Numbers 27:17

17 who will go out before them and return before them, someone who will lead them out and bring them back, so that the LORD's community won't be like sheep without their shepherd."

Numbers 27:17 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them,
and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in
Which may lead them out, and go before them in war, and command them in battle and bring them in peace, having conquered their enemies; or these phrases only mean the administration of civil government among them, and diligence and assiduity in it, see ( 2 Chronicles 1:10 ) , unless it has any peculiar respect to the leading the people of Israel out of the wilderness, and introducing them into the land of Canaan:

that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no
shepherd;
and so wander about, having none to guide them into proper pastures, or to protect them from beasts of prey; which is to be in a most forlorn and distressed condition; see ( Matthew 9:36 ) .

Numbers 27:17 In-Context

15 Moses spoke to the LORD:

16 "Let the LORD, the God of all living things, appoint someone over the community

17 who will go out before them and return before them, someone who will lead them out and bring them back, so that the LORD's community won't be like sheep without their shepherd."

18 The LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua, Nun's son, a man who has the spirit, and lay your hand on him.

19 Place him before Eleazar the priest and the entire community and commission him before them.