Numbers 27:16

16 "Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set a man over this community

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 This goes back to the day when the congregation quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin and you didn't honor me in holy reverence before them in the matter of the waters, the Waters of Meribah (Quarreling) at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin."

15 Moses responded to God:

16 "Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set a man over this community

17 to lead them, to show the way ahead and bring them back home so God's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 God said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun - the Spirit is in him! - and place your hand on him.