Numbers 27:16

16 Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,

Numbers 27:16 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 27:16

Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh
The Maker of the souls of men, called the spirits of all flesh, or of corporeal beings, to distinguish them from the angels, who, though spirits, are incorporeal; and who knows the different qualities of the souls of men, their powers, and capacities, and fitness for service, what gifts and talents they have for business; and who can bestow such upon them, which will quality them for it:

set a man over the congregation:
meaning in his room and stead.

Numbers 27:16 In-Context

14 because ye rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)
15 And Moses spake unto Jehovah, saying,
16 Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,
17 who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Jehovah be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
18 And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thy hand upon him;
The American Standard Version is in the public domain.