Numbers 27:17-23

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.

20 Pass your magisterial authority over to him so that the whole congregation of the People of Israel will listen obediently to him.

21 He is to consult with Eleazar the priest who, using the oracle-Urim, will prayerfully advise him in the presence of God. He will command the People of Israel, the entire community, in all their comings and goings."

22 Moses followed God's orders. He took Joshua and stood him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire community.

23 He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, following the procedures God had given Moses.

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.