The handover of leadership from Moses to Joshua marks a peak moment of both practical and spiritual empowerment. It is far more than a technical transition; it is a profound transfer of wisdom, authority, and heavy responsibility, blending a divine directive with the personal devotion of the departing leader.
During this transition, God originally instructed Moses to place a single hand upon his successor. However, Moses chose to place both of his hands on Joshua. This departure from the original instruction reveals Moses's deep generosity and total lack of jealousy toward his student. By using both hands, he poured wisdom into Joshua until he was completely full [רש״י, רבנו בחיי, תורה תמימה]. Another perspective views this physical act as a parallel to the placing of hands upon a sacrifice, indicating that the appointment was made with a completely willing heart. This established the custom for appointing future leaders throughout the generations [חזקוני].
Alongside the physical transfer, Moses gave Joshua specific instructions. Commentators offer various insights into the nature of this guidance. Some understand it as practical leadership advice, urging Joshua to be quick, sharp, and to patiently carry the heavy burden of the people [בכור שור]. Others view it as a moment of moral guidance and spiritual awakening [העמק דבר]. A more specific interpretation suggests Moses warned Joshua never to neglect the study of Torah and the daily sacrifices, even in times of war, which explains why the laws of sacrifices follow immediately after this historical event [קיצור בעל הטורים]. Taking a different approach, the act of commanding is understood as creating a deep connection and conferring kingship. Instead of using anointing oil, Moses illuminated the glory of Joshua's soul and directly transferred royal authority to him [אור החיים].
The completion of this transition carried an even deeper layer of meaning. Moses did not merely appoint Joshua to a new role; he actively bestowed his own majesty and the famous radiance of his face upon him [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה, העמק דבר]. The physical and spiritual power of majesty and kingship had been entrusted directly into Moses's hands specifically so he could pass it forward [אור החיים, העמק דבר].
A careful look at the events reveals a fascinating distinction in how these gifts were given. While Moses generously imparted wisdom using both hands, he transferred his majesty exactly as God commanded—using only one hand. This was a deliberate limitation. If Joshua had received the full measure of majesty, his face would have radiated too intensely, sparking fear among the Israelites [חתם סופר]. This division highlights that despite the overflowing wisdom Joshua received, a clear difference in their spiritual levels remained. The face of Moses continued to shine as brightly as the sun, while the face of Joshua shone with the softer light of the moon [ברכת אשר על התורה].