Here is God’s statement that Joshua, not Moses, will lead the people into the land of Canaan.

Who stands before you: this is a way of referring to Joshua as Moses’ assistant, or helper. He is not Moses’ equal but is inferior to him. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh “who attends you” and Revised English Bible “who is in attendance on you” are somewhat old-fashioned. New Revised Standard Version and Contemporary English Version “your assistant” is better.

Encourage him: the verb means “to strengthen.” Languages have various idioms for expressing the idea of instilling determination and courage in someone; for example, “give heart power to” (Thai), or “cause his heart [or, liver] to become strong.”

He shall cause Israel to inherit it: a clearer way of expressing what this means is “He will lead the Israelites to conquer [or, possess] the land [of Canaan].” In such a context as this the verb “to inherit” is not an accurate translation of the Hebrew verb. In English, at least, “inherit” means to come into the possession of something following the death of its owner.

It is possible to change the order of the clauses in this verse as follows:

• Instead, I will let Joshua, the son of Nun, who is your assistant, lead the Israelites to conquer [or, occupy] the land. So you must encourage him.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .