Now Joshua son of NunJoshua, the successor of Moses, is introduced here as the son of Nun. Joshua's lineage is significant as he comes from the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. His role as a leader is prefigured in earlier texts, such as his role as a military commander in
Exodus 17:9-14 and as one of the two faithful spies in
Numbers 14:6-9. Joshua's name, meaning "The LORD is salvation," is a type of Jesus Christ, whose name in Hebrew is Yeshua, the same as Joshua.
was filled with the spirit of wisdom
The "spirit of wisdom" indicates divine enablement for leadership and decision-making. This wisdom is not merely human insight but a gift from God, as seen in other leaders like Solomon (1 Kings 3:9-12). The wisdom given to Joshua is essential for guiding the Israelites into the Promised Land, reflecting the need for spiritual discernment in leadership.
because Moses had laid his hands on him
The laying on of hands is a significant act of ordination and blessing, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. This practice is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the ordination of the Levites (Numbers 8:10) and the commissioning of church leaders in the New Testament (Acts 6:6). Moses' act signifies God's choice and approval of Joshua as the new leader.
So the Israelites obeyed him
The obedience of the Israelites to Joshua marks a pivotal moment of transition and continuity in leadership. This obedience is crucial for the success of their conquest of Canaan. It reflects the importance of unity and submission to God-appointed leadership, as emphasized inHebrews 13:17.
and did as the LORD had commanded Moses
This phrase underscores the continuity of God's covenant and commandments given through Moses. The Israelites' adherence to these commands is vital for their identity and success as God's chosen people. It also highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, as seen in the overarching narrative of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Joshua son of NunJoshua is the successor of Moses, chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is described as being filled with the spirit of wisdom.
2.
MosesThe great prophet and leader of Israel who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness. He laid hands on Joshua, signifying the transfer of leadership and blessing.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are now under Joshua's leadership, are obedient to him as they were to Moses.
4.
The laying on of handsA significant act of blessing and commissioning, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of the Holy Spirit.
5.
The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joshua is tasked with leading the Israelites into this land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly LeadershipGodly leadership is crucial for guiding God's people. Joshua's leadership, filled with the spirit of wisdom, was essential for the Israelites' success.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe spirit of wisdom given to Joshua signifies the Holy Spirit's role in equipping leaders for their tasks. We should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our own lives.
The Significance of Laying on of HandsThis act is a biblical tradition that signifies the transfer of authority and blessing. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and affirming God's calling in others.
Obedience to God-Appointed LeadersThe Israelites' obedience to Joshua reflects the importance of respecting and following leaders whom God has appointed.
Continuity in God's PlanThe transition from Moses to Joshua shows that God's plan continues through different leaders. We can trust that God is always at work, even as leadership changes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 34:9?
2.How did Moses' laying hands on Joshua impact his leadership abilities?
3.What role does the Holy Spirit play in imparting wisdom today?
4.How can we prepare future leaders like Moses did with Joshua?
5.Compare Joshua's wisdom to other biblical leaders who received divine guidance.
6.How can we seek and apply God's wisdom in our daily decisions?
7.How did Joshua receive the spirit of wisdom from Moses in Deuteronomy 34:9?
8.Why did Moses lay hands on Joshua in Deuteronomy 34:9?
9.What is the significance of the spirit of wisdom in Deuteronomy 34:9?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 34?
11.Who was Abiram in the Bible?
12.What does the Bible say about laying on hands?
13.Numbers 27:18–23: Where is the historical or archaeological evidence that Joshua’s appointment actually took place as described?
14.Joshua 4:14: Is there any evidence outside the Bible supporting Joshua’s swift rise in status comparable to Moses?What Does Deuteronomy 34:9 Mean
Now Joshua son of NunJoshua had walked beside Moses for decades—servant, aide, and military commander (Exodus 17:9–14; 24:13;Numbers 11:28). The phrase points to a real man in real history, already known and tested. By naming him “son of Nun,” Scripture grounds his authority in lineage recognized by Israel (compareNumbers 13:8). Just as God chose Moses from obscurity (Exodus 3:10), He now elevates Joshua so the nation can see continuity in leadership (Numbers 27:18–19).
was filled with the spirit of wisdomThis “spirit of wisdom” is God’s own enabling, not mere human aptitude.
