Numbers 27:21

KJV

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall stand {H5975} before {H6440} Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, who shall ask {H7592} counsel for him after the judgment {H4941} of Urim {H224} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: at his word {H6310} shall they go out {H3318}, and at his word {H6310} they shall come in {H935}, both he, and all the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} with him, even all the congregation {H5712}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to present himself to El'azar the cohen, who is to find out by means of the urim what ADONAI's will is for Y'hoshua's decisions. Then, at his word they will go out, and at his word they will come in, both he and all the people of Isra'el with him, the whole community."

Berean Standard Bible

He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

American Standard Version

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Jehovah: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:21 meticulously outlines the divine protocol for Joshua's leadership succeeding Moses, mandating that he would consistently seek God's explicit counsel through Eleazar the high priest, utilizing the sacred Urim. This established mechanism ensured that all critical national decisions, particularly those concerning military movements and the broader conduct of public life, were divinely sanctioned, thereby underscoring Israel's corporate and unwavering dependence on God's direct guidance rather than human discretion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the pivotal narrative of leadership transition, immediately following God's pronouncement that Moses would not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience ([Numbers 27:12-14](/numbers/27-12-14 "Numbers 27:12-14 - Moses' Exclusion from Canaan")). Recognizing the imminent need for a successor, the LORD explicitly instructs Moses to commission Joshua, a man "in whom is the Spirit," and to bestow "some of your authority" upon him ([Numbers 27:18-20](/numbers/27-18-20 "Numbers 27:18-20 - Joshua's Commissioning and Authority")). The public commissioning involved Moses laying his hands on Joshua before Eleazar and the entire congregation, symbolizing a visible transfer of leadership. Verse 21 then serves as the crucial practical instruction, detailing the ongoing, day-to-day method by which Joshua would receive divine direction. This ensures his leadership remains firmly under God's supreme authority, establishing a vital safeguard for the nation's future as they prepared for the monumental task of conquering Canaan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel operated as a theocracy, a nation where God Himself was recognized as the ultimate King and Lawgiver. As they stood on the threshold of entering Canaan, a land inhabited by formidable, idolatrous nations, the imperative for direct divine guidance was paramount. This guidance was essential not only for military strategy and the equitable distribution of land but also for maintaining the nation's spiritual purity and distinct identity. The priesthood, particularly the high priest, held a uniquely sacred and mediatorial role as the primary human conduit for divine revelation, a distinct office from that of the prophet. The Urim and Thummim, mysterious objects housed within the high priest's breastplate ([Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Breastplate with Urim and Thummim")), were a divinely established, though not fully understood, means of discerning God's will. They were typically employed for critical national decisions requiring clear, authoritative answers, such as whether to engage in battle or embark on a significant journey.

