John Calvin Commentary Deuteronomy 34:9

"And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as Jehovah commanded Moses." — Deuteronomy 34:9 (ASV)

And Joshua the son of Nun. It is again shown how persistently God provided for the welfare of the people. We have already seen how, at the request of Moses, Joshua was chosen to succeed him. Now, when he was about to assume his office, “the spirit of wisdom” was imparted to him, so that it might be effectively demonstrated that he was appointed by God.

Indeed, he had previously been endowed with excellent gifts, but he was now much more splendidly adorned with the symbols of dignity, so that his calling by God might be more certainly proved. For in this way God is accustomed to equip those whom He calls with the ability for action. The imposition of hands was also added, which was no empty symbol of God’s grace. But since I have already spoken fully of these things, I now only touch upon them lightly.