Deuteronomy 3:28 Explained
"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." — Deuteronomy 3:28 (KJV)
God's instruction to a leader who has just been refused the one thing he asked for.
Read it in context: The Book of Deuteronomy. Also gathered under verses about encouragement.
Deuteronomy 3:28 in context
What does Deuteronomy 3:28 mean?
Three verbs for one job: charge is to commission, encourage is to put courage in, strengthen is to make firm. All three are things Moses must do for someone else while carrying his own disappointment. The sting is in the last clause — the land which thou shalt see. He is told he will look at it, which is precisely what makes the assignment costly.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 3:28?
Moses has begged to be allowed across the Jordan. God's answer is no, and says the matter is closed. Then, in the same breath, comes this: not comfort, but a task — prepare the man who will do what you will not.
How do I pray Deuteronomy 3:28?
Pray it when someone else is going to finish what you started, and be honest that this is a hard prayer. Ask for the three verbs in order. And notice that God does not offer Moses consolation first — the work of handing over is itself the answer given to him.
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