“And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.”
This verse is a significant moment in the life of Moses and Joshua, marking the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Context: The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses’ farewell speeches to the Israelites before his death. It emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commandments and the consequences of disobedience.
The impending death of Moses: In this verse, God speaks to Moses, informing him that his days are approaching when he will die. Moses had led the Israelites for forty years, guiding them through the wilderness, but he would not be permitted to enter the Promised Land himself due to his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:12).
Calling Joshua: God instructs Moses to call Joshua, his assistant and chosen successor, to the tabernacle of the congregation. This was a significant moment of transition, where Joshua would receive a divine charge and assume leadership over the Israelites.
The charge given to Joshua: While the specific details of the charge are not mentioned in this verse, it can be understood that God intended to commission Joshua with the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua would need divine guidance and strength to fulfill this crucial role.
Moses and Joshua’s response: Moses and Joshua obediently went and presented themselves before God in the tabernacle of the congregation. This demonstrates their faithfulness and submission to God’s instructions, as well as their willingness to embrace the leadership transition according to God’s plan.
Lessons from Deuteronomy 31:14:
- Leadership transition: This verse highlights the importance of a smooth transition of leadership. Moses willingly passed on his authority to Joshua, showcasing the need for humility, obedience, and acceptance of God’s timing in leadership transitions.
- Divine commissioning: Joshua received a divine charge, indicating that God equips and empowers leaders for their tasks. As leaders, it is essential to seek God’s guidance and rely on His strength, recognizing that the authority and responsibility we have come from Him.
- Faithful obedience: Both Moses and Joshua demonstrate faithful obedience to God’s instructions. Their response serves as a model for us to follow, showing the significance of submitting to God’s will, even in times of transition or uncertainty.
Overall, Deuteronomy 31:14 teaches us about the passing of leadership, the importance of divine guidance, and the value of faithful obedience to God’s plans.
