Numbers 27:17

17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

Numbers 27:17 in Other Translations

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; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

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

17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

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."

17 who will go out before them and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so that the Lord's community won't 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 “May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community

17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.

19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 31:2; 1 Kings 22:17; 2 Chronicles 18:16; Ezekiel 34:5; Zechariah 10:2; S Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34