Numbers 27:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which may go out {H3318} before {H6440} them, and which may go in {H935} before {H6440} them, and which may lead them out {H3318}, and which may bring them in {H935}; that the congregation {H5712} of the LORD {H3068} be not as sheep {H6629} which have no shepherd {H7462}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to go out and come in ahead of them, to lead them out and bring them in, so that ADONAI's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

Berean Standard Bible

who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

American Standard Version

who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Jehovah be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:17 captures Moses' profound and selfless concern for the future of the Israelite congregation as his own life and leadership near their end. Having been divinely informed of his impending death before entering the Promised Land, Moses immediately turns his attention not to his personal fate, but to the vital need for a divinely appointed successor. This verse articulates the essential qualities of such a leader: one who can comprehensively guide the people in all their movements and affairs, ensuring that the vast assembly of the LORD does not become disoriented and vulnerable, like a flock of sheep without a shepherd.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 27:17 is Moses' heartfelt plea for a successor, immediately following God's declaration that Moses will die before entering the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah ([Numbers 27:12-14](/numbers/27-14 "Numbers 27:12-14 - Moses' Impending Death")). Instead of lamenting his personal loss, Moses, ever the devoted shepherd of Israel, demonstrates remarkable selflessness. His prayer in [Numbers 27:16](/numbers/27-16 "Numbers 27:16 - Moses' Prayer for a Successor") asks the "God of the spirits of all flesh" to appoint a man "over the congregation." Verse 17 then elaborates on the crucial functions of this leader, emphasizing the comprehensive guidance necessary to prevent the congregation from becoming scattered and vulnerable, like sheep without a shepherd. This sets the stage for God's immediate response in [Numbers 27:18-23](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18-23 - Joshua Appointed as Successor"), where Joshua is chosen and publicly commissioned.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites at this point are a vast nomadic people, numbering potentially millions, on the cusp of entering a hostile land. Their journey through the wilderness had been fraught with challenges, requiring constant divine guidance and strong human leadership. In the ancient Near East, the image of a king or leader as a "shepherd" was a common and powerful metaphor, signifying care, protection, provision, and guidance. Unlike other nations, Israel was the "congregation of the LORD" (עֲדַת יְהוָה), a unique covenant community directly under divine rule. Therefore, their leader was not merely a political or military figure, but a spiritual one, mediating God's will and leading the people in obedience. The absence of such a figure would spell disaster for a people dependent on divine direction and vulnerable to external threats and internal disunity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Appointment of Leadership**, demonstrating that true authority for God's people originates from God Himself, not human selection. Moses' appeal to the "God of the spirits of all flesh" in [Numbers 27:16](/numbers/27-16 "Numbers 27:16 - Moses' Prayer for a Leader") highlights this divine prerogative. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Necessity of Spiritual Guidance**, illustrating the chaos and vulnerability that ensue when God's people lack a capable, divinely-ordained leader. The imagery of "sheep which have no shepherd" is a potent symbol throughout biblical literature, reinforcing the inherent helplessness of the flock without proper care. Thirdly, the verse defines **Comprehensive Leadership**, with the repeated phrases "go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in" signifying a leader who is fully engaged in all aspects of the community's life—daily affairs, military campaigns, and spiritual direction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go out before them, and go in before them (Hebrew, _yetze lifneyhem v'yavo lifneyhem'_):** This is a well-known Hebrew idiom signifying comprehensive, all-encompassing leadership. It describes a leader who is actively involved in every aspect of the community's life, whether in daily routines, military expeditions, or civil administration. It implies presence, visibility, and active guidance in all movements and decisions, ensuring the people are never left without direction.
* **Shepherd (Hebrew, _ro'eh'_):** Beyond merely feeding, the Hebrew term for "shepherd" encompasses a wide range of responsibilities: guarding, guiding, protecting, nurturing, and leading the flock to pasture and water. It conveys a deep sense of care, responsibility, and intimate knowledge of the flock's needs. In the context of leadership, it highlights the leader's role in providing security, sustenance, and wise direction for the people.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _edah'_):** This term refers specifically to the gathered assembly of Israel, often with a strong theological connotation as the people of God, united under His covenant. It emphasizes their collective identity and purpose as a holy nation. Moses' concern is not for a disparate group of individuals, but for the unified "congregation of the LORD," whose identity and survival are intrinsically linked to their being led by God's chosen representative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them":** This phrase describes the leader's active presence and leadership in all the daily affairs and movements of the people. It signifies being at the forefront, guiding them in their encampments and journeys, in times of peace and war, and in all their public and private lives. The leader is not remote but intimately involved in the community's functioning.
* **"and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in":** This reinforces the previous clause, specifically emphasizing the leader's role in guiding the people through transitions, whether entering or leaving a place, engaging in battle, or returning to camp. It speaks to the leader's strategic and tactical guidance, ensuring safe passage and proper direction for the entire community.
* **"that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.":** This climactic clause reveals the ultimate motivation behind Moses' prayer and the dire consequence of a leadership vacuum. Without a divinely appointed and capable leader (a "shepherd"), the "congregation of the LORD" (God's special people) would be vulnerable, scattered, disoriented, and susceptible to danger, mirroring the helplessness and aimlessness of a flock without its guide and protector.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Shepherd Metaphor**, comparing the congregation of Israel to "sheep" and their leader to a "shepherd." This imagery powerfully communicates vulnerability, dependence, and the essential need for guidance and protection. The phrase "go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in" functions as an **Idiom**, a comprehensive expression for all-encompassing leadership, signifying the leader's involvement in every aspect of the people's life. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, implicitly contrasting the orderly, protected state of a flock with a shepherd against the chaotic, vulnerable state of "sheep which have no shepherd," thereby highlighting the critical importance of effective leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:17 underscores a foundational biblical truth: God's people require divinely appointed and gifted leadership to flourish and fulfill their purpose. Moses' selfless prayer reveals that true leadership is not about personal ambition but about sacrificial service and a deep concern for the well-being of the flock. The vulnerability of "sheep without a shepherd" speaks to the inherent human need for guidance, protection, and direction, a need that God consistently meets through His chosen instruments. This principle resonates throughout redemptive history, from the judges and kings of Israel to the apostles and pastors of the New Testament church, all serving as undershepherds under the ultimate Shepherd.

