Numbers 27 22

Numbers 27:22 kjv

And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:

Numbers 27:22 nkjv

So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation.

Numbers 27:22 niv

Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly.

Numbers 27:22 esv

And Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation,

Numbers 27:22 nlt

So Moses did as the LORD commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community.

Numbers 27 verses

Numbers 27 22 Meaning

This verse signifies the faithful and immediate execution of a divine command. Moses, nearing the end of his life, promptly obeys the Lord by publicly installing Joshua as his successor. This formal act of investiture takes place before Eleazar, the high priest, symbolizing the indispensable spiritual authority in leadership, and before the entire assembly of Israel, emphasizing communal recognition and accountability for the transfer of authority. It underscores that leadership in Israel originates from divine appointment, is affirmed by spiritual authority, and accepted by the congregation.

Numbers 27 22 Context

Numbers chapter 27 marks a pivotal transition point in Israel's journey towards the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Numbers 27:1-11) deal with the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, which sets a precedent for inheritance laws. Following this, Numbers 27:12-14 describes God's announcement to Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land due to his sin at the waters of Meribah. In response, Moses appeals to the Lord to appoint a new leader for the congregation (Numbers 27:15-17), ensuring that Israel will not be "like sheep without a shepherd." The Lord then explicitly commands Moses to lay his hand on Joshua, anointing him publicly with authority (Numbers 27:18-21). Verse 22, therefore, describes Moses' immediate and faithful execution of this divine command. It is the practical fulfillment of God's instructions for the transfer of leadership, crucial for Israel's future conquest and settlement. Historically, Israel stood poised to enter Canaan, a challenging military and spiritual undertaking that demanded a clear and divinely sanctioned leader. This act provides that necessary foundation for the next chapter of their history.

Numbers 27 22 Word analysis

• Moses: Refers to Moses, the foundational leader, prophet, and law-giver of Israel. In this verse, he acts in his ultimate capacity as God's faithful servant, concluding his earthly mission by transferring authority. His obedience here emphasizes a leader's responsibility to God above personal sentiment.
• did: Hebrew ʿāśâ (עָשָׂה). Signifies active compliance and immediate action. It conveys that Moses did not delay or hesitate, but performed the command fully and precisely, mirroring the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded" found throughout the Pentateuch, especially regarding the tabernacle construction (Exod 40:16, 19, 21, 23, etc.).
• as the Lord commanded him: Highlights the divine origin of the leadership succession. This was not Moses' idea or the people's choice but God's sovereign will (referring back to Num 27:18-21). It legitimizes Joshua's appointment and assures the people of God's continuing guidance through their new leader.
• he took: Hebrew vayyiqqaḥ (וַיִּקַּח), from lāqaḥ. Implies an intentional act of selection, setting apart, and bringing into prominence. Moses actively brought Joshua forward, signifying a formal presentation rather than a passive taking.
• Joshua: Yehoshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ). Means "YHWH is salvation" or "YHWH saves." This name itself carries theological weight, particularly fitting for the leader who would lead Israel into the promised land of salvation and rest. He had served as Moses' faithful attendant (Exod 24:13), one of the two faithful spies (Num 14:6), and a "man in whom is the spirit" (Num 27:18).
• presented him: Hebrew vayyaʿamîḏēhû (וַיַּעֲמִידֵהוּ), from ʿāmaḏ. Literally "he made him stand" or "he set him forth." This indicates a formal, public investiture, similar to a ceremonial induction or inauguration. It was a visible and formal act of bestowing authority and legitimizing leadership.
• before Eleazar the priest: Eleazar, Aaron's successor as high priest, represents the continuity of Israel's spiritual authority. His presence ensures that the transfer of secular leadership is sanctioned and integrated with divine will, especially since Joshua was to consult Eleazar regarding the Urim (Num 27:21). This connection emphasized that even the military leader remained under the spiritual guidance revealed through the priesthood.
• and before the whole congregation: Underscores the public and transparent nature of Joshua's appointment. The entire community witnessed the transition, which served multiple purposes: confirming the new leader's legitimacy, ensuring popular acceptance, preventing future disputes over succession, and signifying the collective accountability and unity under the new divinely appointed leader.

• Moses did as the Lord commanded him: This phrase underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and human obedience that permeates Moses' leadership. It confirms Moses' status as God's faithful servant to the very end, diligently fulfilling his last major act as leader. It also sets a precedent for Joshua's own future leadership – to consistently follow God's commands.
• he took Joshua and presented him: This grouping describes the core action of succession. It's an active, deliberate, and formal act, not a casual handover. Moses physically places Joshua in his new public role, visually affirming the transfer of authority.
• before Eleazar the priest and before the whole congregation: This pairing emphasizes the twin pillars of validation for leadership in Israel: spiritual authority and communal witness. A leader needed not only God's mandate (through the priest) but also the public's acknowledgment and acceptance, reinforcing the covenantal nature of Israelite society. This process provided checks and balances, distinguishing divine appointments from self-proclaimed authority or human political maneuvering common in surrounding cultures.

Numbers 27 22 Bonus section

• A Precedent for Future Leaders: This verse establishes a precedent for leadership transition in Israel. While not every leader would be appointed directly by God to an outgoing prophet, the principles of divine sanction, spiritual counsel (via the priesthood), and public recognition would recur.
• The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership: The inclusion of "Eleazar the priest" emphasizes that secular leadership in Israel was never meant to operate independently of God's spiritual guidance. All significant decisions, especially by Joshua, were to be discerned through priestly inquiry (Numbers 27:21). This prevented an absolute monarchy or dictatorial rule, continually subordinating earthly power to divine will.
• Moses' Selflessness: Despite knowing he would not enter the Promised Land, Moses demonstrates profound humility and selflessness in executing this command. He prioritizes God's will and the welfare of the congregation over any personal grievance or desire.
• Connection to Laying on of Hands: While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the preceding verse (Numbers 27:18) states God commanded Moses to "lay your hand on him." The subsequent verse (Numbers 27:23) confirms Moses did this. Thus, verse 22 implies this formal, physical act of transference of authority, which has deep spiritual and theological roots as seen in priestly ordination and commissioning for service throughout the Bible.
• Foreshadowing the Ultimate Leader: The divinely appointed succession from Moses to Joshua, leading the people into their promised inheritance, serves as a theological foreshadowing. It points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet-King, who through God's will and empowered by the Holy Spirit, leads His people (the new congregation) into their eternal rest and inheritance.

Numbers 27 22 Commentary

Numbers 27:22 presents a pivotal moment in Israelite history, detailing the seamless and divinely orchestrated transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. This verse highlights Moses' unwavering obedience to God, as he faithfully performs the task of appointing his successor, even as his own time comes to a close. The investiture of Joshua is conducted with utmost solemnity and transparency, being publicly performed "before Eleazar the priest and before the whole congregation." This dual presentation emphasizes the spiritual sanction required for Israelite leadership (through the priesthood and consultation of the Urim) and the communal recognition necessary for legitimacy and unity within the nation. The public nature served to prevent any challenge to Joshua's authority. This act secured the continuity of divine guidance and effective leadership for Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, establishing a clear model for future succession based on God's call, priestly validation, and congregational acknowledgment.