3:21-22 - At that time I commanded Joshua: "You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you."
In encouraging Joshua in his appointment as leader of the next generation, Moses commands Joshua to take courage from the acts of Sihon's and Og's defeat. Just as Yahweh had enabled Israel to take all of their kingdoms, so he will do to "all the kingdoms over there" (v21). Echoing a similar call issued to GA thirty-eight years earlier not to be afraid because Yahweh will fight for them (1:30) Joshua is encouraged not to be afraid, and reminded once again, that "Yahweh your God himself will fight for you" (v22). The fact that Joshua is a battle-hardened warrior, having led Israel since her first battles upon departing from Egypt (Exo 17:8ff.), does not lesson the need for encouragement, or the fact that he might still be vulnerable to fear. Even weather-beaten leaders who "have seen it all," including our more elderly pastors and leaders) need encouragement.
Low Chai Hok
©Alberith, rev., 2021