TRV
Study This Verse
Commentary on Numbers 27 verses 15–23
Here, I. Moses prays for a successor. When God had told him that he must die, though it appears elsewhere that he solicited for a reprieve for himself (Deu 3:24, Deu 3:25), yet, when this could not be obtained, he begged earnestly that the work of God might be carried on, though he might not have the honour of finishing it. Envious spirits do not love their successors, but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may flourish, and the interests of God's kingdom among men may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. In this prayer Moses expresses, 1. A tender concern for the people of Israel: That the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. Our Saviour uses this comparison in his compassions for the people when they wanted good ministers, Mat 9:36. Magistrates and ministers are the shepherds of a people; if these be wanting, or be not as they should be, people are apt to wander and be scattered abroad, are exposed to enemies, and in danger of wanting food and of hurting one another, as sheep having no shepherd. 2. A believing dependence upon God, as the God of the spirits of all flesh. He is both the former and the searcher of spirits, and therefore can either find men fit or make them fit to serve his purposes, for the good of his church. Moses prays to God, not to send an angel, but to set a man over the congregation, that is, to nominate and appoint one whom he would qualify and own as ruler of his people Israel. Before God gave this blessing to Israel, he stirred up Moses to pray for it: thus Christ, before he sent forth his apostles, called to those about him to pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers into his harvest, Mat 9:38.
II. God, in answer to his prayer, appoints him a successor, even Joshua, who had long since signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering to Moses, and his faith and sincerity in witnessing against the report of the evil spies; this is the man whom God pitches upon to succeed Moses: A man in whom is the Spirit, the Spirit of grace (he is a good man, fearing God and hating covetousness, and acting from principle), the spirit of government (he is fit to do the work and discharge the trusts of his place), a spirit of conduct and courage; and he had also the spirit of prophecy, for the Lord often spoke unto him, Jos 4:1; Jos 6:2; Jos 7:10. Now here,
1.God directs Moses how to secure the succession to Joshua. (1.) He must ordain him: Lay thy hand upon him, Num 27:18. This was done in token of Moses' transferring the government to him, as the laying of hands on the sacrifice put the offering in the place and stead of the offerer; also in token of God's conferring the blessing of the Spirit upon him, which Moses obtained by prayer. It is said (Deu 34:9), Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. This rite of imposing hands we find used in the New Testament in the setting apart of gospel ministers, denoting a solemn designation of them to the office and an earnest desire that God would qualify them for it and own them in it. It is the offering of them to Christ and his church for living sacrifices. (2.) He must present him to Eleazar and the people, set him before them, that they might know him to be designed of God for this great trust and consent to that designation. (3.) He must give him a charge, v. 19. He must be charged with the people of Israel, who were delivered into his hand as sheep into the hand of a shepherd, and for whom he must be accountable. He must be strictly charged to do his duty to them; though they were under his command, he was under God's command, and from him must receive charge. The highest must know that there is a higher than they. This charge must be given him in their sight, that it might be the more affecting to Joshua, and that the people, seeing the work and care of their prince, might be the more engaged to assist and encourage him. (4.) He must put some of his honour upon him, Num 27:20. Joshua at the most had but some of the honour of Moses, and in many instances came short of him; but this seems to be meant of his taking him now, while he lived, into partnership with him in the government and admitting him to act with authority as his assistant. It is an honour to be employed for God and his church; some of this honour must be put upon Joshua, that the people, being used to obey him while Moses lived, might the more cheerfully do it afterwards. (5.) He must appoint Eleazar the high priest, with this breast-plate of judgment, to be his privy-council (Num 27:21): He shall stand before Eleazar, by him to consult the oracle, ready to receive and observe all the instructions that should be given him by it. This was a direction to Joshua. Though he was full of the Spirit, and had all this honour put upon him, yet he must do nothing without asking counsel of God, not leaning to his own understanding. It was also a great encouragement to him. To govern Israel, and to conquer Canaan, were two hard tasks, but God assures him that in both he should be under a divine conduct; and in every difficult case God would advise him to that which should be for the best. Moses had recourse to the oracle of God himself, but Joshua and the succeeding judges must use the ministry of the high priest, and consult the judgment of urim, which, the Jews say, might not be enquired of but by the king or the head of the sanhedrim, or by the agent or representative of the people, for them, and in their name. Thus the government of Israel was now purely divine, for both the designation and direction of their princes were entirely so. At the word of the priest, according to the judgment of urim, Joshua and all Israel must go out and come in; and no doubt God, who thus guided, would preserve both their going out and their coming in. Those are safe, and may be easy, that follow God, and in all their ways acknowledge him.
2.Moses does according to these directions, Num 27:22, Num 27:23. He cheerfully ordained Joshua, (1.) Though it was a present lessening to himself, and amounted almost to a resignation of the government. He was very willing that the people should look off from him, and gaze on the rising sun. (2.) Though it might appear a perpetual slur upon his family. It would not have been so much his praise if he had thus resigned his honour to a son of his own; but with his own hands first to ordain Eleazar high priest, and then Joshua, one of another tribe, chief ruler, while his own children had no preferment at all, but were left in the rank of common Levites, this was such an instance of self-denial and submission to the will of God as was more his glory than the highest advancement of his family could have been; for it confirms his character as the meekest man upon earth, and faithful to him that appointed him in all his house. This (says the excellent bishop Patrick) shows him to have had a principle which raised him above all other lawgivers, who always took care to establish their families in some share of that greatness which they themselves possessed; but hereby it appeared that Moses acted not from himself, because he acted not for himself.
