But Josue the son of Nun, thy minister, he shall go in for thee: exhort and encourage him, and he shall divide the land by lot to Israel.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן נוּן֙ הָעֹמֵ֣ד לְפָנֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא יָ֣בֹא שָׁ֑מָּה אֹת֣וֹ חַזֵּ֔ק כִּי־ה֖וּא יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
What benefit did the offspring of Moses have who did not covet his strict lifestyle? They did not receive his leadership. Though they were his children, the governance of the people was entrusted to another who was a true son in righteousness.
Let us appoint leaders to survey the land before us. However, since the observers arrived and you refused to acknowledge the bounty of the land or heed Caleb and Jesus, you have incurred the Lord's displeasure. The divine command was clear: Joshua, the son of Nun, who stands in your presence, is to be empowered, for he will be the one to allocate this land as an inheritance for Israel. God humbled Moses by preventing him from leading the Israelites into the promised territory; yet, He also honored him by designating Jesus, who was given precedence over Moses, as his servant. Moses, being greater than Jesus, was destined to support him.
It is crucial for individuals to surround themselves with those of admirable character. Young men particularly benefit from emulating individuals of integrity and wisdom, as wisdom is gained through association. The Scriptures affirm this truth, stating, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Such associations are valuable for teaching and serve as a testament to virtuous living. It is clear that young men tend to imitate those they frequently engage with, and it is widely recognized that they often reflect the behaviors of those they choose to be around.
This principle is exemplified in the life of Joshua, who, through his close relationship with Moses, was not only enlightened with the law but also blessed and sanctified. When the glory of God descended upon the tabernacle of Moses, Joshua was present, serving as Moses' attendant (Exodus 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 11:28; Deuteronomy 1:38). While Moses engaged in communion with God, Joshua remained by his side, enveloped in divine majesty (Exodus 24:13; 33:11; Numbers 11:11; Deuteronomy 1:38). The elders and the people stayed at a distance, while Moses and Jesus ascended the holy mountain to receive the commandments. The congregation remained in the camp, while Jesus was outside, within the Tabernacle of the Covenant.
When the pillar of cloud descended to communicate with Moses, Jesus stood alongside him as a loyal aide, never leaving the tabernacle, even as the elders far away trembled in awe at the divine display. He was continually by the side of Moses during all his extraordinary acts and secret statutes, inheriting the authority of Moses because of their constant companionship (Deuteronomy 1:38; 3:28). By his faithfulness, Joshua parted the waters (see Joshua 3:5-17); he commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12), and indeed the sun paused, allowing him to witness his triumphs as the day was extended.
Additionally, Joshua was uniquely chosen to accomplish what was denied to Moses—leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He stood out as a remarkable figure, both for his miraculous deeds of faith and his military triumphs. While Moses performed greater wonders, Joshua’s accomplishments were notably successful. Both men, relying on God’s favor, achieved feats beyond human capability: one commanded the sea, while the other directed the heavens.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS