was directed to ordain Joshua as his successor in presence of Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation. This was done with all solemnity; “he laid his hands upon him and gave him a charge.” The new leader had great qualities. He had led Israel in battle; his faith was equal to his courage; and he is described as “a man in whom is the Spirit.” The knowledge that Joshua had inherited somewhat “of his honour” must have allayed the anxiety of Moses, and while opportunity lasted he gave him counsel and encouragement in connection with the trust committed to him.’

(2) ‘In no part of Deuteronomy do we get away from Moses’ oft-repeated exhortation and insistence upon familiarity with God’s Word. It is the great burden of the book from beginning to end. Here, in addition to the daily home reading and teaching and talking of God’s Word, we have the command that at the end of every seven years, all Israel should be gathered together at a central meeting-place which God should appoint, and this Law should be publicly read, so that all the people, men, women, and children, should be acquainted with its contents.’