* [Psalm 23:1](/psalms/23-1 "Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is My Shepherd")
* [Ezekiel 34:1-10](/ezekiel/34-1 "Ezekiel 34:1-10 - Prophecy Against Bad Shepherds")
* [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Moses' selfless prayer in Numbers 27:17 offers profound lessons for believers today concerning leadership, community, and divine provision. It reminds us that effective leadership in God's kingdom is fundamentally about selfless service, a deep concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of the people, and a reliance on divine appointment rather than human ambition. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, family, or community, this verse serves as a powerful call to emulate the shepherd's heart: to lead with care, protection, and a genuine desire to guide others in truth and righteousness, always prioritizing the flock's welfare over personal gain. For the congregation, it highlights the importance of valuing and praying for godly leaders, recognizing that their presence is a divine provision to prevent spiritual aimlessness and vulnerability. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to God's faithfulness in providing leadership, culminating in the perfect Shepherd.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Moses' immediate concern for the congregation, despite his own impending death, challenge our perspectives on selfless leadership?**
* **In what ways do we, as individuals or as a community, sometimes act like "sheep which have no shepherd," and what are the consequences?**
* **What specific qualities of a "shepherd" leader, as described in this verse, are most vital for the church or our communities today?**
* **How can we actively pray for and support our spiritual and civic leaders to embody the "shepherd" heart?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses so concerned about a successor, rather than his own fate?**

Answer: Moses' concern stemmed from his profound love and commitment to the "congregation of the LORD." Having faithfully led Israel for forty years, he understood the immense spiritual and practical dangers of leaving such a vast and vulnerable people without a divinely appointed and capable leader. His focus was not on his personal disappointment but on the continuity of God's redemptive plan for His people. This selflessness is a hallmark of true biblical leadership, prioritizing the well-being of the flock over individual desires, as seen in his prayer in [Numbers 27:16](/numbers/27-16 "Numbers 27:16 - Moses' Prayer for a Successor").

**What does the phrase "go out before them, and which may go in before them" signify for leadership?**

Answer: This idiomatic expression signifies comprehensive and visible leadership in all aspects of life. It means the leader is actively present and guides the people in their daily routines, their military campaigns, their movements (entering and leaving places), and all their civil and spiritual affairs. It implies a leader who is fully engaged, leading by example, and providing constant direction, ensuring the people are never left without clear guidance. It speaks to a leader who is both a strategic guide and a hands-on presence among the people.

**How does this verse relate to church leadership today?**

Answer: Numbers 27:17 provides a timeless paradigm for spiritual leadership within the church. Just as ancient Israel needed a shepherd, so too does the church need godly leaders (pastors, elders, deacons) who embody the shepherd's heart. These leaders are called to "go out and go in" before the flock, meaning they are to be actively involved in guiding, protecting, feeding, and nurturing the congregation. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that the church, without faithful, divinely-appointed leadership, risks becoming disoriented, vulnerable to false teachings, and scattered, much like "sheep which have no shepherd." It underscores the necessity of praying for and valuing those who serve in these vital roles, recognizing their immense responsibility to care for God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:17, with its poignant plea for a shepherd for God's vulnerable flock, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, as the great shepherd of Israel, foreshadowed the one who would truly gather, protect, and lead God's people. Just as Moses prayed for a leader to prevent Israel from being "as sheep which have no shepherd," Jesus Himself looked upon the crowds with compassion, seeing them "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Jesus declares Himself the "Good Shepherd" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), who not only "goes out and comes in" before His sheep, but lays down His life for them ([John 10:1-18](/john/10-1 "John 10:1-18 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). He perfectly fulfills the comprehensive leadership Moses envisioned, providing spiritual sustenance, protection from spiritual predators, and leading His flock into eternal life. He is the "great Shepherd of the sheep" ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace and the Great Shepherd")), and the "Chief Shepherd" ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd's Crown")), under whom all human spiritual leaders serve as undershepherds, pointing ultimately to Him as the one true guide and protector of God's redeemed congregation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 34:5

And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.

Mark 6:34

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

1 Kings 22:17

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

Matthew 9:36

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Zechariah 10:2

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because [there was] no shepherd.

Deuteronomy 31:2

And he said unto them, I [am] an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

2 Chronicles 1:10

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, [that is so] great?