Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 1:38 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It gives us lessons, guidance, and hope. One verse that holds great meaning is Deuteronomy 1:38. It teaches us about leadership, obedience, and God’s plan.
To fully understand this verse, we need to look at its background, the verse itself, its meaning, and how we can apply it to our lives today.
The Context of Deuteronomy 1:38 KJV
Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible. It is the last book written by Moses. In it, Moses speaks to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The people of Israel had been wandering in the desert for 40 years. This happened because they disobeyed God and refused to enter the land He had promised them.
In Deuteronomy chapter 1, Moses is reminding the Israelites of their journey. He talks about how God told them to take possession of the land of Canaan. But when the spies returned with a bad report, the people were afraid. They refused to go forward, even though God had promised victory.
Because of this disobedience, God became angry. He told the people that the entire generation of adults would not enter the Promised Land. Even Moses himself would not be allowed to enter.
However, God made an exception for one person — Joshua the son of Nun.Deuteronomy 1:38 is God’s command to Moses about Joshua. It is a turning point. A new leader is chosen to carry out God’s plan. Let us now read the verse itself.
Deuteronomy 1:38 (KJV)
“But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.” — Deuteronomy 1:38 (KJV)
This verse is short, but it carries deep meaning. God speaks clearly about who will lead the people. He also gives Moses an important task — to encourage Joshua.Let us now explore the deeper meaning of this verse.
Deuteronomy 1:38 Meaning
Joshua Is Appointed by God
The verse begins with, “But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee…”Joshua was not a stranger. He had served under Moses for many years. He was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan. Unlike the others, Joshua and Caleb brought back a faithful and positive report. They trusted God’s promise.
Because of Joshua’s faith, God chose him to be the next leader of Israel. This was not a human decision. It was a divine appointment. God saw Joshua’s heart. He was obedient, faithful, and courageous. He had been close to Moses, learning and serving. God was now saying, “This is the man who will lead My people.”
A New Generation, A New Leader
The words “he shall go in thither” refer to the Promised Land. Joshua would go in, but Moses would not. This shows the changing of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Moses had served faithfully, but because of a past disobedience, he would not enter the land. Still, God did not abandon His plan. He raised up a new leader.
This reminds us that God’s work does not stop with one person. He always has someone prepared to continue His plan.
Moses Must Encourage Joshua
The next phrase is very important: “encourage him.”
God told Moses to encourage Joshua. Moses had led for many years. He was respected by the people. His support would give Joshua confidence. God knew that Joshua would face battles, fears, and doubt. Joshua would need courage. He would need strength. So God told Moses to prepare him.
This shows us that encouragement is a key part of godly leadership. Leaders must build each other up. Those stepping into new roles need support.
Joshua Will Cause Israel to Inherit the Land
Finally, the verse says, “for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.” God had promised the land to the children of Israel. But someone had to lead them into it. That person was Joshua.
He would guide them across the Jordan River. He would lead them in battles. He would divide the land among the tribes. Joshua was not just a soldier — he was an instrument of God’s promise. Through him, God would fulfill what He had spoken to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now that we understand what the verse means, let’s talk about how we can apply this to our daily lives.
Deuteronomy 1:38 Application in Life
1. God Chooses Leaders for His Purpose
Joshua did not choose himself. God chose him. This shows us that leadership is a calling.
God sees the heart. He sees our faithfulness in small things. When we are obedient and humble, He prepares us for greater responsibility.
If you feel that God is calling you to serve, trust His plan. You may not feel ready, but if He has chosen you, He will equip you.
2. Encouragement Is Powerful
God told Moses to encourage Joshua. Why? Because leadership is hard. It is full of challenges and pressure.
We all need encouragement — especially those in leadership.
Ask yourself:
- Who can I encourage today?
- Is there a pastor, teacher, or leader who needs support?
- Can I speak words of faith to someone facing a big task?
A simple word of encouragement can lift someone’s spirit and remind them they are not alone.
3. Passing the Torch Is God’s Design
Moses had served for decades. Now it was time to pass the leadership to Joshua.
This reminds us that no one leads forever. We must prepare others to carry on the mission. This applies to:
- Parents training their children
- Pastors raising up young leaders
- Teachers mentoring students
- Business owners training the next generation
Good leaders do not try to hold on to power. They raise up others and rejoice when the next leader succeeds.
4. God’s Plan Will Always Continue
Even though Moses could not enter the Promised Land, God’s promise was not broken. He used Joshua to fulfill it.
This teaches us that God’s plan is greater than any person.
If someone fails or falls short, God will still complete His work.
You can trust that God will finish what He started — in your life, in your family, and in your church.
5. Prepare Yourself Like Joshua
Joshua was ready because he had followed closely behind Moses. He was obedient and brave.
You can prepare yourself to serve God by:
- Reading the Bible daily
- Praying for wisdom and strength
- Serving faithfully where you are
- Staying close to godly mentors
God may be preparing you for something great. Be faithful in small things now, and He will use you in big ways later.
6. Obedience and Faith Bring Reward
Joshua and Caleb were the only two adults from their generation allowed to enter the land. Why? Because they believed God’s promise.
Faith and obedience matter to God. They bring blessing and favor.
If you are facing a hard choice, trust God. Obey His Word. Walk by faith. Like Joshua, you will see God’s promises come true.
7. Learn to Let Go Like Moses
It was probably hard for Moses to step aside. He had led the people for so long. But Moses obeyed God. He did not fight His plan. He encouraged Joshua and supported him.
This is a powerful lesson for us. There are times when we must let go — of a position, a dream, or a plan. We may not understand it, but if God says it’s time, we must trust Him.
Letting go in obedience opens the door for God to bless others through us.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 1:38 is a rich and powerful verse. It shows us a picture of transition, leadership, and obedience. We may not all be called to lead a nation, but we are all called to serve God in our generation. Whether we are like Moses, passing the torch, or like Joshua, stepping into new territory, we can trust that God is with us.
May we be faithful, humble, and bold — ready to follow wherever God leads. Let us remember Deuteronomy 1:38 as a call to support, encourage, and trust in God’s divine leadership and plan.
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