The appointment of Joshua as a leader

THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA AS LEADER

Moses went up to Mount Nebo and viewed the land of Canaan. He knew he could not step there because of the punishment of God for his disobedience at the waters of Meribah.

Moses requested God to appoint someone after him, to lead the people out and to bring them in, in other words, to appoint a successor after him, Moses. God told Moses to appoint Joshua the son of Nun, a man full of the spirit of God as his successor to lead the people to the land of Canaan. God told him to lay his hands on him.

God further instructed Moses to set Joshua before Eliezar, the Priest and all the people of Israel and give him a charge before the people. He was to transfer some of his honour to Joshua so that the people may obey him. He said, Eliezar shall inquire of the Lord for him and at Joshua’s command, the congregation shall go out and at his command, they shall come in.

Moses did according to the instructions God had given him. He laid his hand upon him and commissioned him as the Lord had said.

Later, Moses died at the age of 120.

After the death of Moses, the Israelites started to take possession of the land. First, the tribe of Judah and Simeon fought against the Canaanites and Perizzites and defeated them. They fought against the Jebusites and defeated them.

IN WHICH OTHER TWO WAYS DID MOSES AND JOSHUA ASSOCIATE WITH EACH OTHER?

There were two previous associations between Moses and Joshua. 

1. On one occasion, Moses sent twelve spies to spy the land of Canaan and Joshua was part of the group. When they came back with the report, it was Joshua and Caleb that encouraged the people that with the help of God, they could conquer the land and therefore they should not be afraid.   

2. On another occasion, Joshua accompanied Moses when he went to the mount of Sinai to collect the two tables of the Ten Commandments God had asked Moses to come and collect.

MORAL LESSONS THAT CAN BE DRAWN FROM JOSHUA'S LEADERSHIP
1. We must be willing to step forward when the mantle of leadership falls on us.
2. We be ready and willing to follow a true leader.
3. Our character as leaders must make people willingly follow us.
4. A leader must be able to encourage his followers and give them hope for a better future.

SAMPLE QUESTION

1. a. Describe how Joshua was selected as Moses’ successor.

    b. Mention two previous associations of Moses and Joshua.  

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