Joshua Is Chosen to Succeed Moses

God told Moses to go up the mountain of Abarim and look at the land he had given to the people of Israel. Moses would see it, but after that he would be gathered to his people, as Aaron was. God reminded Moses that at the waters in the wilderness of Zin, he had not honoured God as holy before the people.

Then Moses spoke to God for the people. He asked the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, to appoint a man over the congregation. He wanted someone who would lead them out and bring them in, so God's people would not be like sheep without a shepherd.

God answered by choosing Joshua son of Nun. He said Joshua was a man in whom was the Spirit. Moses was told to bring Joshua before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and to commission him where the people could see.

Moses was to give Joshua authority so that the whole congregation would obey him. Joshua would stand before Eleazar the priest, and Eleazar would inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the Lord. By that word, Joshua and all Israel would go out and come in.

Moses did as God commanded. He brought Joshua before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. Then Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the Lord had spoken through Moses. God was providing a leader for his people.