The transition of leadership reaches its peak as Joshua is officially appointed and encouraged before entering the land. This moment completes the transfer of authority, echoing earlier words of strength, but this time originating from a higher source. The primary approach among commentators is that God Himself is speaking, officially appointing Joshua to his new role as leader [ספורנו, הכתב והקבלה]. The certainty that God is the speaker stems from the promise of constant companionship and the fulfillment of an oath made to the ancestors. Since Moses is about to pass away, only God can guarantee to remain by Joshua's side [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה]. However, an alternative perspective suggests that Moses is actually the one speaking, acting as a direct messenger. In this view, Moses speaks in the first person on God's behalf, a recognized pattern in biblical prophecy [אבן עזרא מובא ברמב״ן].
A careful look at the instructions reveals a shift in the nature of Joshua's authority. Previously, Moses spoke to Joshua about arriving together with the people, implying a shared leadership with the elders. Now, the instruction places the responsibility solely on Joshua to bring the nation into the land. This change establishes the principle that there is only one true leader for a generation, granting Joshua absolute and exclusive authority to guide the Israelites [רש״ר הירש].
There is also a subtle shift in how the nation is described. Earlier, Moses referred to them generally as the people, perhaps concerned that their actions might be flawed or that they might resist Joshua's authority. God, however, knows they will be worthy and calls them by their distinguished name, the Israelites, assuring Joshua that he will lead them successfully based on their own merit [מלבי״ם]. Furthermore, because the nation was not physically present at this specific moment, there was no need to share honor with them as Moses did when addressing them publicly. Instead, the focus is entirely on elevating Joshua as the sole commander [חזקוני].
The assurance that God will remain with Joshua provides a guarantee of constant Divine supervision. It means that God will stay close and listen to his prayers through both times of prosperity and moments of crisis, even in situations where the nation might otherwise face punishment [העמק דבר].
On a deeper level, this transition addresses why Joshua, rather than Moses, was chosen to lead the Israelites into the land. If Moses had led the conquest, his immense holiness would have made the entire process completely effortless. However, God desires to give the Israelites abundance only after they have put in effort and hard work, sparing them the shame of receiving an unearned gift. Handing the leadership over to Joshua ensures that the people must struggle and actively conquer the land. Through this effort, they refine the world and earn the Divine goodness by their own merit, rather than relying solely on charity [חומש קה״ת].