S – Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. ¹⁰ No prophet has arisen again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.

Deuteronomy 34:9–10 CSB

O – Commentary:

34:9 full of the spirit of wisdom: When Joshua was selected as Moses’ successor, he had to be invested with the Spirit of God to fill the office (Num 27:15–23; cp. Num 11:16–30). Now that Moses had died, God showed that Joshua was Moses’ divinely appointed successor by giving continuing evidence of the Spirit’s power and blessing.

34:10 face to face: Moses and the Lord had an intimate relationship, and there was no need for an intercessor between them. Aaron and Miriam once challenged Moses’ leadership and were severely rebuked by the Lord (Num 12:8), who reminded them that they were ordinary prophets that received revelation by dreams and visions. Moses was not such a prophet. God said, “I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles” (Num 12:8). No other prophet in OT times could rival Moses’ relationship with God (see note on 18:15).

 New Living Translation Study Bible

A – Two significant principles:

1.  Joshua was anointed with the spirit of wisdom to lead the next generation of Israelites.  He was not a prophet but a leader.  In succession, choosing the right person is important.  Finding the person whom God is appointing to lead is imperative.

2.  God was so intimate with Moses that they spoke face to face.  That is the closest described in the Bible. YET, Moses didn’t get to go into the promised land.  God’s love exceeds our failures.  Even with grace and mercy, there is accountability for us.

R – Lord, You are big and have no limitations.  I surrender and worship you.  I desire the anointing to lead with the spirit of wisdom.  Let me align with your will, purpose and wisdom today.