Ver. 21-29. As Joshua was ordained to succeed Moses in the government, he repeats the encouragement that he gave him to be brave and confident in so good a cause. Joshua had seen already some of God's mighty acts, and he was assured that such would be the success which should ever attend him, since it was the Lord who fought their battles. If God be for us, wherefore should we fear or doubt? Moses mentions his own desire and prayer, and the refusal he met with. 1. He adores God for the mercies he had already tasted, admiring the power and greatness of the works which he had shown to Israel; and intimates his wish that he might behold still greater displays of God's glory, in the perfection of his people's settlement. Note; (1.) We ought never to entertain a desire in our hearts which we may not offer in prayer to God. (2.) A glimpse of God's glory quickens the soul's longing after brighter discoveries of it. (3.) Thankfulness for any measure of God's mercy that we have tasted, is the surest means to obtain the blessing which we need. 2. He puts up his petition for permission to go over Jordan, enamoured, as it were, with the love of the goodly land. Note; They who have had a believing view of heaven, cannot but count it a goodly land, and long for an abode in it. 3. His request is denied; yet in such a way as sufficiently assures him of God's favour towards him. Our prayers may often succeed, though we receive not according to our particular requests. God was wroth with him formerly, and had determined concerning the matter: yet kindly bids him desist (as if he wished not to be asked for what he could not grant) and be content. Note; If God give us contentment under disappointments, we have one blessed token that our prayer is heard with favour. Yet he shall see the land, though he may not enter it, and from the top of Pisgah be comforted in the prospect of what his dear flock would possess after his decease. Finally, he bids him charge Joshua, and strengthen him in his work, with the assurance of completing the conquests he had begun. Note; (1.) Aged and experienced Christians are bound to encourage the hearts of their younger brethren. (2.) It is a great comfort to a dying minister, to leave the flock of God in a prosperous state, and provided with every means for their edification, when he is sleeping in the dust.
Deuteronomy 3:21-29
21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest.
22 Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you.
23 And I besought the LORD at that time, saying,
24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?
25 I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.
26 But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.
27 Get thee up into the top of Pisgah,c and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.
28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.
29 So we abode in the valley over against Bethpeor.