The Successor to Moshe
27: 12-23
The successor to Moshe DIG: Why was Moses not permitted to enter the Promised Land? Why were Moshe’s sons not considered as his successors? What characteristics was the LORD looking for? What experiences and qualities in Joshua made him a great choice to succeed Moshe? Why do you think Joshua was chosen instead of Caleb? Why were the two additional ceremonies needed?
REFLECT: Faith and obedience were crucial for Isra’el’s success. What is a current circumstance in your life that calls for both of these? Who was your “Moses?” What problems arose when your “Joshua” succeeded you? How could those problems have been avoided by using this passage? Are you indispensable to the ministry you are a part of? Who are you training to take your place? If not, why not?
A new generation of leadership.
Moshe’s death (27:12-14): The contrast of the story regarding the daughters of Zelophehad with their request for an inheritance in the Land (to see link click Eu – The Five Daughters of Zelophehad), and ADONAI’s denial of Moshe’s entrance in the Land is touching indeed! Exceptions were made for the daughters of Zelophehad, but there was no exception made for Moses, the (usually) faithful servant of the LORD. His sin at the waters of Meribah was always before him (see Dd – The Sin of Moses and Aaron). Aaron had already died (see Df – The Death of Aaron), and Moshe was soon to follow. Both had to die before the people could enter the Promised Land. Moses would be allowed a panoramic view of the Promised Land (see Deuteronomy Gj – The Death of Moses), but would not be allowed to step foot on the Land itself.623
ADONAI said to Moshe, “Climb Mount Nebo in the ‘Avarim Range, and look out at the land which I have given the people of Isra’el. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother was gathered; because in the Desert of Tzin, when the community was disputing with me, you rebelled against My order to uphold my holiness by means of the water, with them looking on.” This was Meribah in Kadesh Spring, in the Desert Tzin. But YHVH is merciful. Centuries later, Moses and Elijah would stand in glory on a mountain when they talked with Yeshua about His impending death on the cross (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Gb – Jesus went up a High Mountain and was Transfigured), so Moshe did finally make it to the Promised Land!624
Moshe’s request (27:15-17): Moshe then requested, in light of his own impending death, that God appointed a successor to him, just like He clearly indicated a successor for his brother Aaron (20:22-29). Rather than lapsing into self-pity as a lesser man might have done, Moshe expressed his concern that Isra’el have a competent leader to take his place.625 Without such a designated leader, the people would be like sheep without a shepherd. He said to ADONAI, “Let ADONAI, God of the spirits of all mankind (His ultimate sovereignty over all), appoint a man to be over the community, to go out and come in ahead of them, to lead them out and bring them in.” The successor to Moses was not chosen because of a blood relationship to Moshe; he was not a king. Nor was he chosen by popular election, for Moses had not been elected by the people. The successor was to be appointed by God. ADONAI was (and is) King; Moses was only an agent. The successor was not to be a figurehead or a symbol, but a leader who would stand before his people and lead them in the direction they should go. He is pictured as a shepherd, one needed by the flock. So, Moses’ concern was that his flock not be left without a shepherd.626 But God had a certain person in mind even before Moses made the request. Interestingly enough, he would also be called a “Yeshua” for the people; it was Yehoshua, or Joshua! The list of Joshua’s qualifications for this enormous task is seemingly endless.
The first thing the Ruach Ha’Kodesh does is list God’s qualifications for who would replace Moses. One of the most outstanding qualifications that was essential for a successor for Moshe was that he be a military man. This is indicated by the phrase, to go out and come in. This idiom was used to speak of army commanders. Isra’el’s officers were not like others who send out their troops first and they come last. Rather, they were to lead their troops into the battle. In fact, even to this day, the officers of the IDF are noted for their battle cry aharai, or follow me.627 Almost from the very beginning of our familiarity with Joshua, he was the leader of Isra’el’s army. Now, in this passage, Joshua has had intensive military experience for about forty years.
The next most important qualification for the one who was to walk in Moshe’s sandals was that he had to be a shepherd. It is hard to picture a man who would have the strength and boldness of a general yet possess the kindness and gentleness of a shepherd. Yet, the leader of ADONAI’s holy nation was to be just such a person. One of the best-known examples of these characteristics was King David, the shepherd king who made Isra’el into a formidable military power. However, by far the best example of such a person was Yeshua Messiah. He Himself said that He is the Good Shepherd (see the commentary on The Life of Christ Gu – The Good Shepherd and His Sheep). As such, He provides food, protection, community, and the comfort of His presence to guide His sheep. On the other hand, we know from Revelation that this kind and tender Shepherd is also ADONAI Elohei-Tzva’ot, the LORD God of heaven’s angelic armies (see Joshua 5:13-15; Second Kings 19:31; Psalm 24:10; Second Corinthians 6:18), coming to wage victorious war over the enemies of Ha’Shem (see the commentary on Revelation Ex – The Eight Stage Campaign of Armageddon).
