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Deuteronomy 31:14 - Moshe prepares Yehoshua's leadership

Deuteronomy 31:14 - דברים 31:14

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה הֵן קָרְבוּ יָמֶיךָ לָמוּת קְרָא אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ וְהִתְיַצְּבוּ בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וַאֲצַוֶּנּוּ וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וִיהוֹשֻׁעַ וַיִּתְיַצְּבוּ בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And the Lord said to Moshe, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Yehoshua, and present yourselves in the Tent of Meeting, that I may give him a charge. And Moshe and Yehoshua went, and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai el-Moshe hen karvu yamekha lamut kra et-Yehoshua vehityatzevu be'ohel mo'ed va'atzavenhu vayelekh Moshe viYehoshua vayityatzevu be'ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה הֵ֣ן קָרְב֣וּ יָמֶ֘יךָ֮ לָמוּת֒ קְרָ֣א אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ וְהִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ בְּאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וַאֲצַוֶּ֑נּוּ וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ מֹשֶׁה֙ וִיהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ בְּאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה הֵ֣ן קָרְב֣וּ יָמֶ֘יךָ֮ לָמוּת֒ קְרָ֣א אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ וְהִֽתְיַצְּב֛וּ בְּאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וַאֲצַוֶּ֑נּוּ וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ מֹשֶׁה֙ וִיהוֹשֻׁ֔עַ וַיִּֽתְיַצְּב֖וּ בְּאֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Command to Moshe

The verse (Devarim 31:14) opens with Hashem informing Moshe that his days are approaching death. Rashi explains that this phrasing ("הֵן קָרְבוּ יָמֶיךָ") emphasizes the inevitability of Moshe's passing, as the word "הֵן" (behold) underscores the certainty of the decree. The Ramban adds that this was a final opportunity for Moshe to prepare Yehoshua for leadership before his departure from this world.

The Transition of Leadership to Yehoshua

Hashem instructs Moshe to summon Yehoshua and present themselves in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). The Sifri notes that this public transfer of authority was crucial to prevent disputes over succession. The Talmud (Bava Batra 75a) teaches that Yehoshua's leadership was not self-assumed but divinely ordained, as evidenced by the phrase "וַאֲצַוֶּנּוּ" (that I may charge him).

The Significance of the Ohel Moed

The meeting place in the Ohel Moed holds deep symbolism. The Midrash Tanchuma (Vayelech 2) explains that this location was chosen because it represented the continuity of divine communication—just as Moshe received Torah there, Yehoshua would now receive his mandate there. The Ohr HaChaim highlights that this setting affirmed Yehoshua's role as Moshe's rightful successor in receiving divine instruction.

Moshe and Yehoshua's Obedience

The verse concludes by stating that both Moshe and Yehoshua went and presented themselves in the Tent of Meeting. The Kli Yakar observes that their joint appearance demonstrates:

  • Moshe's complete acceptance of Hashem's decree without hesitation
  • Yehoshua's humility in following Moshe's lead despite his impending elevation
  • The seamless transition of authority through mutual respect and divine command

Lessons in Leadership Transition

The Malbim explains that this episode provides a model for proper succession planning in Jewish leadership. Key elements include:

  • Divine guidance in selecting successors
  • Public transfer of authority to prevent disputes
  • Mentorship of the incoming leader by the outgoing one
  • Continuity of sacred spaces and traditions

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, emphasizing the divine command for Joshua to succeed Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem tell Moshe that his days were approaching to die?
A: Hashem informed Moshe that his time to pass on was near to prepare him for the transition of leadership to Yehoshua. According to Rashi, this was done with kindness—Hashem gave Moshe time to arrange his affairs and ensure the nation would continue under proper guidance (Rashi on Deuteronomy 31:14).
Q: Why was Yehoshua chosen to succeed Moshe?
A: Yehoshua was chosen because he was Moshe's faithful student (as described in Pirkei Avot 1:6) and had already demonstrated leadership qualities, such as when he led the battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:9-13). The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) also highlights Yehoshua's humility and dedication to Torah study.
Q: What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in this verse?
A: The Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed) was the place where Hashem communicated with Moshe. By instructing Moshe and Yehoshua to go there, Hashem was formalizing the transfer of leadership in a sacred space, showing that Yehoshua's authority would be divinely appointed (Rambam, Hilchot Sanhedrin 1:3).
Q: What can we learn from Moshe's reaction to being told his time was near?
A: Moshe immediately obeyed Hashem's command without complaint, showing his complete devotion to fulfilling Hashem's will. This teaches us the importance of accepting divine decrees with faith and focusing on ensuring continuity for the next generation (Talmud, Sotah 13b).
Q: How does this verse relate to leadership transitions in Judaism today?
A: This verse sets a model for smooth leadership transitions in Jewish tradition. Just as Moshe prepared Yehoshua publicly in the Tent of Meeting, Jewish leaders today must train successors with transparency and ensure communal stability (based on principles in Rambam's Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Melachim 1:7).