Deuteronomy 1:38 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 1:38 mean?

Deuteronomy 1:38 says that Joshua, the son of Nun, will be the one to lead the Israelites into the promised land, and Moses is told to encourage him because Joshua will help Israel receive their inheritance. This verse makes it clear that Joshua, not Moses, will guide the people into Canaan and that he needs support for this important role.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites as he recounts what God told him. The people are on the edge of the promised land after years in the wilderness, and God is appointing Joshua as the new leader. The instruction to "encourage him" shows that Joshua’s task will be challenging and that he will need strength and support from others.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 1:38

• The word "encourage" is חָזַק (chazaq), which means to strengthen or make firm. Here, it suggests that Joshua will need to be made strong and confident for the difficult job ahead, not just given a title.
• The word "inherit" is נָחַל (nachal), meaning to receive as a possession. This highlights that Joshua’s leadership is about helping Israel actually take possession of the land, not just entering it.
• The phrase "standeth before thee" uses עָמַד (amad), which means to stand or serve in someone’s presence. This points out that Joshua has already been serving alongside Moses, preparing him for leadership.

Why Deuteronomy 1:38 matters

• This verse clears up any confusion about who will lead Israel into the promised land, showing that it is Joshua, not Moses.
• The emphasis on encouraging Joshua reveals that leadership, especially in a time of transition, requires support and affirmation from others.
• Deuteronomy 1:38 connects to the wider story of Israel’s journey by marking a turning point: the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua, which sets the stage for the next chapter in Israel’s history.