Numbers 27:20

KJV

And thou shalt put [some] of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt put {H5414} some of thine honour {H1935} upon him, that all the congregation {H5712} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} may be obedient {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Delegate to him some of your authority, so that the entire community of Isra'el will obey him.

Berean Standard Bible

Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt put of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:20 records a pivotal divine instruction from God to Moses concerning the transfer of leadership to Joshua. This verse mandates that Moses publicly bestow a portion of his established authority, dignity, and respect—his "honor"—upon Joshua. This strategic act was not merely symbolic but a crucial step to ensure the continued obedience, unity, and stability of the Israelite congregation as they stood on the precipice of entering and conquering the Promised Land under their new, divinely appointed leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical transition period for the Israelite nation. Following God's declaration that Moses would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at the waters of Meribah ([Numbers 27:12-14](/numbers/27-12 "Numbers 27:12-14 - Moses' Impending Death")), Moses, demonstrating his profound pastoral heart, prays for God to appoint a new leader to shepherd the people, lest they be "as sheep which have no shepherd" ([Numbers 27:15-17](/numbers/27-15 "Numbers 27:15-17 - Moses' Prayer for a Successor")). God responds by specifically naming Joshua, a man "in whom is the spirit" ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - God Appoints Joshua")), as Moses' successor. Numbers 27:20 details a vital component of Joshua's public commissioning, which is then formally enacted in the subsequent verses before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly ([Numbers 27:21-23](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21-23 - Joshua's Public Commissioning")). This entire passage underscores God's faithfulness in providing continuous, legitimate leadership for His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within a tribal, nomadic society like Israel, the transfer of leadership was a moment of immense vulnerability and potential instability. Moses had been the singular, charismatic, and divinely authenticated leader for forty years, guiding the Israelites through the wilderness. His authority was unparalleled, stemming directly from his unique relationship with Yahweh. For Joshua to effectively lead, he needed more than just a private divine appointment; he required public legitimation that would command the same respect and obedience the people had given Moses. Public ceremonies, often involving symbolic acts and the presence of key religious figures (like Eleazar the priest), were crucial for establishing the new leader's authority and ensuring societal cohesion and continuity. The concept of "honor" was deeply embedded in ancient cultures, signifying not just personal esteem but also social standing, power, and the right to command.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully articulates several enduring themes. Firstly, **Divine Appointment and Succession** is paramount; Joshua's leadership is not self-proclaimed or democratically elected but divinely ordained, demonstrating God's active involvement in guiding His people through chosen vessels. Secondly, the **Transfer of Authority and Honor** is central; the command for Moses to "put some of thine honour upon him" highlights the necessity of a visible, public conferral of legitimacy, ensuring that Joshua would be perceived as a leader worthy of the same respect and obedience as Moses. This act was crucial for the practical governance of the nation. Thirdly, **Obedience and Unity** are the explicit goals; the text states the transfer's purpose is "that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient," emphasizing that clear, recognized authority is essential for maintaining order, achieving collective goals (like the conquest of Canaan), and preventing disunity. Finally, the concept of **God's Faithful Provision** is evident, as He ensures His people are never left without a shepherd, even during significant transitions, equipping His chosen leaders for the tasks ahead, as seen in the subsequent account of Joshua's successful leadership in [the book of Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest of Canaan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, הוֹד _hōd_):** This word signifies more than mere respect or personal esteem. It carries connotations of majesty, splendor, dignity, glory, and the visible manifestation of authority. When applied to God, it refers to His divine majesty and glory. When applied to a human leader, it denotes the inherent dignity and authoritative aura of their office, often implying a divine endowment or reflection of divine authority. Moses was commanded to transfer this specific quality, the very emanation of his divinely sanctioned leadership, to Joshua.
* **Put (Hebrew, נָתַן _nātan_):** While a common verb meaning "to give" or "to place," in this context, it implies a deliberate, active, and formal bestowal. It is not a passive transfer but an intentional act of commissioning and empowering. The verb underscores the agency of Moses, acting under divine command, in publicly conferring authority.
* **Obedient (Hebrew, שָׁמַע _shama'_):** This verb means "to hear," but in a deeper sense, "to hear and obey," or "to listen attentively and respond accordingly." It implies not just passive reception of commands but active submission to authority. The goal of the transfer of honor was to ensure that the congregation would not only hear Joshua's directives but also willingly and actively follow them, recognizing his legitimate claim to leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt put [some] of thine honour upon him":** This clause details the divine command to Moses. The phrase "[some] of thine honour" (KJV, with "some" implied from the Hebrew construct state) is crucial. It indicates that Moses was to transfer a portion, but not all, of his unique authority and dignity to Joshua. Moses retained his unparalleled status as the lawgiver and the one who spoke directly with God "face to face" ([Deuteronomy 34:10](/deuteronomy/34-10 "Deuteronomy 34:10 - Moses' Uniqueness")). Joshua's transferred "honor" (_hōd_) was specifically for the purpose of leading the people into the land and commanding them in battle, signifying the public legitimation of his new, divinely appointed role. This act was a visible, tangible demonstration of a spiritual and governmental transfer of power.
* **"that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient":** This second clause explicitly states the purpose and desired outcome of the transfer of honor. The goal was not merely for Joshua's personal benefit but for the collective good and stability of the entire Israelite community. By publicly endowing Joshua with authority, God ensured that the people would recognize his leadership as legitimate and divinely sanctioned, thereby fostering unity, order, and willing submission. This obedience was essential for the successful execution of God's plan for Israel to conquer and settle the Promised Land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, as the act of "putting honour upon him" is a symbolic gesture representing the transfer of divine authority and the mantle of leadership. This is not a literal, physical object being transferred but the intangible essence of Moses' respected office. The phrase also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "honour" stands in for the broader concept of the authority, dignity, and respect associated with Moses' divinely appointed leadership. Furthermore, the verse contains a clear **Purpose Clause** ("that all the congregation... may be obedient"), which highlights the divine intention behind the command, emphasizing the functional and communal necessity of this leadership transition for the ongoing mission of Israel. The concise nature of the command, given directly by God, also lends it **Authoritative Tone**, reinforcing the divine origin and imperative nature of the instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:20 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty in leadership and the orderly nature of God's kingdom. It teaches that true authority is ultimately derived from God, who raises up and equips leaders for His purposes. The transfer of "honor" from Moses to Joshua underscores the principle of continuity in God's redemptive plan, ensuring that His people are never left without guidance. This passage also highlights the crucial role of public affirmation and recognition in leadership transitions, not for the sake of human ego, but for the stability, unity, and effective functioning of the community. The obedience of the congregation is presented as a necessary response to divinely ordained authority, essential for the collective pursuit of God's will.

* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Deuteronomy 34:9 - Joshua Filled with the Spirit of Wisdom")
* [Joshua 1:1-9](/joshua/1-1 "Joshua 1:1-9 - God's Charge to Joshua")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey Your Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:20 provides timeless principles for leadership, succession, and community dynamics that remain highly relevant today. It reminds us that leadership, particularly within spiritual contexts, should be seen as a divine appointment and a sacred trust, not merely a position of power. For those in leadership, it underscores the importance of intentional mentorship and the humble delegation of responsibility, actively preparing successors and ensuring orderly transitions that serve the greater good of the community. For the congregation, it calls for a spirit of respect and obedience towards legitimate, divinely appointed authority, recognizing that such submission contributes to the unity, effectiveness, and flourishing of the body. In a world often characterized by fractured leadership and disunity, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's commitment to providing wise and capable leaders, and our responsibility to support them for the advancement of His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of leadership succession within the church or other organizations?**
* **What does it mean for us to "put honor" on those God has placed in authority over us, and how can we practically do this?**
* **In what ways does our obedience to legitimate spiritual authority contribute to the unity and mission of the Christian community?**
* **How can we, as a community, better pray for and support our leaders during times of transition?**

### FAQ
**Why was it only "some" of Moses' honor that was transferred to Joshua?**

Answer: The term "some" (implied in the Hebrew) indicates that while Joshua received significant authority and dignity necessary for his leadership role, Moses retained his unique and unparalleled status as God's direct lawgiver and covenant mediator. Moses was the one through whom the Torah was given, and he spoke with God "face to face" ([Deuteronomy 34:10](/deuteronomy/34-10 "Deuteronomy 34:10 - Moses' Uniqueness")). Joshua's authority was for leading the people into the land, military conquest, and governance, but not to supersede Moses' foundational prophetic and legislative role. This distinction highlights God's specific commissioning for each leader and maintains the singular nature of Moses' relationship with God in Israel's history.

**What does "honour" (hod) specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _hōd_ (הוֹD) signifies more than just personal respect or esteem. It carries connotations of majesty, splendor, dignity, and the visible manifestation of divine authority. In this verse, it refers to the inherent authoritative aura and the divinely endowed dignity that characterized Moses' leadership. When Moses was commanded to "put [some] of thine honour upon him," it meant he was to publicly transfer this specific quality—the very emanation of his divinely sanctioned leadership—to Joshua, thereby legitimizing Joshua's position and ensuring the congregation's recognition of his authority.

**Was this transfer of authority a public event?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. The preceding verse, [Numbers 27:19](/numbers/27-19 "Numbers 27:19 - Moses to Present Joshua"), explicitly states that Moses was to "set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation." This public commissioning, which included the laying on of hands and the transfer of "honour," was crucial. It ensured that the entire community witnessed and acknowledged Joshua's divine appointment and legitimate authority, which was essential for their collective obedience and unity as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:20, with its emphasis on divinely appointed leadership, the transfer of authority, and the call to obedience, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, the great lawgiver and shepherd of Israel, foreshadows Christ, the true and ultimate Shepherd for whom Moses prayed ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). While Joshua received "some" of Moses' honor, Jesus received "all authority in heaven and on earth" from the Father ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). He is the one upon whom the Father has placed all honor and glory, the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Superiority")). The obedience of the congregation to Joshua, essential for entering the earthly promised land, points to the church's complete and joyful obedience to Christ, the Head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), which is necessary for entering the heavenly promised land. Furthermore, just as the Spirit was on Joshua ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - God Appoints Joshua")), Christ, after receiving all authority, poured out His Spirit upon His followers ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")), empowering them to continue His mission. In Christ, the temporary and partial transfer of honor becomes the eternal and absolute reign of the Son, ensuring the ultimate salvation and unity of God's people.

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

Joshua 1:16

¶ And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go.

Joshua 1:18

Whosoever [he be] that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.

Numbers 11:17

And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.

1 Samuel 10:9

¶ And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

1 Chronicles 29:25

And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him [such] royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel.

Numbers 11:28

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Numbers 11:29

And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, [and] that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!