Deuteronomy 34:9 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Ver. 9. For Moses had laid his hands upon him— This is given as a reason why Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom. The imposition of Moses's hands was not the cause, but the sign, of the gift of the Spirit granted to this illustrious successor of the law-giver of Israel. The laying on of hands, as a sign of dedicating a person to an office, was always accompanied with prayer. See Outram de Sacrif. l. i. c. xv. sect. 8. The words, the children of Israel hearkened unto Joshua, mean, that they submitted themselves respectfully to Joshua, as to the supreme governor whom God had given them by the hands of Moses.