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Deuteronomy 3:28 - Empower Yehoshua's leadership destiny

Deuteronomy 3:28 - דברים 3:28

Hebrew Text

וְצַו אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ וְחַזְּקֵהוּ וְאַמְּצֵהוּ כִּי־הוּא יַעֲבֹר לִפְנֵי הָעָם הַזֶּה וְהוּא יַנְחִיל אוֹתָם אֶת־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר תִּרְאֶה׃

English Translation

But charge Yehoshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Transliteration

V'tzav et-Yehoshua v'chazkeihu v'ametzeihu ki-hu ya'avor lifnei ha'am hazeh v'hu yanchil otam et-ha'aretz asher tireh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְצַ֥ו אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ וְחַזְּקֵ֣הוּ וְאַמְּצֵ֑הוּ כִּי־ה֣וּא יַעֲבֹ֗ר לִפְנֵי֙ הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה וְהוּא֙ יַנְחִ֣יל אוֹתָ֔ם אֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְאֶֽה׃
וְצַ֥ו אֶת־יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ וְחַזְּקֵ֣הוּ וְאַמְּצֵ֑הוּ כִּי־ה֣וּא יַעֲבֹ֗ר לִפְנֵי֙ הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֔ה וְהוּא֙ יַנְחִ֣יל אוֹתָ֔ם אֶת־הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּרְאֶֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Devarim 3:28) is part of Hashem's instructions to Moshe Rabbeinu at the end of his life, directing him to prepare Yehoshua bin Nun as his successor. The verse emphasizes three actions Moshe must take regarding Yehoshua: command him (צַו), encourage him (חַזְּקֵהוּ), and strengthen him (אַמְּצֵהוּ). This reflects the transition of leadership from Moshe to Yehoshua as Bnei Yisrael prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 3:28) explains that the threefold instruction to Moshe serves distinct purposes:

  • Command him (צַו) – Yehoshua must be firmly instructed in his role, ensuring he understands the gravity of leading Klal Yisrael.
  • Encourage him (חַזְּקֵהוּ) – Yehoshua must be given confidence to face the challenges ahead, particularly in leading the people into battle.
  • Strengthen him (אַמְּצֵהוּ) – Yehoshua must be fortified in wisdom and Torah knowledge so he can guide the people in spiritual matters.

Rambam's Perspective on Leadership Transition

In Hilchos Melachim (1:7), the Rambam discusses the importance of a smooth transition of leadership. He derives from this verse that a leader must not only appoint a successor but also ensure the successor is properly prepared—both in authority (צַו) and in personal readiness (חַזְּקֵהוּ וְאַמְּצֵהוּ). This ensures continuity in Torah leadership.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:5) elaborates that Yehoshua needed special encouragement because he would lead a generation that had not witnessed the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim. Thus, Moshe was commanded to strengthen him so he could inspire the people with faith in Hashem’s promise of the Land.

Yehoshua’s Unique Role

The phrase "כִּי־הוּא יַעֲבֹר לִפְנֵי הָעָם" ("for he shall go over before this people") highlights Yehoshua’s role as both a military and spiritual leader. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 8a) notes that a Jewish leader must be like Yehoshua—courageous in battle yet deeply rooted in Torah, ensuring the people’s physical and spiritual inheritance of Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 13b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing Moses' final actions and his encouragement of Joshua before his death.
📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is cited in a discussion about leadership transition and the importance of encouraging and strengthening a new leader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe need to encourage Yehoshua in Deuteronomy 3:28?
A: According to Rashi, Moshe was instructed to strengthen Yehoshua because leading the Jewish people into Israel was a tremendous responsibility. Yehoshua needed encouragement to overcome any doubts or fears about replacing Moshe as leader (Rashi on Deuteronomy 3:28).
Q: What does this verse teach us about leadership transitions?
A: The verse shows the importance of smooth leadership transitions in Judaism. Even though Moshe couldn't enter Israel himself, he made sure to properly prepare and empower his successor Yehoshua, teaching us that leaders must ensure continuity for the community (based on Rambam's Laws of Kings 1:7).
Q: Why does the verse mention three actions - charge, encourage, and strengthen Yehoshua?
A: The Midrash explains that each term addresses a different need: 'charge' refers to giving authority, 'encourage' means moral support against critics, and 'strengthen' refers to giving wisdom to lead (Devarim Rabbah 2:5). This shows the multi-faceted preparation needed for leadership.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 64a) teaches that 'there is no leader without a community,' meaning leadership exists to serve the people. Just as Yehoshua was prepared to lead the nation into Israel, today's leaders must be properly prepared and supported in their sacred responsibilities to the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of Yehoshua causing the people to inherit the land?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that Yehoshua's role wasn't just military conquest, but helping the people spiritually inherit the land by maintaining their connection to Torah. This teaches that settling Israel requires both physical and spiritual leadership (Kli Yakar on Deuteronomy 3:28).