Numbers 27:12-23

12 The LORD said to Moshe, Go up into this mountain of `Avarimen, and see the land which I have given to the children of Yisra'el.

13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aharon your brother was gathered;

14 because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Tzin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Merivah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Tzin.)

15 Moshe spoke to the LORD, saying,

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

17 who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD not be as sheep which have no shepherd.

18 The LORD said to Moshe, Take Yehoshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;

19 and set him before El`azar the Kohen, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

20 You shall put of your honor on him, that all the congregation of the children of Yisra'el may obey.

21 He shall stand before El`azar the Kohen, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Yisra'el with him, even all the congregation.

22 Moshe did as the LORD commanded him; and he took Yehoshua, and set him before El`azar the Kohen, and before all the congregation:

23 and he laid his hands on him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD spoke by Moshe.

Numbers 27:12-23 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.