Title The Successor of Moses/Numbers 27:12~23
Content 52. Moses’ successor
Numbers 27:12-23
What would you do if one day you were suddenly sentenced to death? There will be various reactions. Today's story is what happened to our protagonist Moses.
After a thousand years of hard work, the people of Israel were brought out of Egypt, and now, with Canaan in front of them, God calls him and tells him to prepare for death.
“You will never set foot in the land of Canaan, and you will return to the place where your ancestors were, like your brother. The reason is because of the Meribah water incident that you committed in disobedience to my command.”
One mistake (20:13). Does it mean that he deserves such a painful punishment for the mistake he made out of anger in front of the rebellious people?
But Moses did not cling to it, saying, “God, I have come all the way here, please let me tread on the land of Canaan and let me die.” He accepts his own death so calmly. Rather, it seems that he was grateful to know that his death was foretold, giving him time to organize his duties. He is sincerely concerned about the Israelites who will wander like sheep without a shepherd after he leaves, and suggests to God about the succession issue.
“God, then I have one last wish.” “What?” “Yes, raise my successor among the people of Israel, so that they will not become like sheep without a shepherd.” “Yeah, if that’s true, then lay your hands on Joshua the son of Nun as your successor, and let him choose him.”
Thus, Joshua, the son of Nun, is chosen as Moses' successor. The holy inauguration ceremony of Moses and Joshua was held in front of the high priest Eleazar and the whole congregation. With this, the age of Moses has passed and the age of Joshua has come.
A God of justice who loves us thoroughly, but always holds us accountable for our sins! He is the God we met in today's story.