This week’s parsha, Vayeilech, is almost the end of the Torah. As the Five Books of Moses approach their conclusion, so too does Moses’ life and term of leadership.
For most of the book of Deuteronomy, Moses looks backward: he reminds the people of their story, of the important laws they will need as they enter the land, and of the code of ethics that will guide them. Here, however, Moses looks directly forward—to the future and to the one who will take over the helm of leadership after he dies. Joshua is the one who is ordained to lead the Israelites across into the Promised Land.
When Moses brings Joshua forward to pass the mantle of leadership, he does so in the sight of all Israel:
“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: “Be strong and resolute, for it is you who shall go with this people into the land that GOD swore to their fathers to give them, and it is you who shall apportion it to them.”” (Deuteronomy 31:7)
One of our medieval commentators, Chizkuni, notes that Moses likely does this in the sight of the community so that nobody would be able to question Joshua’s leadership—everyone would know that he received his mandate directly from Moses. While this utilitarian interpretation makes sense, it misses the wider intended audience of the message (and even blessing!) in the next verse.
After Moses tells Joshua that he will lead the people, he reminds Joshua that God will lead him:
“And it is indeed GOD who will go before you, and be with you—and not fail you or forsake you. Fear not and be not dismayed!” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
This message is not for Joshua alone! It was for all of the Israelites, and it is for all of us today! In this new year, may we fear not and be not dismayed, and may we have Emunah, a deep faithful belief, that our God and our acts in the name of our God will lead us forward into a brighter future. Shana Tova!