commissioned him while Moses was still alive (Deut 31:7, 14–15, 23). Indeed, v. 6 virtually repeats Deut 31:7. The charge to “be strong and courageous” is suitable for the military task ahead. But the word used, “cause to inherit” (ESV; cf. “put in possession,” NRSV), speaks of more than victory, rather of legitimate occupation. The idea of “inheritance” is a way of expressing Israel’s God-given right to the land, frequent in Deuteronomy (Deut 4:21). The story of Joshua will tell first of the victory