Moses was succeeded by Joshua as the leader of the Israelites because Moses was not permitted by God to enter the Promised Land. This decision was a consequence of an event at Meribah (Numbers 20:2-13). When the Israelites were in the wilderness and needed water, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock, and it would bring forth water. However, Moses, frustrated with the people's complaints, struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. While water did come out, God considered Moses' disobedience and lack of trust a significant failure.
Because of this, God told Moses that he would not lead the people into Canaan, the Promised Land. Despite this, God continued to use Moses as a leader and prophet until the Israelites reached the border of Canaan. Before his death, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor under God’s instruction (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). Joshua had been Moses’ faithful assistant, a skilled military leader, and one of the two spies (along with Caleb) who brought back a faithful report from Canaan, demonstrating his trust in God.
Joshua's strong faith and leadership qualities made him the ideal choice to lead the Israelites in conquering and settling the Promised Land.
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