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Deuteronomy 1:38 - Joshua inherits leadership role

Deuteronomy 1:38 - דברים 1:38

Hebrew Text

יְהוֹשֻׁעַ בִּן נוּן הָעֹמֵד לְפָנֶיךָ הוּא יָבֹא שָׁמָּה אֹתוֹ חַזֵּק כִּי־הוּא יַנְחִלֶנָּה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

But Yehoshua the son of Nun, who stands before thee, he shall go in there: encourage him: for he shall cause Yisra᾽el to inherit it.

Transliteration

Yehoshua bin Nun ha'omed lefanecha hu yavo shamah oto chazek ki-hu yanchilena et-Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן־נוּן֙ הָעֹמֵ֣ד לְפָנֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא יָ֣בֹא שָׁ֑מָּה אֹת֣וֹ חַזֵּ֔ק כִּי־ה֖וּא יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
יְהוֹשֻׁ֤עַ בִּן־נוּן֙ הָעֹמֵ֣ד לְפָנֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא יָ֣בֹא שָׁ֑מָּה אֹת֣וֹ חַזֵּ֔ק כִּי־ה֖וּא יַנְחִלֶ֥נָּה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Devarim (Deuteronomy)

The verse (Devarim 1:38) appears in Moshe Rabbeinu's recounting of the events leading to his inability to enter Eretz Yisrael. Hashem instructs Moshe to encourage Yehoshua bin Nun as the future leader who will bring Bnei Yisrael into the Land.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 1:38) emphasizes the phrase "הָעֹמֵד לְפָנֶיךָ" ("who stands before thee"), noting that Yehoshua served Moshe faithfully as a devoted disciple. Rashi cites the Midrash (Sifrei) that Yehoshua would arrive early and stay late in the Tent of Meeting, arranging benches and preparing the study hall—demonstrating his exceptional dedication to Torah and leadership.

Rambam on Leadership Transition

Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 1:7) derives from this verse the principle that a leader must designate a successor. Moshe's public encouragement of Yehoshua reinforced his legitimacy as the next leader, ensuring continuity for Klal Yisrael.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Vayeilech 2): Yehoshua's merit to lead stemmed from his unwavering loyalty. When Moshe descended Har Sinai, Yehoshua alone waited for him (Shemos 32:17), unlike others who participated in the Cheit HaEgel.
  • Devarim Rabbah (2:5): The phrase "חַזֵּק" ("encourage him") implies Yehoshua needed strength not only for war but to lead a generation transitioning from wilderness miracles to natural conquest.

Halachic Implications

The Sifrei (Devarim 28) learns from "כִּי־הוּא יַנְחִלֶנָּה" ("for he shall cause Yisrael to inherit it") that Yehoshua’s leadership was essential for establishing the mitzvah of Yishuv HaAretz (settling the Land). This underscores the collective responsibility to inherit and dwell in Eretz Yisrael under proper leadership.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Yehoshua (Joshua) chosen to lead the Israelites into the Land of Israel?
A: Yehoshua was chosen because he was a faithful student of Moshe (Moses) and demonstrated great dedication to Torah and the Jewish people. Rashi explains that Yehoshua 'stood before' Moshe, meaning he served him diligently and absorbed his teachings. Additionally, the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) notes that Yehoshua was chosen due to his humility and unwavering commitment to guiding the nation.
Q: What does it mean to 'encourage' Yehoshua, as the verse commands?
A: The command to 'encourage' Yehoshua (חַזֵּק) means to strengthen him with words of support and confidence in his leadership. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:7) explains that leaders need public affirmation to carry out their roles effectively. Moshe was instructed to reassure Yehoshua that he had the ability to lead the people into the Land of Israel and succeed in his mission.
Q: Why does the verse say Yehoshua will 'cause Israel to inherit' the land?
A: The phrase teaches that Yehoshua’s leadership was essential for the nation to take possession of the land. The Talmud (Bava Batra 121b) connects this to the idea that righteous leaders help the Jewish people fulfill their divine mission. Yehoshua’s role wasn’t just military—he ensured the spiritual and national inheritance of Eretz Yisrael according to Hashem’s promise.
Q: How does this verse apply to leadership today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of strong, Torah-guided leadership and communal support for leaders. Just as Yehoshua needed encouragement, leaders today require trust and backing from the people. The Sforno adds that true leadership is about enabling others to achieve their potential—just as Yehoshua helped Israel inherit the land, leaders must empower their communities in Torah and mitzvot.