Numbers 27:17-23

17 who will lead them in and out [of battle] so that the LORD's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua, son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit, and place your hand on him.

19 Make him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community, and give him his instructions in their presence.

20 Give him some of your authority so that the whole community of Israel will obey him.

21 He will stand in front of the priest Eleazar, who will use the Urim to make decisions in the LORD's presence. At his command Joshua and the whole community of Israel will go into battle. And at his command they will return."

22 Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community.

23 Moses placed his hands on Joshua and gave him his instructions as the LORD had told him.

Numbers 27:17-23 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.