And he laid his hands upon him, &c.— Nothing more fully shews the nature of the Jewish theocracy than this transaction. God himself appoints a governor over the state as well as the church; and whom does he appoint? Not one of the relations of Moses; not one even of the same tribe.
By elevating Caleb to the dignity, he might have put at the head of the republic a man of the tribe of Judah, and a man as much distinguished by his virtues as by an heroic courage; but he prefers Joshua, of the tribe of Ephraim, to evince that nothing can give a right to the government of the Hebrews but his choice and will. In this manner, down to the time of Samuel, God immediately created the judges of the people: hence it is, that when the Israelites demanded a king, God complained that they had rejected Him himself. What completely fixes this theocracy is, that God determined the great affairs of the republic by the order of Urim.
REFLECTIONS.—With tender solicitude for the people, that they may not be left as sheep without a shepherd, we have here,
1. Moses's prayer. He addresses God, as the God of the spirits of men, and therefore the best judge of their capacities, to choose a man to be their captain in battle, and their faithful magistrate; that after his death, there may be no disputes about the government, and the people suffer no inconvenience for want of a fit commander. Note; (1.) A real patriot extends his views to the future welfare of his nation. (2.) The rising generation should be our peculiar care, that when we are dead, the congregation of the Lord may still flourish, and his kingdom be established.
2. God answers his request in the appointment of Joshua. He is a man in whom is a spirit: the spirit of grace, as a good man; the spirit of wisdom, as a great man; and the spirit of courage, as a brave man. Eminent services require eminent gifts and graces. In order to Joshua's solemn inauguration as his successor, Moses is commanded to present him to the people, and to give him a solemn charge for his future conduct before them all; to lay his hands upon him, as delegating his office to him; and to honour him, by associating him into the government with him immediately. Eleazar is appointed as his counsel, to stand before God, to inquire for him, that, being under a Divine guidance, he might be ensured of success. Note; They will certainly be guided aright, who take care always to consult the divine oracles.
3. Moses cheerfully obeys. Not envious of his successor, nor solicitous about the interests of his own family, his single care is the good of the people. True patriots will imitate so worthy an example.