Numbers 27:19

KJV

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And set {H5975} him before {H6440} Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and before {H6440} all the congregation {H5712}; and give him a charge {H6680} in their sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Put him in front of El'azar the cohen and the whole community, and commission him in their sight.

Berean Standard Bible

Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight.

American Standard Version

and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:19 details the divinely ordained, public commissioning of Joshua as Moses' successor, a pivotal moment ensuring the continuity of God's leadership for Israel. This verse outlines the specific mandate for Moses to present Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, thereby formalizing his new role and imparting a solemn charge in the sight of the assembled community. The act underscores the principles of divine appointment, communal witness, and accountability in leadership, setting the stage for Israel's entry into the Promised Land under God's chosen guide.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial transitional passage in the book of Numbers, specifically [Numbers 27:12-23](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Moses' Death and Joshua's Appointment"). The Lord has just informed Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at Meribah ([Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")). In response, Moses, demonstrating selfless concern for the nation, petitions God for a new leader to guide Israel after his departure, expressing a desire that the flock of the Lord not be "like sheep without a shepherd" ([Numbers 27:17](/numbers/27-17 "Numbers 27:17 - Moses' Prayer for a Successor")). God immediately responds by designating Joshua, a man uniquely qualified because "the Spirit is in him" ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua, a Man of the Spirit")). Verse 19 then provides the explicit divine instruction for the public and formal investiture of Joshua, ensuring a clear and divinely sanctioned transfer of authority. The subsequent verses detail the laying on of hands and the method by which Joshua will receive divine guidance through Eleazar ([Numbers 27:20-23](/numbers/27-20 "Numbers 27:20-23 - Joshua's Commissioning and Guidance")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness, towards the end of Israel's forty-year journey, on the cusp of entering Canaan. Leadership in ancient Israel, especially during this formative period, was understood as a direct divine appointment, often accompanied by public demonstration and prophetic endorsement. The transition from Moses, the foundational prophet and lawgiver, to Joshua, the military and administrative leader, was monumental. Public commissioning ceremonies were vital in ancient Near Eastern cultures to legitimate authority, ensure communal acceptance, and establish a clear chain of command. The involvement of Eleazar the High Priest was crucial, as he represented the spiritual authority and served as the intermediary between God and the people, particularly in matters of divine guidance (e.g., through the Urim and Thummim, as mentioned in [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Joshua to Consult Eleazar by Urim")). This public display before "all the congregation" was essential for the unity and stability of a nomadic people preparing for conquest and settlement.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 27:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It highlights the **Divine Appointment of Leadership**, emphasizing that true authority originates from God, not human selection or ambition, as seen in God's direct selection of Joshua, a man "in whom is the spirit" ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua, a Man of the Spirit")). The verse also underscores the theme of **Public Commissioning and Accountability**, demonstrating the necessity of communal witness and acceptance for legitimate leadership, fostering transparency and unity within the nation. This public act ensures the **Continuity of God's Plan**, assuring Israel that even with Moses' impending death, God's covenant promises and the journey to the Promised Land would continue under a divinely sanctioned leader. Furthermore, the **Role of the Priesthood** is highlighted by Eleazar's central involvement, signifying the spiritual dimension of Israelite leadership and the High Priest's mediatorial function, through whom Joshua would later consult God ([Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Joshua to Consult Eleazar by Urim")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Set (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** The verb עָמַד (_'amad_) typically means "to stand," "to stand up," or "to take one's stand." In this context, "set him before" implies more than just placing him physically; it conveys the idea of presenting him formally, causing him to stand prominently and authoritatively before the designated witnesses. It signifies a public installation or inauguration, giving Joshua a position of prominence and official recognition. This act of "setting" is foundational to his public legitimacy.
* **Charge (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** The Hebrew verb צָוָה (_tsavah_) means "to command," "to ordain," "to appoint," or "to instruct." It carries a strong sense of formal, authoritative directive and imparts a solemn duty or responsibility. When Moses is commanded to "give him a charge," it implies a transfer of specific duties, responsibilities, and authority from Moses to Joshua, formally establishing Joshua's new role as the supreme leader of Israel under God. This "charge" is not merely advice but a divine mandate for leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And set him before Eleazar the priest":** This clause specifies the first key witness to Joshua's commissioning. Eleazar, as the High Priest, represents the spiritual authority of the nation and the direct link to God's will. His presence validates Joshua's appointment from a religious and covenantal perspective, signifying that Joshua's leadership is not merely secular but divinely sanctioned and spiritually aligned. This also highlights the complementary roles of spiritual (priesthood) and civil/military (Joshua) leadership in Israel.
* **"and before all the congregation":** This expands the scope of witness to include the entire community of Israel. The public nature of the commissioning before the "congregation" (עֵדָה, _‘edah_, referring to the assembled community) is crucial for the people's acceptance, recognition, and submission to Joshua's authority. It ensures transparency, minimizes dissent, and establishes communal accountability for both the leader and the led. It transforms a private divine decree into a public, binding reality for the nation.
* **"and give him a charge in their sight":** This final clause describes the core action of the commissioning: the impartation of authority and responsibility. The "charge" (as discussed above, _tsavah_) is a formal command or instruction regarding his duties as leader. The phrase "in their sight" reinforces the public aspect, meaning the charge is given openly, for all to hear and acknowledge. This public declaration of Joshua's responsibilities makes him accountable not only to God but also to the people whom he is called to lead, under the divine mandate.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Command**, as the verse is a direct divine instruction to Moses, underscoring the absolute authority behind Joshua's appointment. The detailed instructions for the public setting ("before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation") highlight the device of **Public Ceremony**, emphasizing the ritualistic and communal significance of the leadership transition. This public act is also a key element of a **Succession Narrative**, a common biblical motif where one leader formally passes the mantle to another, ensuring continuity and legitimacy (e.g., Elijah and Elisha). Furthermore, the entire passage, including this verse, functions as a **Divine Mandate**, portraying Joshua's leadership not as a human choice but as a direct, irrefutable command from God, establishing his authority as God-given and non-negotiable. The repetition of "before" emphasizes the public nature and the witnesses involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divinely appointed leadership and the importance of public validation for those entrusted with authority in God's community. It teaches that God Himself raises up leaders, equipping them with His Spirit and entrusting them with specific mandates for His people. The public commissioning before both spiritual authority (Eleazar) and the entire congregation underscores the dual accountability of leaders: to God and to the community they serve. This model ensures legitimacy, fosters unity, and provides a framework for transparency and trust. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring that His people would never be left without a shepherd, even during significant transitions.

