Numbers 27:17

17 who will go in and out before them. He must lead them out like sheep and bring them in; the Lord's people must 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 said to the Lord,

16 "The Lord is the God of the spirits of all people. May he choose a leader for these people,

17 who will go in and out before them. He must lead them out like sheep and bring them in; the Lord's people must not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 So the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, because my Spirit is in him. Put your hand on him,

19 and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the people. Then give him his orders as they watch.