Numbers 27

“Take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit …” (v18).  Moses was Israel’s greatest leader ever, yet when he was about to die, no one named his son as his successor.  Most Israelites had roles based on their family position (eldest sons were clan leaders, Aaron’s sons were priests, etc.), but leading the whole nation required only the anointing of the Spirit and proven faithfulness. 

Joshua had been one of the spies who saw the Promised Land and believed God would give it to them.  His leadership was based on his great faith in God’s power.