* **Key Themes:** [Numbers 27:21](/numbers/27-21 "Numbers 27:21 - Joshua's Divine Counsel") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Guidance**, demonstrating that God actively governs His people and provides specific, ongoing direction for their journey and actions, especially in the realm of leadership. Secondly, it highlights the **Indispensable Role of Mediation**, specifically through the priesthood, as Eleazar serves as the necessary intermediary for Joshua to access God's counsel, a pattern that foreshadows the ultimate mediator. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **Corporate Dependence and Obedience**, making it clear that the entire congregation's movements and endeavors are contingent upon God's revealed word, fostering a national identity deeply rooted in submission to divine authority. This structured approach to leadership also reinforces the theme of **Order and Authority**, establishing a clear chain of command where human leaders operate under divine mandate, ensuring stability and preventing arbitrary rule as Israel prepared to conquer and settle the land, a significant undertaking detailed in subsequent books like [Joshua](/joshua/1 "The Book of Joshua - Conquest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Urim (Hebrew, _ʼÛwrîym'_):** From H224, plural of אוּר, meaning "lights." The Urim, along with the Thummim, were the oracular brilliancy of the figures in the high-priest's breastplate. In this context, the Urim represent a divinely appointed and authoritative means for the high priest to discern God's will, typically providing clear, definitive answers (perhaps "yes" or "no" or specific direction) on matters of national importance. Their presence signifies a direct, consecrated channel of divine communication for the nation's leader.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, properly a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice. Here, "judgment of Urim" refers to the authoritative, divinely-rendered decision or verdict obtained through the Urim, indicating that the counsel sought was not mere advice but a binding, just, and decisive pronouncement from God.
* **go out, and come in (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_; _bôwʼ'_):** From H3318 ("to go out") and H935 ("to come in"). This is a common Hebrew idiom signifying the totality of one's public activity, particularly in a military or leadership context. It encompasses all movements, actions, and endeavors, from initiating a campaign or undertaking to returning from it, or generally conducting the affairs of the nation. The phrase emphasizes that every significant decision and action undertaken by Joshua and the entire congregation must be explicitly sanctioned by God's word, received through the Urim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest":** This clause establishes the posture of humility and the designated location for Joshua's inquiry. "Standing before" implies a position of deference, respect, and readiness to receive instruction. It underscores that even Joshua, the divinely appointed leader of Israel, must submit to the established priestly authority, which serves as the divinely ordained conduit for revelation. Joshua's authority is not absolute but mediated through God's chosen representative.
* **"who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD":** This is the core mechanism of divine guidance. Eleazar, as the high priest, is the one who directly interfaces with God on Joshua's behalf. The "judgment of Urim" refers to the specific, divinely sanctioned method of inquiry using the Urim (and implicitly Thummim), which provided clear, authoritative answers from God. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that this is a direct consultation with God Himself, through His appointed means, ensuring the counsel is divine and infallible, not merely human interpretation.
* **"at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation":** This final clause delineates the comprehensive scope and profound impact of the divine counsel. "His word" refers unequivocally to the word of the LORD, as revealed through the Urim via Eleazar. The idiom "go out and come in" signifies all public actions, especially military campaigns, but also encompasses broader national movements and daily life. The explicit inclusion of "he" (Joshua) and "all the children of Israel... all the congregation" highlights that this divine guidance is not just for the leader but for the entire nation. It underscores the corporate nature of Israel's obedience and dependence on God for every significant undertaking, emphasizing unity under divine command.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to underscore its profound theological message. **Repetition** is powerfully utilized in the phrase "at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in," which creates a rhythmic emphasis, reinforcing the absolute and comprehensive dependence on God's explicit command for all national movements and decisions. This reiteration serves to engrain the principle of divine authority into the reader's mind. **Symbolism** is central, with the Urim serving as a tangible symbol of God's direct, authoritative communication and His active will in the affairs of His people. Eleazar, the high priest, also functions symbolically as the divinely appointed intermediary, representing the necessary channel through which God's people access His counsel. Furthermore, the phrase "go out and come in" can be understood as a form of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. In this case, "going out" and "coming in" encompass all possible activities and movements of the congregation, from initiating an action to concluding it, from peace to war, from daily life to national endeavors. This reinforces the idea that no aspect of Israel's corporate existence was to be outside the sphere of God's direct oversight and command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:21 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty in the governance of Israel and the absolute necessity of mediated access to God's will. It underscores that even divinely appointed human leadership is always subordinate to God's ultimate authority, requiring continuous, explicit divine counsel for all significant decisions. This commitment to seeking God's "word" through the high priest and the Urim established a foundational pattern of dependence, ensuring that Israel's identity and actions were rooted in obedience to their divine King, rather than in human wisdom or strategic planning. This system provided stability, unity, and a clear path for a nation on the threshold of monumental challenges, reinforcing the truth that God actively leads His people through appointed channels and demands their corporate submission.

* [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "The Urim and Thummim in the Breastplate")
* [1 Samuel 23:9-12](/1_samuel/23-9-12 "David Inquires of the Lord via Abiathar")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:21 offers enduring and vital lessons for believers today, emphasizing the critical importance of seeking God's will in all aspects of life and leadership. Just as Joshua, a mighty and Spirit-filled leader, was required to humbly stand before the priest to receive divine counsel, we too are called to a posture of profound dependence on God. While the Urim and Thummim are no longer in use, God continues to guide His people comprehensively through His inspired Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the collective wisdom of godly counsel within the community of faith. This passage challenges us to examine whether our decisions, both personal and corporate, are truly rooted in God's explicit direction or merely in human reasoning, expediency, or personal ambition. It reminds leaders that true authority flows from humble submission to God, and it calls the entire "congregation" of believers to unity and corporate obedience to Christ, our ultimate Head. Our "going out and coming in"—our daily lives, our ministries, our mission, and every significant undertaking—should always be "at His word," demonstrating our unwavering trust in His perfect wisdom and sovereign plan for our lives and for His Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life or leadership do I most need to intentionally seek God's specific counsel, rather than relying on my own understanding?**
* **How does my current approach to decision-making reflect a genuine dependence on God's revealed word, or am I subtly relying more on human wisdom or worldly strategies?**
* **What are the modern-day "channels" through which God speaks to His people (e.g., Scripture, prayer, spiritual community, Holy Spirit's prompting), and how can I more faithfully engage with them?**
* **How can our church community better exemplify the corporate dependence on God's word and unified obedience seen in Numbers 27:21, especially in collective decisions and ministries?**

