Numbers 27:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he laid {H5564} his hands {H3027} upon him, and gave him a charge {H6680}, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H1696} by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as ADONAI had said through Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

American Standard Version

and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as Jehovah spake by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:23 marks the solemn and public fulfillment of God's command to Moses regarding the succession of leadership to Joshua. This pivotal moment in Israel's history formally establishes Joshua's divine appointment and authority, ensuring a seamless and divinely sanctioned transition as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. It underscores God's active involvement in raising up and equipping leaders for His people, even in times of significant change.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of a crucial narrative initiated in [Numbers 27:12-23](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Joshua's Commissioning"). Moses, having been informed of his impending death and forbidden from entering the Promised Land due to his sin at Meribah, expresses a profound concern for the future of the Israelite congregation. He petitions the LORD to appoint a successor who can lead them, ensuring the people are not "like sheep without a shepherd" ([Numbers 27:15-17](/numbers/27-15 "Moses's Request for a Successor")). In response, the LORD unequivocally chooses Joshua, identifying him as "a man in whom is the spirit" ([Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "God Chooses Joshua to Succeed Moses")). God then provides specific, detailed instructions for Joshua's public commissioning: Moses is to present Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, lay his hands on him, and impart some of his "honor" upon him ([Numbers 27:19-22](/numbers/27-19 "The Command for Joshua's Public Commissioning")). Verse 23 confirms that Moses meticulously carried out every detail of this divine instruction, bringing the narrative of succession to its divinely ordained conclusion.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 27 occur as the Israelites are on the cusp of entering the land of Canaan, marking the end of their forty years of wilderness wandering. This period was characterized by direct divine guidance through Moses, who served as the supreme prophet, lawgiver, and leader. The transition from such a foundational figure was unprecedented and fraught with potential instability. In the ancient Near East, public commissioning ceremonies were vital for establishing legitimacy and authority, particularly for leaders inheriting significant power. The act of "laying on of hands" was a widely recognized symbolic gesture, used in various contexts such as blessing, healing, ordination, and the transfer of authority or spiritual endowment. For the Israelites, it would have visually and spiritually affirmed Joshua's divine mandate before the entire community, ensuring their acceptance of and submission to his leadership.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 27:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty in Leadership**, emphasizing that true leadership among God's people is not a matter of human election or ambition but of God's direct appointment and empowerment. God Himself chooses Joshua, demonstrating His ongoing care and provision for Israel's future, as seen in [Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "God's Choice of Joshua"). Another crucial theme is **Obedience to Divine Command**, highlighted by Moses's faithful execution of every detail "as the LORD commanded." This reinforces the principle that effective leadership and divine blessing flow from strict adherence to God's revealed will. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Continuity of God's Covenant Plan**; even with the departure of a leader as monumental as Moses, God's purposes for His people remain unwavering, and He ensures the means for their fulfillment through new, divinely chosen instruments. The act of laying on of hands also introduces the theme of **Spiritual Impartation and Empowerment**, signifying that Joshua was not merely given a title but was divinely equipped for the immense task of leading Israel into the Promised Land, a theme echoed later in [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Joshua Full of the Spirit of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid his hands (Hebrew, _samak yadav'_):** The verb *samak* (סמך) literally means "to lean upon," "to support," or "to lay hands on." In this context, it signifies more than a mere physical touch; it is a symbolic act of imparting authority, responsibility, and spiritual endowment. It publicly identifies Joshua as the designated successor and serves as a visible sign of the transfer of Moses's "honor" (authority and dignity) to him, as commanded in [Numbers 27:20](/numbers/27-20 "Moses Imparts Honor to Joshua"). This gesture is foundational for later biblical practices of ordination and commissioning.
* **charge (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** The verb *tsavah* (צוה) means "to command," "to appoint," or "to instruct." Here, it refers to the formal commissioning of Joshua, where Moses not only transferred authority but also likely articulated Joshua's duties, responsibilities, and the divine mandate he was to carry out as the new leader. This was a public declaration of his role and the expectations associated with it, ensuring clarity for both Joshua and the congregation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he laid his hands upon him":** This clause describes the physical act performed by Moses upon Joshua. It is the fulfillment of the LORD's specific instruction in [Numbers 27:18](/numbers/27-18 "God's Command to Lay Hands on Joshua"). Symbolically, this gesture conveyed the transfer of authority, the imparting of wisdom and spiritual insight, and a public blessing upon Joshua. It served to visibly confirm Joshua's divine appointment and to empower him for the formidable task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, endowing him with a portion of the honor and respect previously accorded to Moses.
* **"and gave him a charge":** Following the laying on of hands, Moses formally commissioned Joshua. This "charge" was a solemn instruction or mandate, publicly outlining Joshua's new responsibilities and the divine expectations for his leadership. It was not merely a handing over of power but a delegation of a sacred trust and a divine mission, ensuring that Joshua understood the gravity of his role and the specific tasks he was to undertake in guiding the people.
* **"as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authority behind the entire commissioning process. It explicitly states that Moses acted in perfect obedience to God's precise instructions given in [Numbers 27:19-22](/numbers/27-19 "God's Detailed Instructions for Joshua's Commissioning"). This affirmation underscores the legitimacy of Joshua's appointment, assuring the congregation that his leadership was not a human decision but a direct divine mandate, faithfully executed by Moses. It also highlights Moses's unwavering faithfulness even in his final acts of leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:23 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Fulfillment**, as the verse explicitly states that Moses carried out the commissioning "as the LORD commanded," bringing the divine directive to its promised completion. This creates a sense of narrative satisfaction and reinforces God's faithfulness to His word. **Symbolism** is central to the act of "laying on of hands," which transcends a mere physical gesture to represent the impartation of authority, blessing, and spiritual endowment. This symbolic action visually communicates the transfer of leadership and divine approval to the entire congregation. Furthermore, the phrase "as the LORD commanded" functions as **Emphasis** through repetition of divine mandate, underscoring the absolute authority behind Joshua's appointment and Moses's unwavering obedience. The verse also serves as a critical **Transition Narrative**, marking the formal handover of leadership from Moses, the foundational figure of the Exodus, to Joshua, who would lead the people into their inheritance, thereby ensuring the continuity of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:23 is a profound theological statement on the nature of leadership within God's people. It reveals that God is intimately involved in the selection, commissioning, and empowerment of those He calls to lead. Leadership is presented not as a self-appointed position or a democratic election, but as a divine mandate requiring spiritual qualification ("a man in whom is the spirit") and public affirmation. The seamless transition from Moses to Joshua, facilitated by God's explicit instructions and Moses's faithful obedience, speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises and His people's ultimate destiny. This passage serves as a foundational text for understanding biblical principles of succession, the importance of spiritual authority, and the continuity of God's work across generations. It teaches us that even when great leaders pass on, God remains sovereign, raising up new instruments to fulfill His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 34:9](/deuteronomy/34-9 "Joshua Full of the Spirit of Wisdom")
* [Acts 6:6](/acts/6-6 "Apostles Lay Hands on Deacons")
* [1 Timothy 4:14](/1_timothy/4-14 "Timothy's Spiritual Gift Through Laying on of Hands")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:23 offers timeless principles for leadership, transition, and divine faithfulness that resonate deeply with believers today. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in raising up and equipping leaders for His church and for His purposes in the world. For us, this means recognizing that true spiritual leadership is divinely appointed and empowered, not merely a matter of human charisma or skill. We are called to seek God's will in identifying and affirming those He calls to lead, and to support them through prayer and submission to their God-given authority. This verse also highlights the critical importance of healthy and orderly transitions in leadership, emphasizing the need for mentorship, public commissioning, and the transfer of responsibility and spiritual wisdom from one generation to the next. It encourages us to trust God's providence even in moments of significant change, knowing that His plan will continue to unfold through the instruments He chooses and empowers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern and affirm God's chosen leaders in our churches and communities today?**
* **What is our responsibility in supporting and submitting to those God has placed in spiritual authority over us?**
* **In what ways can we facilitate healthy and God-honoring leadership transitions within our own spheres of influence?**
* **How does the example of Moses commissioning Joshua inspire us to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "laying on of hands" in this context?**