Ever since we first met Joshua, he was always at Moshe’s side, especially in Sinai. One cannot be that close to such a great Torah teacher as Moses and not be a diligent student of God’s Word himself. I am sure that Joshua studied every move Moshe made as a shepherd of the flock of ADONAI and learned his calling well. YHVH knew this man, he was a tender warrior like God Himself. Based on these two factors alone, no one among all of Isra’el had more qualifications for following Moses in the leadership of the nation. But the Holy One also sought to give him even more essential qualifications for the job. Therefore, the LORD instructed that two additional ceremonies be performed.628
Joshua anointed (27:18-21): First, ADONAI told Moses to lay his hands on him, symbolizing the fact that Moshe’s authority was to rest upon Joshua. This was done in front of all Isra’el so that there would never be any question that Joshua was the man whom Moses designated to succeed him. God spoke to Moshe, saying: Take Joshua, who is filled with the Spirit (Deuteronomy 34:9), and lay your hand on him. Put him in front of Eleazar the high priest and the whole community, and anoint him in their sight. Place your authority on him, so that he will be obeyed by the entire community of Isra’el.
Second, He is to present himself to Eleazar the high priest, who is to find out by means of the Urim and Thummim (see the commentary on Exodus Gb – The Urim and Thummim: The Means of Making Decisions) what ADONAI’s will is for Joshua’s decisions. The political and military leader needed to work closely with the religious leader. Then, at Joshua’s word they will go out, and at his word they will come in, both he and all the people of Isra’el with him, the whole community. This was most likely done to confirm to all Isra’el that not only was Joshua Moshe’s choice, but he was also God’s choice.629
Just as David had been anointed three times to lead the nation (First Samuel 16:1-3, Second Samuel 2:1-7 and 5:1-5), and his son Solomon was anointed three times to lead the Israelites after his father’s death (First Kings 1:28-53; First Chronicles 17:1-15 and 29:21-25), Joshua was also anointed three times. We have just seen above how Joshua was anointed by Moses and then presented to Eleazar the high priest to find out by means of the Urim and Thummim what God’s will was for his decisions. Finally, YHVH would anoint Joshua privately in the Tent of Meeting (see the commentary on Deuteronomy Fu – The Tent of Meeting). It would still be a little while before the final anointing of Joshua would take place there. What I mean is that Moses still had much more teaching of the Torah to give to the people. Not only that, he also needed to give his blessing to the tribes on his deathbed (see Deuteronomy Fy – This is the Blessing).630
Moshe’s obedience (27:22-23): Moshe did as ADONAI had commanded him. He took Joshua, put him before Eleazar and the whole community, laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as ADONAI had said through Moshe. Moses followed God’s command to the letter. But each time we read of Moshe’s complete obedience to the LORD in Numbers, we wistfully glance back to the waters of Meribah and wish that he had done so there as well.631
Dear heavenly Father, praise You for being such a wonderful Father! Being a leader requires many important skills and qualifications. Yeshua models how to be the perfect leader. The skill of being a military leader is important, and it must be balanced by being also a loving and wise Shepherd. Some people excel in just being good at fighting or just being good at being a kind Shepherd, but Yeshua scores 100% on both. He is the perfect military leader and also the best loving and kind Shepherd.
It is such a comfort to know that when problems come, Yeshua is right there living within me. Yeshua answered and said to him: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him (John 14:23). No matter what time of the day or night when the trouble comes, you God are always right there. For God Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5c). You are never too busy nor do you ever fall asleep and have to be awakened. My help comes from ADONAI, Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. Your Keeper will not slumber (Psalm 121:2-3).
Even when all the powers of the world come against You, You win a complete victory without even fighting. It is not a battle, it’s a slaughter. You totally defeat the enemy by the sword of Your mouth. From His mouth comes a sharp sword – so that with it He may strike down the nations – and He shall rule them with an iron rod, and He treads the winepress of the furious wrath of Elohei-Tzva’ot (Revelation 19:15). In a battle that seems so big for me, You have already won it.
I love to praise and to worship You, my almighty King of kings. On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16). You are also our tender Shepherd. ADONAI is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Psalm 23:1-3). I look forward to praising You forever in heaven. In Messiah Yeshua’s Name and power of His resurrection. Amen
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