How do you follow Moses, a prophet unlike any other? Moses knew God so well that they spoke “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exod. 33:11), and Moses had performed signs and miracles in front of all the people. Joshua may have felt woefully unequal to the gargantuan task ahead after Moses had led the Hebrew people to the border of the Promised Land.
It now becomes Joshua’s job to lead the Hebrews across the border to occupy the land promised them from the time of Abraham. One big obstacle remains. Other tribes and nations occupy the land God promised.
The forty years of wandering may have fostered an unrealistic expectation that taking possession of the land would be quick and easy. So Joshua will simply approach those already living there and explain God’s plan, and they will all agree to leave or live under Jewish authority! Joshua knows it won’t be that simple, however. He has already surveyed the land as one of twelve spies for Moses. Ten of those spies report that the occupants of the land are too strong for the Hebrew people to defeat. Only Joshua and one other tell Moses that with God’s help, the Hebrews can prove victorious over the people living in the Promised Land. He voiced his optimism even while remaining realistic.
Another factor works in Joshua’s favor as he takes the reins of leadership. He knows that he, like Moses, has been chosen by God to lead. Moses, in laying hands on Joshua, completes the transfer of authority. The Hebrew people recognize Joshua’s authority and agree to follow him as they had Moses. Filled with the spirit of wisdom, Joshua will know the right time for a military effort and when the time would require patience.