Numbers 27:17

17 to lead them, to show the way ahead and bring them back home so God's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

Numbers 27:17 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 27:17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them,
and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in
Which may lead them out, and go before them in war, and command them in battle and bring them in peace, having conquered their enemies; or these phrases only mean the administration of civil government among them, and diligence and assiduity in it, see ( 2 Chronicles 1:10 ) , unless it has any peculiar respect to the leading the people of Israel out of the wilderness, and introducing them into the land of Canaan:

that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no
shepherd;
and so wander about, having none to guide them into proper pastures, or to protect them from beasts of prey; which is to be in a most forlorn and distressed condition; see ( Matthew 9:36 ) .

Numbers 27:17 In-Context

15 Moses responded to God:
16 "Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set a man over this community
17 to lead them, to show the way ahead and bring them back home so God's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."
18 God said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun - the Spirit is in him! - and place your hand on him.
19 Stand him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire congregation and commission him with everyone watching.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.