Numbers 27:17

17 Put him in charge of them. Tell him to take care of them. Then your people won't be like sheep that don't have 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 spoke to the Lord. He said,

16 "Lord, you are the God who creates the spirits of all people. Please appoint a man to lead this community.

17 Put him in charge of them. Tell him to take care of them. Then your people won't be like sheep that don't have a shepherd."

18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader. Get him and place your hand on him.

19 Have him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community. Put him in charge while everyone is watching.