Numbers 27:16

16 “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community

Numbers 27:16 in Other Translations

16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

16 "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation

16 “O LORD, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community.

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

16 "May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the 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 for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes.” (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)

15 Moses said to the LORD,

16 “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community

17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.

Cross References

• 1. S Numbers 16:22; S Job 21:20