•Exodus 31:3 speaks of Bezalel being “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom.”
•Isaiah 11:2 promises Messiah will rest under “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding.”
•James 1:5 assures believers, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.”
Joshua’s wisdom would guide military strategy (Joshua 6), covenant renewal (Joshua 8:30–35), and tribal allotments (Joshua 14–21). The verse assures readers that every challenge awaiting Israel already has a God-supplied solution in their leader.
because Moses had laid his hands on himThe laying on of hands is a public, visible transfer of authority and blessing.
•Numbers 27:18–23 narrates the exact moment: “He laid his hands on him and commissioned him.”
•Deuteronomy 31:14–23 reinforces the ceremony before the whole assembly.
•Acts 6:6 and1 Timothy 4:14 echo the same pattern for church leadership.
God used Moses as an instrument, yet the power came from the Lord. The gesture assured Israel that Joshua’s commission was not self-appointed but divinely ratified.
So the Israelites obeyed himThe people recognized the handover and responded rightly. Earlier they had pledged, “We will listen to you” (Deuteronomy 5:27), yet faltered often. Here their obedience signals a fresh start. Compare:
•Deuteronomy 31:7–8—Moses exhorts Joshua in the people’s hearing.
•Joshua 1:16–18—the tribes answer, “Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you.”
The verse teaches that godly leadership combined with a willing people brings unity and progress.
and did as the LORD had commanded MosesEven with a new leader, the standard remains the same: the word given through Moses.
•Deuteronomy 5:32–33 urges Israel not to turn aside “to the right or to the left.”
•Joshua 1:7 repeats the charge to Joshua personally.
•John 14:15 shows the principle continues: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
Joshua’s authority is legitimate only as he aligns with Moses’ law. Leadership and obedience are both anchored to God’s unchanging revelation.
summaryDeuteronomy 34:9 records a seamless handoff: God selects Joshua, Moses confers authority by laying on hands, the Spirit equips Joshua with divine wisdom, and the nation responds with obedience—all under the unaltered commands first given to Moses. The verse assures us that when God’s people honor His appointed leaders and His unchanging Word, they receive the guidance and unity needed for every step ahead.
(9)
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom.--Probably we should connect this with the preceding verse, "The days of mourning for Moses were ended," and ended more naturally because Joshua proved so well able to meet the wants of the people.
Moses had laid his hands upon him.--SeeNumbers 27:18;Numbers 27:23. It is the first example of "ordination" in Holy Scripture.
And did as the Lord commanded Moses.--Not "commanded Joshua." Joshua would not separate himself from the law given by his Master. Is it not true that when the Israel of Godhearken to the true Joshua,they must needs doas the Lord commanded Moses?[11][11] It may be worth while to remark that nowhere does this phrase occur so often as in the record of the setting up of the tabernacle in the last chapter of Exodus.Seven timesit is written there that all was doneas the Lord commanded Moses.Is it not a figure of the "true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man"--the temple of HisBody,which wasprepared "to do Thy will, O God"?
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now Joshua
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ(wî·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091:Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites
son
בִּן־(bin-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121:A son
of Nun
נ֗וּן(nūn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5126:Nun -- father of Joshua
was filled
מָלֵא֙(mā·lê)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4392:Full, filling, fulness, fully
with the spirit
ר֣וּחַ(rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit
of wisdom
חָכְמָ֔ה(ḥāḵ·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2451:Wisdom
because
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction
Moses
מֹשֶׁ֛ה(mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
had laid
סָמַ֥ךְ(sā·maḵ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5564:To prop, to lean upon, take hold of
his hands
יָדָ֖יו(yā·ḏāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A hand
on him.
עָלָ֑יו(‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against
So the Israelites
בְּנֵֽי־(bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
obeyed
וַיִּשְׁמְע֨וּ(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently
him
אֵלָ֤יו(’ê·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
and did
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֔וּ(way·ya·‘ă·śū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make
as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר(ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
had commanded
צִוָּ֥ה(ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680:To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order
Moses.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃(mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 34:9 Joshua the son of Nun was full (Deut. De Du)