Answer: The "laying on of hands" in Numbers 27:23 is a deeply significant symbolic act. It served primarily to publicly designate Joshua as Moses's divinely chosen successor, signifying the transfer of authority, responsibility, and spiritual endowment. It was a visible and tangible sign to the entire congregation that God's Spirit and Moses's "honor" (authority and dignity) were now upon Joshua, empowering him for the immense task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. This practice is seen throughout the Bible for various purposes, including blessing, healing, and ordination, always indicating a divine impartation or identification.

**Why was a public commissioning necessary for Joshua?**

Answer: A public commissioning was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it established Joshua's legitimacy and authority before the entire congregation, ensuring that the people would recognize and submit to his leadership without question. Given Moses's unique and unparalleled role, a private transfer of power would have lacked the necessary weight and visibility. Secondly, it reinforced that Joshua's appointment was from God, not merely a human choice by Moses, thereby preventing any potential challenges to his divine mandate. Finally, it served as a powerful visual and spiritual affirmation, uniting the community behind their new leader and signaling the continuity of God's covenant plan for Israel.

**Does this verse suggest that all leadership transitions must follow this exact pattern?**

Answer: While the specific ritual of laying on of hands and public commissioning is a powerful model, the verse emphasizes the underlying principles rather than prescribing an identical pattern for all leadership transitions. The core principles include divine appointment, public affirmation, the transfer of spiritual authority and responsibility, and the faithful obedience of the outgoing leader in preparing the successor. These principles remain vital for healthy and God-honoring leadership succession in the church and other spiritual contexts, even if the outward forms may adapt to different cultural or historical settings. The emphasis is on God's active involvement and the orderly, recognized transfer of a divine mandate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:23, detailing the commissioning of Joshua, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua, whose name is the Hebrew equivalent of "Jesus," serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joshua was divinely chosen and empowered by the Spirit to lead God's people into their promised inheritance, so too is Jesus the ultimate Leader, chosen by the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit, to lead His people into the true and eternal rest that Joshua could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 4:8-9](/hebrews/4-8 "Joshua Did Not Give Them Rest")). Moses, as the Lawgiver, could not bring Israel into the land, just as the Law cannot bring ultimate salvation; it requires a new leader, a new covenant. Jesus, as the incarnate Word ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), received His "charge" and authority directly from the Father, not through the laying on of human hands, but through divine anointing at His baptism and transfiguration. He then, in turn, commissioned His disciples, imparting His authority and sending them forth with the ultimate "charge" to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")). The continuity of God's plan, so evident in Numbers 27:23, culminates in Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")). He is the faithful Shepherd who gathers His flock, the one who truly gives gifts to the church for its edification and leadership ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Christ Gives Gifts to the Church")), ensuring that His people are never "like sheep without a shepherd."

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.

Numbers 27:19

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

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.