Numbers 27:16

16 "Lord God, source of all life, appoint, I pray, a man who can lead the 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 both of you rebelled against my command in the wilderness of Zin. When the whole community complained against me at Meribah, you refused to acknowledge my holy power before them." (Meribah is the spring at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

15 Moses prayed,

16 "Lord God, source of all life, appoint, I pray, a man who can lead the people

17 and can command them in battle, so that your community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 The Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a capable man, and place your hands on his head.