Deuteronomy 34:5,7

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.”

Moses died as the Lord had said. He was not ill and despite his age he was not old and worn out. His decision to strike the rock had simply disqualified him from this next season of ministry.  It was now time for Joshua to lead.  

Deuteronomy 34:9

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

Moses intentionally laid hands on Joshua in public for all the people of Israel to see and to remember. The mantle of leadership had been passed and the people responded well. They now followed and obeyed Joshua just as they had followed and obeyed Moses.