Through the laying on of hands by Moses, accompanied by a most impressive charge, Joshua was solemnly set apart as the leader of Israel. He was also admitted to a present share in the government. The words of the Lord concerning Joshua came through Moses to the congregation, "He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him, after the judgment of Urim before the Lord. At his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation." Verses 21-23.

Josua blev højtideligt indsat som Israels leder. Moses lagde hænderne på ham og overdrog ham hans ansvarsfulde hverv. Fra nu af skulle han også være med til at styre Israel. Herren meddelte menigheden sin vilje med hensyn til Josua gennem Moses: "Men han skal træde frem for præsten Eleazar, for at han kan skaffe ham Urims kendelse for Herrens åsyn; på hans bud skal han drage ud, og på hans bud skal han vende hjem, han og alle israelitterne, hele menigheden." 21-23. v.