Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Deuteronomy 31:7
And 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.
7. in the sight of all Israel ] Deu 34:12.
Be strong and of a good courage ] As in Deu 31:6 but Sg.; cp. Deu 3:28. LXX: .
go with ] Rather bring, as in some Heb. MSS, Sam. Vulg. and Deu 31:23.
sworn ] Deu 1:8.
cause them to inherit ] Deu 1:38, Deu 3:28.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Moses hands over to Joshua that office as leader of the people, to which he had already been designated Deu 1:38; Num 27:23. He assigns also to the Levitical priests and the elders, as the ecclesiastical and civil heads of the nation, the responsibility of teaching the law and enforcing its observance Deu 31:10-13. Both these were symbolic acts, designed to mark the responsibility of the parties concerned after the death of Moses.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
And Moses called unto Joshua,…. Who might be at some distance from him, with the tribe to which he belonged. The Targum of Jonathan adds,
“out of the midst of the people:”
and said unto him, in the sight of all Israel; now assembled together, and what follows was said in their hearing, to make him the more respectable to them:
be strong and of a good courage; the same that is said to the people in
De 31:6, and which was still more necessary in him, who was to be their general, and to go at the head of them, and lead them on to battle; and though Joshua was a man of courage and valour, as well as had military skill, as appears by his fight with Amalek, Ex 17:9; yet such an exhortation was not needless, seeing he had so much work to do, and so many enemies to contend with:
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; the Targum of Jonathan is,
“which the Word of the Lord hath sworn to give;”
the land of Canaan, thither he must go with them; this was the will and determination of God, and he must go alone without him, Moses, which would be a trial of his courage.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Verses 7, 8:
The text describes Moses’ final public appointment of Joshua as his successor. He publicly encouraged him to be courageous and fearless in leading Israel to appropriate what Jehovah had promised them. This occasion was likely a later public display than that described in Num 27:18-23.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
7 And Moses called unto Joshua. It hence appears that those, upon whom a public charge is conferred, have need of a twofold confirmation: for, after having addressed a general instruction to the whole people, he directs his discourse peculiarly to Joshua himself, as to one whose business it was to set an example of bravery to others, and whom severe contests awaited. Since, then, it is more difficult to lead all the rest than to follow a leader, it is necessary that he, who is set over many, should far excel them. But, inasmuch as no one call do anything of himself, we must seek of God whatever we want. Wherefore that, which Moses had enjoined upon the whole people, he now repeats to a single individual, because upon him the burden of ruling them was thrown. And this must be more carefully observed, because, in proportion to the degree of honor, in which a man is placed, so does he disdainfully look down upon all admonitions; whence it is the case that those, who are eminent in the world, carelessly reject the exhortations of God’s servants. But Moses thoroughly overthrows all such fastidiousness, when he shows that all, who are in authority, should not only be instructed together with others, but even more urgently dealt with.
When Moses, in this place as well as above, forbids believers to give way to fear or dread, it must be observed that. he would not have them so deprived of all feeling, as to be hardened into indifference to every danger, or to suppose, as some madmen do, that there is no such thing as bravery without stupidity, but only possessed of such confidence as may overcome all fears, which impede the course of their calling. Appropriately does the Apostle extend this lesson further, where he wishes to correct avarice, which arises from over-anxiety, whilst wretched men do not sufficiently reflect what it is to have God for their perpetual helper. (Hebrews13:5.)
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
7. Called unto Joshua Moses, in the sight of all Israel, calls Joshua, who is to be his successor, and with words of encouragement tells him he is to go with the people into the Land of Promise, and to cause them to possess it.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Moses’ Commission to Joshua ( Deu 31:7-8 ).
Having encouraged the people Moses then hands over the reins to Joshua ‘in the sight of all the people’.
Deu 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 Deu 3:28 and compare Num 27:21-23). 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.
