Numbers 27:16

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

Let the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of the spirits {H7307} of all flesh {H1320}, set {H6485} a man {H376} over the congregation {H5712},

"Let ADONAI, God of the spirits of all human beings, appoint a man to be over the community,

โ€œMay the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation

Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,

Commentary

Numbers 27:16 presents Moses' selfless prayer to God concerning the future leadership of the Israelite congregation as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse highlights Moses' deep concern for the spiritual well-being and guidance of the people after his own impending death.

Context

This prayer occurs immediately after the LORD informs Moses that he will not enter the land of Canaan due to his disobedience at the waters of Meribah (see Numbers 27:12-14). Instead of lamenting his fate, Moses' immediate concern is for the flock of Israel. He recognizes that without a divinely appointed leader, the people would be like "sheep which have no shepherd" (Numbers 27:17). This demonstrates his profound pastoral heart and commitment to God's covenant people. God quickly answers this prayer by appointing Joshua as the successor in Numbers 27:18.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment of Leadership: Moses understands that true leadership for God's people must come from God Himself. It's not a matter of human election or inheritance, but divine selection.
  • God's Sovereignty Over Life: The title "the God of the spirits of all flesh" is a profound declaration of God's absolute authority over all humanity, their life, their breath, and their very being. It emphasizes His unique ability to know the heart and mind of every individual, making Him perfectly qualified to choose a leader who understands and cares for His people.
  • Pastoral Care: Moses' request for a leader who can "go out before them, and who may go in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in" (Numbers 27:17) underscores the essential role of a shepherd-leader. This leader is to guide, protect, and provide for the congregation, ensuring their spiritual and physical welfare.
  • Selfless Concern: Moses' prayer is a testament to his selfless dedication. Even in the face of his own disappointment, his primary concern is the continuity of God's work and the welfare of the Israelites.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the God of the spirits of all flesh" (Hebrew: ืึฑืœึนื”ึตื™ ื”ึธืจื•ึผื—ึนืช ืœึฐื›ึธืœึพื‘ึธึผืฉึธื‚ืจ, Elohei ha-ruchot l'khol-basar) is significant. It appears in the Bible only here and in Numbers 16:22, where Moses and Aaron use it in a prayer for mercy for the congregation during Korah's rebellion. This title emphasizes God's role as the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all life, the one who gives and takes away the spirit (or breath) of every living being. It implies His intimate knowledge of every person's inner being and His absolute authority over all humanity. This powerful title underscores the belief that only such a God can truly discern and appoint the right leader for His people.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Pray for Leaders: We should consistently pray for those in positions of leadership, both in the church and in civil government, that God would guide their selection and empower them with wisdom and discernment (see 1 Timothy 2:2).
  • Trust God's Appointment: When leaders are chosen, especially in spiritual contexts, we are called to trust in God's sovereign hand in their appointment, even if their methods or personalities differ from our expectations.
  • Qualities of Godly Leadership: The request for a leader who goes "out before them" and "in before them" implies a leader who is present with the people, actively guides them, and shares in their journey, much like a shepherd with his flock. This mirrors the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 16:22 (10 votes)

    And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

  • Jeremiah 3:15 (7 votes)

    And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

  • Hebrews 12:9 (7 votes)

    Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

  • Ezekiel 37:24 (5 votes)

    And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

  • Deuteronomy 31:14 (5 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • Matthew 9:38 (5 votes)

    Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

  • Acts 20:28 (5 votes)

    Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.