What is the context?
Moses asks to cross the Jordan and see the good land, appealing to the greatness the Lord has already begun to show him. The Lord refuses further discussion of that request and directs him to view the land from Pisgah.
He must instead commission, encourage, and strengthen Joshua, who will lead the people to inherit it. Moses’ personal disappointment and continuing responsibility stand together. God’s work for the people will continue through another leader.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley draws attention to the comfort of seeing God’s work continue through others and connects Joshua’s leadership with the discussion of rest in Hebrews. The passage describes this particular refused request; it is not a general rule that prayer is useless whenever an answer has not yet come.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Hebrews 4:1–11 expressly says Joshua’s leadership did not exhaust God’s promise of rest, since a later call to enter it still remained. Moses’ successor really leads Israel into the land, yet that inheritance is not the whole of God’s saving purpose. Hebrews calls its readers to faith and perseverance in response to the continuing promise.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.