Today I read Deuteronomy 31, where Moses appointed Joshua to lead the Israelites, directions were given for teaching the law every seven years, Moses and Joshua were told the people would stray from God, and Moses was instructed to teach everyone a song. Today I considered that God makes provisions for the next leader.
New Leader and Teaching Reminder
A new leader is appointed to take over for Moses and instructions given for teaching the law (Deuteronomy 31:1-13). Moses told the Israelites he was not going into the promised land, but Joshua would lead them to obtain the land. They are not to fear because God will go with them to destroy the nations there and the Israelites will take possession of the land. The priests, Levites and elders were given Moses’ written law and instructed to gather all the people every seventh year to read the law to everyone including the children.
The Lord Appears to Moses and Joshua
The Lord’s appearance and instructions to teach a song (Deuteronomy 31:14-29). The Lord had Moses and Joshua go into the tabernacle and the Lord appeared before them as a cloud. The Lord told Moses that after he dies the people will eat and get fat and turn to other gods. The Israelites will then experience many troubles. God told Moses is to teach everyone a song as a witness against them. Moses had them “take the book of the law and put in in the side of the ark of the covenant.” Moses had everyone gather together.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God knew he was going to take Moses but that the people needed someone to lead them into the promised land. God appointed Joshua to be that leader. Joshua was one of the ones that went into the promised land 40 years ago and believed they could take the land. Joshua believed in the might and power of God to accomplish this goal. God knew to appoint a leader that would finish the task.
How have you seen God appoint leaders that surprised you in their ability to complete a task for God?