Numbers 27:11-21

11 If he has no uncles, give his property to the nearest relative in his family, and that relative will take possession of it. This will be a rule for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses."

12 The LORD said to Moses, "Go up into the Abarim Mountains, and take a look at the land I will give the Israelites.

13 After you see it, you, too, will join your ancestors [in death], as your brother Aaron did.

14 You both rebelled against my command in the Desert of Zin. You didn't show the people how holy I am when they were complaining at the oasis." (This was the oasis of Meribah at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin.)

15 Moses said to the LORD,

16 "LORD, you are the God who gives the breath of life to everyone. Please appoint someone over the community

17 who will lead them in and out [of battle] so that the LORD's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit, and place your hand on him.

19 Make him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community, and give him his instructions in their presence.

20 Give him some of your authority so that the whole community of Israel will obey him.

21 He will stand in front of the priest Eleazar, who will use the Urim to make decisions in the LORD's presence. At his command Joshua and the whole community of Israel will go into battle. And at his command they will return."

Numbers 27:11-21 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.