* [Deuteronomy 31:7-8](/deuteronomy/31-7 "Moses Encourages Joshua")
* [Acts 6:3-6](/acts/6-3 "Appointment of the Seven Deacons")
* [1 Timothy 4:14](/1_timothy/4-14 "Do Not Neglect Your Gift")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:19 offers timeless insights into the nature of leadership and community. It reminds us that true spiritual authority is ultimately derived from God, not from human ambition or popularity. For leaders, this means understanding their role as a sacred trust, a divine appointment requiring humility, integrity, and a reliance on God's Spirit. For the community, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting those whom God has raised up, while also providing a framework for healthy accountability. The public nature of Joshua's commissioning highlights the value of transparency in leadership transitions and the need for communal affirmation to foster unity and trust. In our own contexts, whether in church, family, or society, this passage encourages us to pray for our leaders, to discern God's hand in their appointment, and to understand that effective leadership is a collaborative endeavor, witnessed and supported by the body, ensuring the continuity of God's work across generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine appointment of Joshua challenge our modern notions of leadership selection and authority?**
* **What is the significance of "all the congregation" witnessing Joshua's commissioning for communal unity and accountability today?**
* **In what ways can we, as a community, better support and hold accountable those in leadership positions, reflecting the principles seen in this verse?**
* **How does understanding leadership as a "charge" from God influence our perspective on responsibility and stewardship?**

### FAQ

**Why was it necessary for Joshua to be commissioned publicly, and not just privately by Moses?**

Answer: The public commissioning of Joshua was absolutely essential for several critical reasons. First, it provided undeniable legitimacy to his new role. In ancient societies, public ceremonies were the primary means of validating authority and ensuring communal acceptance. A private transfer would have lacked the necessary weight to convince "all the congregation" to follow a new leader after Moses, who had led them for forty years. Second, it fostered unity and minimized potential dissent. By witnessing the divine mandate and Moses' transfer of authority, the people understood that Joshua's leadership was God-ordained, not a human power grab. Third, it established accountability. The "charge" was given "in their sight," meaning the people were witnesses to the responsibilities laid upon Joshua, and he was publicly accountable to God and to them for fulfilling that charge. Finally, it ensured continuity of God's plan, demonstrating that even with Moses' departure, God's presence and guidance would remain with His people through their new, publicly recognized leader. This public act was a foundational step for the nation's successful entry into the Promised Land under Joshua's command, as detailed in [Joshua 1](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua").

**What does it mean that Joshua was to be given a "charge"? Was it just a set of instructions?**

Answer: The "charge" (Hebrew: צָוָה, _tsavah_) given to Joshua was far more than a mere set of instructions or a to-do list. It was a solemn, authoritative impartation of duties, responsibilities, and divine authority. It signified a formal ordination and mandate from God Himself, conveyed through Moses. This "charge" encompassed the immense task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquering its inhabitants, and dividing the land among the tribes. It implied a divine trust, a sacred duty to uphold God's covenant and laws, and the authority to command the people on God's behalf. It was the formal investiture of his new office, making him the supreme leader of Israel under God, as later seen in the detailed instructions given to him in [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Charge to Joshua").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:19, with its account of Joshua's divinely appointed, publicly commissioned leadership, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Leader and Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua was chosen by God and uniquely described as having "the Spirit in him" ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua, a Man of the Spirit")), so too was Jesus the Son of God, filled with the Holy Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")). His ministry was initiated by a public commissioning at His baptism, where the Spirit descended upon Him and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus' Baptism")). Jesus, the greater Joshua (Yeshua), leads His people not into an earthly promised land, but into eternal rest and the spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom ([Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The Greater Rest in Christ")). His authority was publicly recognized through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately His resurrection, which declared Him to be the Son of God in power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God")). He received a "charge" from the Father to accomplish salvation ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")) and, having completed it, now commissions His followers to make disciples of all nations, promising His abiding presence ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Jesus is the divinely appointed Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), fulfilling the longing for a leader who would truly guide God's flock, not as a temporary successor, but as the eternal King and High Priest ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Jesus, Our High Priest and Apostle")).

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 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.

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 31:7

And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the LORD, he [it is] that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Luke 10:2

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Luke 10:11

Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

Colossians 4:17

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.