Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Joshua was full of the Spirit of wisdom And other gifts and graces also, but wisdom is mentioned as being most necessary for the government to which he was now called. For Moses had laid his hands upon him Whereby he committed to him the supreme authority after his departure, and implored the gifts of the Divine Spirit, to qualify him for it. In like manner the laying on of hands, as a sign of dedicating persons to offices, was accompanied with prayer in the times of the apostles, Act 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6. And the children of Israel hearkened unto him That is, they submitted themselves respectfully to Joshua, as to the supreme governor, whom God had appointed them instead, and by the hands of Moses.