Numbers 27:16

16 "The Lord is the God of the spirits of all people. May he choose a leader for these people,

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 you both acted against my command in the Desert of Zin. You did not honor me as holy before the people at the waters of Meribah." (This was at Meribah in Kadesh in the Desert of Zin.)

15 Moses said to the Lord,

16 "The Lord is the God of the spirits of all people. May he choose a leader for these people,

17 who will go in and out before them. He must lead them out like sheep and bring them in; the Lord's people must not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 So the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, because my Spirit is in him. Put your hand on him,