(a) Describe how Joshua was selected as Moses' successor. (b) Mention two previous associations of Moses and Joshua.

Answer Details

(a) How Joshua was selected as Moses' successor (Numbers 27:12-23)

The LORD told Moses to go up to Mount Abarim to view the Promised Land, reminding him that, because he and Aaron had rebelled against God's command at the waters of Meribah, he would not enter it but would be gathered to his people, as Aaron had been. Moses then prayed to the LORD, "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation... that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep which have no shepherd."

The LORD answered, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him." God gave these instructions:

• Moses was to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation and commission him in their sight.
• He was to lay his hands upon Joshua and invest him with some of his own authority, so that all the people of Israel would obey him.
• Joshua was to stand before Eleazar the priest, who would inquire for him by the judgement of the Urim before the LORD, and at his word the people would go out and come in.

Moses did as the LORD commanded: he took Joshua, set him before Eleazar and all the congregation, laid his hands upon him and commissioned him, as the LORD had directed.

(b) Two previous associations of Moses and Joshua

1. Joshua was Moses' minister (aide/servant) and led Israel's army in the battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim while Moses held up his hands on the hill (Exodus 17:8-13).
2. Joshua accompanied Moses partway up Mount Sinai and was with him in connection with the receiving of the law; he was also one of the twelve spies sent to search out the land of Canaan, and, with Caleb, brought back a faithful report (Exodus 24:13; Numbers 13-14).