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Deuteronomy 31:7 - Leadership transition with divine promise

Deuteronomy 31:7 - דברים 31:7

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא מֹשֶׁה לִיהוֹשֻׁעַ וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו לְעֵינֵי כָל־יִשְׂרָאֵל חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ כִּי אַתָּה תָּבוֹא אֶת־הָעָם הַזֶּה אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּע יְהוָה לַאֲבֹתָם לָתֵת לָהֶם וְאַתָּה תַּנְחִילֶנָּה אוֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe called to Yehoshua, and said to him in the sight of all Yisra᾽el, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Transliteration

Vayikra Moshe lihoshua vayomer elav le'einei kol-Yisrael chazak ve'ematz ki atah tavo et-ha'am hazeh el-ha'aretz asher nishba Adonai la'avotam latet lahem ve'atah tanchilenah otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִיהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜יו לְעֵינֵ֣י כׇל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָץ֒ כִּ֣י אַתָּ֗ה תָּבוֹא֙ אֶת־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַאֲבֹתָ֖ם לָתֵ֣ת לָהֶ֑ם וְאַתָּ֖ה תַּנְחִילֶ֥נָּה אוֹתָֽם׃
וַיִּקְרָ֨א מֹשֶׁ֜ה לִיהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜יו לְעֵינֵ֣י כׇל־יִשְׂרָאֵל֮ חֲזַ֣ק וֶאֱמָץ֒ כִּ֣י אַתָּ֗ה תָּבוֹא֙ אֶת־הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נִשְׁבַּ֧ע יְהֹוָ֛ה לַאֲבֹתָ֖ם לָתֵ֣ת לָהֶ֑ם וְאַתָּ֖ה תַּנְחִילֶ֥נָּה אוֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Context of Moshe's Charge to Yehoshua

This verse (Devarim 31:7) occurs at a pivotal moment in the Torah, as Moshe prepares to transfer leadership to Yehoshua before Bnei Yisrael enter Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that Moshe gathered all of Israel to witness this transition, emphasizing the importance of unity and public recognition of Yehoshua's new role. The Sifrei (Devarim 305) notes that Moshe did this to prevent any future disputes about Yehoshua's authority.

"Be Strong and of Good Courage"

The double language of "חֲזַק וֶאֱמָץ" ("be strong and of good courage") is interpreted in multiple ways by our commentators:

  • Ramban explains that "be strong" refers to physical strength in battle, while "of good courage" refers to moral strength in upholding Torah values when leading the people.
  • Ibn Ezra suggests the repetition serves to emphasize the magnitude of the challenge Yehoshua faced in both conquering the land and maintaining the people's faith.
  • The Kli Yakar notes that strength is needed against external enemies, while courage is needed to stand firm against internal dissent.

Yehoshua's Dual Mission

The verse outlines two aspects of Yehoshua's leadership:

  • "You must go with this people" - The Ohr HaChaim highlights that Yehoshua wasn't to lead from behind but to be among the people, sharing their struggles.
  • "You shall cause them to inherit it" - The Sforno explains this refers to both the physical conquest and the spiritual mission of establishing a Torah society in the land.

The Significance of Public Transmission

The fact that this charge was given "in the sight of all Israel" carries profound meaning:

  • The Meshech Chochmah teaches that public transmission prevents later claims that Yehoshua assumed leadership without proper authorization.
  • Rabbeinu Bachya notes this public moment mirrored Matan Torah, showing that leadership transition is as crucial as receiving the Torah itself.

The Connection to Divine Promise

Moshe reminds Yehoshua that this mission is based on "the land which Hashem swore to their fathers". The Netziv explains this was meant to strengthen Yehoshua's resolve by connecting his leadership to the eternal covenant with the Avot. The Malbim adds that mentioning the oath to the patriarchs served to inspire the people's trust in Yehoshua as the legitimate successor to fulfill this divine promise.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 34a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the spies and the strength of Joshua, emphasizing his role as a leader.
📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing leadership and the transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe tell Yehoshua to be 'strong and courageous'?
A: Moshe encouraged Yehoshua to be strong and courageous because leading the Jewish people into Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) would be a great responsibility with many challenges. Rashi explains that Yehoshua needed this encouragement to trust in Hashem's promise and to lead with confidence (Rashi on Devarim 31:7).
Q: What is the significance of Moshe speaking to Yehoshua in front of all of Israel?
A: By speaking to Yehoshua publicly, Moshe was ensuring that the entire nation would accept Yehoshua as their new leader. The Talmud teaches that public leadership transitions prevent disputes and strengthen unity (Talmud Yoma 73b).
Q: Why was Yehoshua chosen to lead the Jewish people into the Land of Israel?
A: Yehoshua was chosen because he was Moshe's faithful student (as described in Shemot 33:11) and had demonstrated loyalty and wisdom. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:14) also highlights that Yehoshua's humility and dedication made him the ideal leader.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of strong, faithful leadership and trusting in Hashem's promises. Just as Yehoshua needed courage to lead, we too must face challenges with faith and determination, knowing that Hashem guides us (based on Rambam's teachings in Hilchot De'ot 2:3).
Q: What does it mean that Yehoshua would 'cause them to inherit' the land?
A: This means Yehoshua would not only bring the people into the land but also help them settle and establish it as their eternal homeland. The Sforno explains that true inheritance involves building a holy society in accordance with Torah values (Sforno on Devarim 31:7).