Numbers 27:18

KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom [is] the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Take {H3947} thee Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, a man {H376} in whom is the spirit {H7307}, and lay {H5564} thine hand {H3027} upon him;

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Moshe, "Take Y'hoshua the son of Nun, a spiritual man, and lay your hand on him.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thy hand upon him;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:18 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, as the LORD, in response to Moses' request, divinely appoints Joshua, the son of Nun, as Moses' successor. This verse underscores God's sovereign provision for His people's leadership, highlighting Joshua's unique spiritual qualification—being a "man in whom is the spirit"—and mandating a public act of commissioning through the laying on of hands, thereby ensuring continuity and divine guidance for the nation as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Moses' fervent plea to the LORD to appoint a new leader for the Israelite community, recognizing that he would not personally lead them into the Promised Land due to his transgression at the waters of Meribah ([Numbers 27:12-14](/numbers/27-12 "Numbers 27:12-14 - Moses Views the Promised Land")). Moses' concern was not for himself, but for the flock of Israel, that they might not be "as sheep which have no shepherd" ([Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Moses' Plea for a Successor")). God's swift and specific response in verse 18 directly addresses this need, naming Joshua, who had already proven his faithfulness and courage as one of the two spies who brought a positive report from Canaan, standing against the majority's fear ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). This passage thus orchestrates a divinely sanctioned transition of authority from Moses, the great lawgiver and mediator of the covenant, to Joshua, the military leader chosen to conquer Canaan and settle the tribes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, marking a crucial transition from forty years of wilderness wandering to the era of conquest and settlement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, succession was often based on primogeniture or military prowess, but Israel's leadership was uniquely tied to divine appointment and covenant fidelity. The concept of a divinely chosen leader, empowered by God's Spirit, was foundational to Israel's identity as God's covenant people. The "laying on of hands" was a recognized practice in the ancient world, signifying the transfer of authority, blessing, or identification with the recipient. In Israel, it took on a sacred dimension, often associated with ordination, blessing, or the impartation of spiritual gifts, as seen in later biblical narratives and practices.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 27:18 powerfully articulates several enduring themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Appointment of Leadership**, emphasizing that true spiritual leadership originates from God's sovereign choice, not human preference or democratic process. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Spiritual Qualification for Leadership**, as Joshua is specifically identified as "a man in whom [is] the spirit," indicating that divine empowerment and spiritual discernment are paramount for those serving God's purposes, far beyond mere administrative or military skill. Thirdly, the passage demonstrates God's commitment to **Orderly Succession and Continuity** for His people, ensuring stability and ongoing guidance for the covenant community. Finally, the command to "lay thine hand upon him" signifies the **Act of Public Commissioning**, a visible and symbolic transfer of authority and blessing, publicly affirming God's choice and empowering the chosen leader for the daunting task ahead, as further detailed in [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Moses Lays Hands on Joshua").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, רוּחַ, _ruach'_):** This profound Hebrew term carries a range of meanings, including "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this context, it refers specifically to the divine Spirit of God. When applied to a person, as in Joshua's case, it denotes a unique divine endowment—a special anointing of wisdom, insight, courage, and spiritual enablement necessary for extraordinary leadership. It signifies that Joshua was not merely naturally capable but divinely inspired and empowered to understand and execute God's will for Israel, much like the Spirit empowered judges such as Othniel ([Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the Lord on Othniel")) or later kings and prophets.
* **Lay thine hand (Hebrew, סָמַךְ, _samak'_):** The verb _samak_ means "to lean upon," "to support," or "to lay hands on." In the context of commissioning, it signifies a public act of identification, authorization, and the transfer of authority or blessing. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual reality, publicly affirming God's choice and Moses' endorsement. This act was not merely symbolic; it was understood to be efficacious, imparting a measure of Moses' "honor" or authority to Joshua, as later described in [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Full of the Spirit of Wisdom").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the command. This is not Moses' idea, nor a human council's decision, but a direct, sovereign directive from God, underscoring the divine initiative in choosing leadership for His people.
* **"Take thee Joshua the son of Nun":** God's response is precise and personal. He specifically names Joshua, identifying him by his lineage, which was a common way of identifying individuals in ancient Israel. This specific naming confirms Joshua as God's chosen one, removing any ambiguity about who was to succeed Moses.
* **"a man in whom [is] the spirit":** This is the crucial qualification for Joshua's appointment. It signifies that Joshua possessed not merely natural talents or military acumen, but a divine indwelling or empowerment by the Spirit of God. This spiritual enablement provided him with the wisdom, discernment, and courage necessary to lead the nation in obedience to God's commands, to navigate complex challenges, and to fulfill God's purposes for Israel. It distinguishes him as a leader uniquely equipped by God for a sacred task.
* **"and lay thine hand upon him":** This is the divine instruction for the public act of commissioning. Moses, as the current leader and God's chosen mediator, was to physically lay his hands on Joshua. This act would serve as a visible sign of the transfer of authority, a public blessing, and an affirmation of God's choice before the entire community of Israel, solidifying Joshua's legitimacy and empowering him for his future role.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, expressed through direct speech from the LORD to Moses, which emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and active involvement in the affairs of His people, particularly in the critical matter of leadership succession. The phrase "a man in whom [is] the spirit" functions as **Characterization**, immediately establishing Joshua's unique and divinely-ordained qualification, setting him apart not by birthright or human achievement, but by divine endowment. The act of "laying thine hand upon him" is rich in **Symbolism**, representing the formal transfer of authority, blessing, and spiritual empowerment. This symbolic act serves as a public and tangible ratification of God's unseen choice. Furthermore, the entire scene acts as **Foreshadowing**, anticipating Joshua's future role as the one who will lead Israel into the Promised Land, a role that prefigures the ultimate leadership of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:18 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in providing leadership for His people, a theme consistent throughout biblical history. It teaches that effective spiritual leadership is not primarily a matter of human skill or charisma, but of divine appointment and empowerment. The emphasis on "the spirit" highlights the necessity of God's indwelling presence and enabling power for those called to serve Him, ensuring that His work is carried out according to His will and by His strength. This divine selection and commissioning ensure continuity in God's covenant purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises and His care for His flock. The orderly transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua sets a precedent for future leadership transitions within Israel and, by extension, within the church, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment, public affirmation, and reliance on God's Spirit for all who lead.

* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Full of the Spirit of Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the LORD on the Messiah")
* [Acts 6:3, 6](/acts/6-3 "Acts 6:3, 6 - Spirit-Filled Deacons Appointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:18 offers timeless principles for leadership within any community, especially the church. It reminds us that God is actively involved in raising up and equipping leaders according to His sovereign plan. For those in positions of leadership, it underscores the critical importance of spiritual qualification—not merely administrative ability or worldly wisdom, but a genuine reliance on and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. Leaders are called to be shepherds, caring for God's flock, and this requires divine insight and compassion. For the broader community, this passage encourages prayerful discernment in identifying and supporting those God has called to lead, recognizing that true authority flows from God. It also challenges us to consider our own roles in preparing the next generation of leaders, fostering environments where spiritual gifts are recognized and nurtured, and where mentorship and orderly succession are valued. Ultimately, it reassures us that God will always provide for His people, ensuring that His work continues through faithful, Spirit-empowered individuals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on Joshua being "a man in whom is the spirit" challenge our contemporary understanding of leadership qualifications?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community, discern and affirm those whom God has called to lead today?**
* **What does it mean for us, personally, to be "in whom is the spirit" in our own spheres of influence and service?**
* **How can we actively participate in the orderly succession and mentorship of future leaders within our churches and communities?**

### FAQ

**Why was Joshua chosen specifically, and what was his prior relationship with Moses?**

Answer: Joshua was chosen by divine decree, not human selection. His choice was based on his proven faithfulness, courage, and, most importantly, the indwelling of God's Spirit. He had a long-standing, intimate relationship with Moses, serving as his faithful assistant and minister since the exodus. He was one of only two spies (along with Caleb) who brought back a positive report from Canaan, demonstrating unwavering faith in God's ability to deliver the land ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). This history of loyalty, service, and spiritual conviction made him uniquely prepared for the immense task of leading Israel into the Promised Land.

**What is the significance of "the spirit" in this verse, and how does it differ from a general human spirit?**

Answer: The "spirit" (Hebrew, _ruach_) in this context refers to the divine Spirit of God, not merely Joshua's natural human spirit or intelligence. It signifies a special endowment of divine wisdom, insight, courage, and enabling power. This was a supernatural qualification, indicating that Joshua was divinely inspired and equipped for the specific, sacred task of leading God's covenant people. It implies a prophetic or divinely-guided quality, distinguishing him as a leader whose authority and direction came directly from God, essential for navigating the challenges of conquest and settlement.

**Does the "laying on of hands" still have significance in commissioning leaders today?**

Answer: Yes, the "laying on of hands" continues to be a significant symbolic act in Christian tradition, though its meaning has evolved. In the Old Testament, as with Joshua, it often signified a direct transfer of authority or a special anointing. In the New Testament, it is seen in the commissioning of deacons ([Acts 6:6](/acts/6-6 "Acts 6:6 - Laying Hands on the Seven")), the impartation of spiritual gifts ([1 Timothy 4:14](/1_timothy/4-14 "1 Timothy 4:14 - Do Not Neglect Your Gift")), and for healing. Today, it primarily symbolizes identification, affirmation, blessing, and public commissioning for ministry. It visually represents the church's recognition of God's call on an individual's life and their prayer for divine empowerment, though it is understood that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers and is not "imparted" in the same unique way as in the Old Testament or early apostolic contexts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:18, with its focus on a divinely appointed, Spirit-filled leader who would guide God's people into their inheritance, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Leader, Jesus Christ. Joshua's very name, _Yehoshua_ (Hebrew for "Joshua"), is the same as _Yeshua_ (Hebrew for "Jesus"), both meaning "The LORD is salvation." Just as Joshua led Israel into the earthly promised land, Jesus, the true and greater Joshua, leads His people into the ultimate, heavenly rest and spiritual inheritance ([Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-9 - Jesus, Our True Rest")). While Joshua was "a man in whom is the spirit," Jesus was the Son of God, upon whom the Spirit descended fully and without measure ([John 1:32](/john/1-32 "John 1:32 - The Spirit Descends on Jesus"); [John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - God Gives the Spirit Without Limit")). He is the perfectly Spirit-empowered Messiah, embodying all wisdom, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD ([Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the LORD on the Messiah")). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, did not merely lead a nation into a physical land, but laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) to bring them into eternal life and reconciliation with God. His commissioning of His disciples ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")) and His promise of the Holy Spirit to empower them ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) echo the divine provision for leadership seen in Joshua, but now extended to all who follow Him, enabling them to continue His mission until His glorious return.

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

Deuteronomy 34:9

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?

Numbers 27:23

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Deuteronomy 31:23

And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.

Deuteronomy 3:28

But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Judges 3:10

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Acts 19:6

And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.