And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
And the LORD said to Moses, 'Choose Joshua, the son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and place your hand on him.'
God is telling Moses to select Joshua as his successor because Joshua has God's Spirit within him, and to officially commission him by laying hands on him.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs near the end of Moses' life as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. Moses had asked God to appoint a new leader who could guide the people, and God chose Joshua, who had already proven himself as Moses' assistant and military commander. The laying on of hands was a formal way of transferring authority and blessing in ancient times.
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