Deuteronomy 1:38 tells Israel that Joshua, not Moses, will lead them into the promised land, and that Moses should strengthen and encourage him for that task. The verse is part of Moses’ farewell speech to the people on the plains of Moab, as he looks back over the failures of the wilderness years and forward to the future they are about to enter.
Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
Deuteronomy 1:38 (WEB)
What Deuteronomy 1:38 Means
The verse begins by naming Joshua son of Nun and pointing to him as someone who “stands before you.” Moses is saying that the person God has chosen is already present among the people, someone they can see and know. Joshua is not a stranger or a distant hope but a man who has been with the community through the wilderness, which makes the promise concrete and close at hand.
Next comes the assignment: Joshua “shall go in there,” meaning into the land God swore to give. Moses, who had been leading for forty years, will not enter it himself. The verse then asks the people to “encourage him,” a word that suggests strengthening someone’s resolve through support, words, and practical help. Finally, it gives the reason: Joshua “shall cause Israel to inherit it.” The success of the journey rests on God’s faithfulness, with Joshua as the instrument.
What the verse does not do is promise that Joshua will be flawless, or that the people will never struggle in the conquest that follows. It is a statement about who will lead and about God’s intention to bring Israel into the land, not a guarantee that every step will be easy.
The Context of Deuteronomy 1:38
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses and presents itself as his final address to Israel before they cross the Jordan. The book is written to a new generation, many of whom were children when the people first refused to enter the land after hearing the spies’ report, as recounted in Numbers 13 and 14. Verses 35 to 37 explain that the earlier generation would not see the good land because of their unbelief, and Caleb is singled out as an exception.
Just before the verse, Moses explains that the LORD was angry with him as well on the people’s account, so he too will not enter. Just after it, verse 39 promises that the children, who had no knowledge of good or evil, will go in. Read in that setting, Joshua’s appointment looks like part of God’s faithful handling of a broken generation, where judgment and mercy are both at work and the future is handed to those who will actually trust.
Key Phrases in Deuteronomy 1:38
Joshua 1:9
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
(WEB)
This verse comes right after Joshua takes up leadership and echoes the theme of strength and courage. Reading it alongside Deuteronomy 1:38 shows how God personally commissions Joshua and promises his presence, which explains why the people are asked to encourage him.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
(WEB)
Moses speaks these words near the end of his life, reinforcing that God himself goes before the people. Together with Deuteronomy 1:38, it shows the transition of leadership happening under God’s assurance rather than human strength alone.
A Short Prayer From Deuteronomy 1:38
Lord, you keep your promises even when the people around me have been slow to trust you. Thank you that you choose and place the leaders you need, and that your purposes do not depend on my strength. Help me to encourage those who are carrying responsibility today, and to trust that you are faithful to bring your good work to completion. Give me courage for the next step, and keep my heart steady in your care. Amen.
