Numbers 27:12-23

Joshua Becomes Israel's New Leader

12 Then the LORD spoke to Moses. He said, "Go up this mountain in the Abarim range. See the land I have given the people of Israel.
13 After you have seen it, you too will join the members of your family who have already died. You will die, just as your brother Aaron did.
14 "The community refused to obey me at the waters of Meribah Kadesh. At that time, you and Aaron did not obey my command. You did not honor me in front of them as the holy God." Meribah Kadesh is in the Desert of Zin.
15 Moses spoke to the Lord. He said,
16 "Lord, you are the God who creates the spirits of all people. Please appoint a man to lead this community.
17 Put him in charge of them. Tell him to take care of them. Then your people won't be like sheep that don't have a shepherd."
18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader. Get him and place your hand on him.
19 Have him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community. Put him in charge while everyone is watching.
20 Give him some of your authority. Then the whole community of Israel will obey him.
21 "Joshua will stand in front of the priest Eleazar. Eleazar will help him make decisions. Eleazar will get help from me by using the Urim. Joshua and the whole community of Israel must not make any move at all unless I command them to."
22 Moses did just as the LORD commanded him. He got Joshua and had him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community.
23 Then Moses placed his hands on Joshua. And he put him in charge of the people. He did just as the LORD had directed through Moses.

Numbers 27:12-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 27

This chapter relates, that, upon a petition of the daughters of Zelophehad, the affair of inheritances was settled; and it is directed that, in case of want of male issue, inheritances should pass to females, and in failure of them to the next of kin, whether father's brethren or any near kinsman, Nu 27:1-11, also an order to Moses to go up to the Mount Abarim, and take a view of the good land, and die; with the reason of it, Nu 27:12-14, upon which Moses desires a successor of him might be appointed, Nu 27:15-17, in answer to which Joshua is nominated, and being presented before the high priest and the people, was invested with his office, by imposition of hands, and had his charge given him, Nu 27:18-23.

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