While Is'ra-el was encamped at A'bel-Shit'tim, and just before the death of Mo'ses, the LORD directed Mo'ses and Josh'u-a to enter the Tabernacle for a special message. In the sanctuary of the LORD arrangements were made for the departure of Mo'ses, and for the appointment of Josh'u-a as his successor. Mo'ses already knew that he would not be permitted to enter Ca'naan, and he received with perfect calmness the LORD'S announcement of his approaching death. He was now one hundred and twenty years of age, but robust in health, full of vigor, and his eyesight undimmed. But the appointed hour for his death was at hand, and he accepted it with the same faith which had marked his entire career. His work was finished, and he was ready to go. There was nothing for him to fear as the future peace and happiness of his soul was concerned. His only thought was for the future security and prosperity of Is'ra-el.
Mo'ses did not seek the appointment of a successor from his own family; he asked the LORD to make the choice. When the LORD appointed Josh'u-a as his successor, Mo'ses gladly gave his approval, and prayed that Josh'u-a would be anointed with Divine courage and strength for the very trying work to which he was called.
Josh'u-a was well qualified for the responsible position to which he was Divinely appointed. He had been closely associated with Mo'ses throughout the period since Is'ra-el was delivered from E'gypt, and had loyally served as his minister. At Si'nai he had been chosen to accompany Mo'ses to the Holy Mountain, and had faithfully waited for him during the forty days in which he was alone with God. It was his heroic leadership which had brought victory to Is'ra-el in the war with Am'a-lek-ites, and he was one of the two spies who reported that Is'ra-el was able to possess the land of Ca'naan when they first stood on the border at Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a. It was under his leadership that the heathen tribes east of the Jor'dan had been conquered.
Josh'u-a was officially placed in office by the priestly services of anointing and the laying on of hands. The people accepted his Divine appointment, and publicly declared to be the successor of Mo'ses. He was solemnly charged with the duties of his office, and given strength by the assurance of God's presence with him. Success in the conquest of Ca'naan and in the settlement of Is'ra-el in that land which was promised by the LORD.
Not far from the place where Is'ra-el was encamped on the plains of Mo'ab there rose high into the heavens a series of mountain ranges. One of the highest points among these ranges was called Ne'bo. From this high peak one may look out over much of the entire land of Ca'naan.
The LORD directed Mo'ses to ascend this mountain alone. With stately step, fearing not, confident of the rest which awaited him, and fully surrendered to the will of God, Mo'ses walked out from the camp of Is'ra-el and climbed to the top of Mount Ne'bo. The Is'ra-el-ites watched him with sorrow, for he had told them that he was going into the mount never to return.