Deu 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 (Jos 1:5-6), 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 (Exo 24:13; Exo 32:17). He had commanded the army of Israel in resisting enemy attack (Exo 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 (Exo 33:11). He was constantly Moses’ right hand man (Exo 24:13; Num 11:28). He had been one of the spies who searched out Canaan (Num 14:6; Num 14:30; Num 14:38). He had been demonstrated to be selected out for leadership (Num 32:28; Num 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.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Ver. 7. And Moses called unto Joshua, &c. It is in vain, says Mr. Saurin, to inquire why none of the children of Moses succeeded him in his government. St. Augustin thinks it was because their mother was a Midianite. But these kinds of questions are not within human reach. God is at liberty in the disposal of his favours, and is responsible to none but himself for the use of such liberty: perhaps, also, he was desirous to obviate all suspicions of ambition and partiality, which might have been entertained against Moses had he himself made choice of one of his children for his successor. One of the most memorable circumstances of this great man’s life, and one of the most proper to illustrate that love with which he was always animated, was, that as soon as God had told him that his unbelief excluded him from entering into the Land of Promise, his first cares were taken up about the management of that people from whom death was about to separate him. It is one of the chief characteristics of a true hero, not to seek, in the great stations to which he has been exalted, any thing but the happiness of those for whose sake he is placed there; and to be ready to come down from thence as willingly as he ascended, when Providence thinks fit to call to succeed him those who are worthy of it. Such was the character of Moses.
REFLECTIONS.One parting word more before his lips are shut in death. They were going to a war in which they needed encouragement: he, the leader in whom they had confidence, could not go before them; his age was very great, and, though his natural force was not abated by it, yet God had put a bar in his way, and determined his death on this side Jordan. Note; 1. Moses animates the people with the assurance of God’s constant presence with them, and his never-failing providence over them. As he might not go himself, he appoints them Joshua for their leader, of whose courage they had full experience, and of whose regard for them they could have no doubt after what had passed. Thus, as one faithful minister is removed, another succeeds him. They needed not fear success when God was their captain: what they had seen might be sufficient to confirm their confidence; and as it was God’s determined decree to root out the Canaanites, and to make them his instruments, they might rest assured that it would be done. Note; (1.) Past experience should be remembered for our present encouragement. (2.) What God sends us to do, he will enable us to accomplish, however difficult it may appear. 2. He encourages Joshua; not that he wanted courage, but that every promise from God might inspire fresh confidence of victory: he gives him the same assurances of the Divine presence and never-failing care, and charges him to act as a valiant leader. Every believer is a Joshua, strong to fight the Lord’s battles, undismayed by danger, and exercising faith in the Divine promises for final and complete victory over sin, and death, and hell.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
The inability of Moses to go over Jordan, and the ability of Joshua, should be well noticed by the Reader. As Moses’ natural strength was not diminished, certain it is, his want of strength was not the cause; neither was the personal power of Joshua the reason of these things. But if we look at Moses as typical of the law, and Joshua as typical of JESUS and his gospel: then we see how impossible it was for the law to bring souls to GOD, and how suited alone that Almighty Joshua is, to plant his people in his holy mountain. For the law made nothing perfect; but a better hope did, by which we draw nigh unto GOD. Heb 7:19 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Deu 31:7 And 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.
Ver. 7. For thou must go with this people. ] As a worthy guide, to lead them to their rest temporal; so doth Christ all his to their rest eternal.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Deu 31:7-8
7Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. 8The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deu 31:7 This is a public transfer of power! This is the fulfillment of Deu 1:38; Deu 3:28!
Deu 31:8 He will be with you This is restated, I will be with you, in Deu 31:23! The promise of YHWH’s personal presence is the greatest blessing that can be given (cf. Exo 3:12; Exo 4:12; Exo 4:15; Exo 33:14-16; Deu 4:37; Jos 1:5). It is the reason why His leaders and people should not be fearful of anyone or anything!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
go with = bring in.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Be strong: Deu 31:6, Deu 31:23, Deu 1:38, Deu 3:28, Jos 1:6, Dan 10:19, Eph 6:10
for thou must: Deu 31:3, Deu 1:38, Deu 3:28, Joh 1:17
Reciprocal: Num 13:6 – Caleb Num 13:8 – Oshea Num 20:28 – put them Num 27:18 – Take thee Num 27:19 – give him Num 27:23 – General Jos 1:2 – arise Jos 1:7 – which Moses Jos 1:9 – Have Jos 11:15 – so did Moses 1Ch 19:13 – of good 1Ch 22:13 – be strong 1Ch 28:20 – Be strong 2Ch 32:7 – strong
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Deu 31:7. Moses said to him in the face of all Israel Lest any should question or deny his authority after Mosess death. Be strong and of good courage The same exhortation and promise are given to him in particular, that were before given to them all, because he was to bear the charge of them all, and the toil and burden of governing them, and conducting their affairs.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
31:7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and {c} 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.
(c) For he that must govern the people, must be valiant to repress evil, and constant to maintain virtue.