Continue studying Numbers 27:15 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Numbers 27:15 captures a profoundly selfless moment in Moses' leadership, immediately following God's declaration that he would not enter the Promised Land. Rather than lamenting his personal fate, Moses turns to the LORD with an urgent, pastoral plea for the future leadership of the Israelite nation, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to God's people and the continuity of His covenant plan even amidst significant personal transition. This brief yet powerful verse sets the stage for the divine appointment of Joshua, highlighting Moses' exemplary character as a shepherd.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 27:15, though concise, is rich in literary significance and serves multiple narrative functions. It primarily acts as a crucial moment of Transition, marking the narrative shift from Moses' personal fate and the judgment pronounced upon him to the vital matter of succession for the Israelite nation as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The verse employs Dialogue as its fundamental literary mode, highlighting the direct and personal interaction between God and Moses, a recurring and defining motif in the Pentateuch that consistently underscores Moses' unique prophetic and mediatorial role. Furthermore, it functions as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, as Moses' immediate and selfless concern for the congregation's future leadership sets the stage for the divine appointment of Joshua in the subsequent verses, thereby ensuring the continuity of God's covenant plan for Israel. The implicit Irony of the situation—Moses, denied entry into the land, yet focused entirely on ensuring the entry and well-being of his people—underscores his profound selfless character and his unwavering commitment to God's purposes above his own.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates the nature of true spiritual leadership: a selfless commitment to the well-being of God's people, even in the face of personal loss or the end of one's tenure. Moses' immediate concern for the congregation's future, rather than his own impending death or exclusion, exemplifies a Christ-like posture of prioritizing the flock over self. It underscores the theological truth that God's plan for His people is continuous and transcends individual leaders, however great their stature. The divine appointment of leadership is paramount, ensuring that God's will, not human ambition or political maneuvering, guides the community. This moment also serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of intercessory prayer, a fundamental aspect of Moses' ministry and a model for all who lead God's people, demonstrating faith in God's ongoing providence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:15 offers a timeless paradigm for leadership, faith, and selfless service that resonates deeply with believers today. Moses, facing the ultimate personal disappointment—being denied entry into the land he had faithfully led his people toward for forty years—responds not with bitterness, self-pity, or a focus on his legacy, but with a profound and immediate concern for the future of the community. This challenges us to examine our own priorities, particularly in seasons of transition, personal challenge, or the conclusion of our roles. Do we prioritize our own comfort, recognition, or perceived entitlements, or the sustained well-being and spiritual flourishing of those we are called to serve? Moses' example calls us to cultivate a truly pastoral heart that looks beyond our immediate circumstances to the long-term health and divine direction of God's people. It reminds us that true leadership is about faithful stewardship, preparing the way for those who follow, and ultimately entrusting the future to God's sovereign hand, knowing that His plans for His church will always prevail, regardless of who is at the helm.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses, a great leader, not express sadness or protest his exclusion from the Promised Land in this particular moment?
Answer: While Moses had previously expressed his earnest desire to enter the land and pleaded with God (Deuteronomy 3:23-27), his immediate response in Numbers 27:15 is a profound testament to his spiritual maturity and selfless devotion to God's people. Having already received God's definitive word regarding his exclusion due to his sin at Meribah (Numbers 20:12), Moses demonstrates a remarkable acceptance of divine judgment and sovereignty. His immediate pivot to the issue of succession highlights his primary concern: the continuity of God's covenant plan for Israel and the welfare of the congregation. His pastoral heart superseded any personal lament or self-pity, showcasing a leader who truly put the needs of the flock before his own. This selfless act further solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest intercessors in biblical history, whose focus remained steadfastly on God's purposes for His people.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:15, with Moses' selfless intercession for the future leadership of Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Moses, facing his own departure and the end of his earthly ministry, prioritizes the flock, seeking a divinely appointed leader to guide them into the promised inheritance. This mirrors Christ, who, knowing His impending crucifixion, ascension, and departure from His disciples, did not lament His own fate but continually interceded for His followers and for all believers to come (John 17:6-26). Just as Moses sought a leader "who may go out before them and come in before them," Jesus is the one who perfectly goes before His church, leading them into the true and eternal promised land, the Kingdom of God (Hebrews 6:19-20). Moses' concern for a shepherd who would "lead them out and bring them in" finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who declares Himself the "door" and the "good shepherd" who lays down His life for the sheep, ensuring their eternal security, guidance, and ultimate salvation (John 10:9-11). Ultimately, Moses' prayer for a successor points to the one true and eternal leader, Jesus, who not only perfectly leads His people but also perfectly intercedes for them at the right hand of God, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of Moses' pastoral heart (Romans 8:34).