Moses tells the people that he will not be going with them into the Promised Land (v1-2). Although Joshua will take Moses’ place, he is not mentioned initially. The emphasis is on the Lord going before them and giving them victory (v3-6).

The reason Moses was not allowed to enter was because previously he had sought to draw attention to his actions rather than on the Lord (see Numbers 20 v8-12). Now Moses has learnt his lesson and so the focus is not on himself, or even on Joshua, but totally on what the Lord will do.

When Joshua is brought forward (v7-8), he is not described as leading or going before the people, but rather just going with the people. The Lord is the one who goes before, the Lord leads the way.

In our lives we can heed this call to be strong and courageous only as we have come to know and fully trust in the Lord. We need a high and majestic view of the Almighty God who promises to go before and with His people.