Joshua's Reception of the Laying on of Hands,

Two passages address laying on of hands in the installation of Joshua: Num 27: 12-23 and Deut 34:9. In a previous micle,' I exegeted Num 27:12-23 with the specific purpose of analyzing the significance of laying hands on Joshua. In this article, I will exegete Deut 349 with the same hand-laying emphasis and then conclude by analyzing the procedural techniques, symbolic meanings, and tangible effects of laying on of hands in the installation of Joshua in these two passages. Deuteronomy is generally divided into four major sections: Moses' first (chaps. 1-4), second (chaps. 5-26), and third (chaps. 27-30) addresses, and final arrangements (chaps. 31-34). As a key element in the final chapter of the book, Deut 34:9 also plays a significant function in the final section of the book (chaps. 31-34) as it clarifies the roles of YHWH and Moses in selecting the new leader of the covenant community as well as Israel's expected response to the new leader. Deuteronomy 34:9 must .be understood in light of the larger picture portrayed in Deut 31 through 34. Other than YHWH, Moses and Joshua play the major character roles of the final four chapters. While the dominant theme running throughout these chapters is that of the death of Moses, the installation of Joshua plays an important secondary theme. Deuteronomy 3134 can be divided into three sections, each containing a chiastic structure. The Hebrew word for speak (xi,) demarcates the beginning point of each section, while the Hebrew word for finish (3%) concludes the first section, and the Hebrew word for complete/finish (~nn) concludes the second section. Deuteronomy 31 through 34 can be outlined as: I. Moses spoke (137) these words to all Israel (3l:l-29) A. I am 120, cannot go out/in, for YHWH says I cannot cross (13) over the Jordan 1. YHWH and Joshua will cross over (13) before you 2. Do what YHWH commands and be strong/courageous; YHWH will not fail you