### FAQ

**What exactly were the Urim and Thummim, and how did they work?**

Answer: The Urim and Thummim were two mysterious objects associated with the high priest's breastplate, as described in [Exodus 28:30](/exodus/28-30 "Exodus 28:30 - The Urim and Thummim in the Breastplate"). While the Bible does not provide a detailed explanation of their appearance or precise mode of operation, they were a divinely appointed means by which the high priest could discern God's will on matters of national importance. Scholarly theories range from them being sacred lots cast for a "yes" or "no" answer, stones that lit up to indicate God's favor or disfavor, or objects that somehow facilitated a direct divine oracle. Their purpose was to provide clear, authoritative guidance from the LORD, particularly for critical decisions like going to war or major national movements, as seen in [1 Samuel 23:9-12](/1_samuel/23-9-12 "1 Samuel 23:9-12 - David Inquires of the Lord via Abiathar") when David inquired of the Lord through the ephod (which contained the Urim and Thummim). Their use seems to have diminished after the early monarchy, gradually being superseded by direct prophetic revelation.

**Why was it necessary for Joshua to consult Eleazar, the priest, rather than directly hearing from God like Moses did?**

Answer: Moses held a unique and unparalleled position as God's chosen prophet, with whom God spoke "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" ([Exodus 33:11](/exodus/33-11 "Exodus 33:11 - The Lord Spoke to Moses Face to Face"); [Numbers 12:8](/numbers/12-8 "Numbers 12:8 - God Speaks to Moses Face to Face")). Joshua, while divinely appointed and filled with the Spirit ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "Numbers 27:18 - Joshua, a Man in Whom is the Spirit")), did not share Moses' direct, unmediated access to God's audible voice for ongoing national guidance. This established a critical precedent for future leadership in Israel: even the most prominent leaders would operate under the established divine order, which included the mediatorial role of the high priest. This system ensured that divine guidance flowed through a recognized, accountable channel, preventing individual leaders from claiming direct revelation for every decision and maintaining the integrity of theocracy. It also reinforced the distinct, yet complementary, roles of prophet, priest, and king within Israel's governance, all ultimately subordinate to God's supreme authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:21, with its emphasis on mediated divine counsel for leadership and corporate obedience, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Urim and Thummim, though a vital means of revelation in the Old Covenant, were a temporary shadow pointing to the perfect and complete revelation found in Christ. He is not merely a conduit for counsel; He is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")), the full and final expression of God's will and wisdom ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). As our **Great High Priest** ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), Jesus fulfills and infinitely transcends the mediatorial role of Eleazar. We no longer need a human priest to inquire of God through mysterious objects; rather, through Christ's perfect atoning work, we have bold and direct access to the Father's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). He is the one who perfectly embodies the "judgment of Urim," being the true light and truth that illuminates all things and guides His people with infallible wisdom ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate Joshua (Yeshua, meaning "the Lord saves"), the true leader who brings His people "out" of the bondage of sin and "in" to the promised spiritual inheritance and eternal rest ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People from Their Sins"); [Hebrews 4:8-10](/hebrews/4-8-10 "Hebrews 4:8-10 - The True Rest in Christ")). Under His supreme headship, the entire "congregation" of believers, the Church, is called to "go out and come in" in obedience to His perfect will, guided by His indwelling Spirit and His living Word, living out the reality of His eternal, unmediated, and sovereign leadership.

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

1 Samuel 28:6

And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

Joshua 9:14

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.

Exodus 28:30

And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

Nehemiah 7:65

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood [up] a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Ezra 2:63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

Judges 20:23

(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

Numbers 27:17

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.