Numbers 27 23

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.

Numbers 27:23 nkjv

And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 27:23 niv

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

Numbers 27:23 esv

and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the LORD directed through Moses.

Numbers 27:23 nlt

Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

Numbers 27 verses

Numbers 27 23 Meaning

Numbers 27:23 details the solemn and public act by which Moses formally transferred leadership and authority to Joshua. This event underscores divine appointment as the foundation of legitimate leadership, demonstrating God's provision for His people even through transitions. It highlights the principle of ordered succession, where human agents execute God's sovereign command. The laying on of hands and the public commissioning confirmed Joshua's divine selection and established his authority before the entire congregation, ensuring continuity in leadership guided by God's spoken word delivered through Moses.

Numbers 27 23 Context

Numbers chapter 27 focuses on critical transitions in Israel's wilderness journey. Moses is informed by the Lord that he will die before entering the Promised Land (Num 27:12-14), due to his transgression at Meribah. In response, Moses, out of concern for the welfare of the congregation, humbly petitions the Lord to appoint a new leader to guide Israel so they would not be "as sheep without a shepherd" (Num 27:15-17). The Lord then unequivocally chooses Joshua, the son of Nun, highlighting that Joshua is "a man in whom is the Spirit" (Num 27:18). God provides explicit instructions for Joshua's commissioning: Moses is to lay his hand on him, present him before Eleazar the priest and the congregation, and give him charge (Num 27:18-20). Joshua's future leadership would involve consulting Eleazar by the judgment of the Urim, ensuring that divine counsel remains central (Num 27:21). Verse 23 is the culmination and actualization of these divine commands. It details Moses' obedient execution of the divine instructions, signifying the official transfer of authority and leadership from the greatest prophet to his chosen successor, preparing the way for Israel's entrance into Canaan.

Numbers 27 23 Word analysis

• And he laid (וַיִּסְמֹךְ - wayyismoḵ): From the root samak (סמך), meaning "to lean upon," "to lay one's hand on," "to support," or "to ordain." This physical act signifies transfer of authority, identification, dedication, and in some contexts, the impartation of spiritual blessing or responsibility. It implies a leaning onto, signifying a heavy responsibility placed upon Joshua.
• his hands (יָדָיו - yāḏāyw): The dual form of "hand" (yad). The use of both hands indicates a complete and formal act, symbolizing a full impartation of responsibility and authority from Moses.
• on him (עָלָיו - ʿālāyw): Refers to Joshua. The action is directed specifically at the chosen successor, marking him out publicly.
• and commissioned him (וַיְצַוֵּהוּ - wayəṣawwēhū): From the root tsavah (צוה), meaning "to command," "to appoint," "to instruct," "to give a charge." This term goes beyond simply assigning a role; it indicates a formal appointment with authority and a clear set of duties. Moses is giving Joshua an official charge directly from God.
• as the Lord (כַּאֲשֶׁר יְהוָה - kaʾăšer YHWH): "As" signifies adherence to an exact directive. YHWH (the LORD) underscores that this appointment is not Moses's personal choice but the sovereign decision of Israel's covenant God. It emphasizes divine authority.
• had commanded (צִוָּה - ṣiwwâ): Again from the root tsavah, reinforcing the divine imperative. This confirms Moses' actions were in direct and precise obedience to God's previously stated instructions (Num 27:19-20). The perfect tense implies a completed divine decree.
• through Moses (בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה - bəyaḏ-Mōšeh): Literally, "by the hand of Moses." This highlights Moses' unique role as God's mediator and agent. The divine command came through him, and he physically executed it, signifying the legitimacy and divine origin of Joshua's leadership.

Words-Group analysis:

• "And he laid his hands on him": This is a powerful visual and tactile act of commissioning. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, laying on hands could transfer power, authority, blessing, or even identification (as in sin offerings). Here, coupled with the command to "give him charge" (Num 27:19), it signifies the public conferral of leadership, God's chosen successor, and the wisdom/spirit needed (as seen in Deut 34:9). It ensured continuity of divine guidance, moving from Moses to Joshua, albeit Joshua would receive specific instructions differently than Moses did.
• "and commissioned him": This signifies more than a mere promotion. It is a formal, public act of investment, delegating authority and responsibility directly from the divine will. It transforms Joshua from Moses' aide into Israel's appointed leader. This is an official, recognized appointment necessary for the stability and legitimacy of future leadership.
• "as the Lord had commanded through Moses": This concluding phrase is crucial. It authenticates the entire event. Joshua's leadership is divinely ordained, not politically engineered or humanly selected. Moses is simply the faithful executor of God's will. This reinforces God's active involvement in the history of His people and the continuity of His covenant purposes through chosen instruments. It validates Joshua's future commands as originating from God.

Numbers 27 23 Bonus section

• Public Witness: The act was performed "before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation" (Num 27:19-20). This public commissioning ensured that the people understood and accepted Joshua's authority, preventing confusion or disputes over leadership. It created a collective acknowledgment of God's chosen leader.
• No Diminution of God's Plan: Despite Moses' impending death, this verse highlights God's unceasing commitment to His covenant with Israel. God's plan for the people to enter the Promised Land would not be derailed by the passing of a leader, as He faithfully raises up new instruments.
• Prophetic Fulfillment: This act of commissioning directly fulfilled God's earlier instruction to Moses, showcasing divine fidelity and Moses' unwavering obedience until his final moments.
• The Spirit's Presence: While not explicitly stated in Num 27:23, Deut 34:9 clarifies that "Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him." This indicates that the physical act was a visible sign of an internal, spiritual equipping necessary for his immense task, similar to later empowerments in the Bible.

Numbers 27 23 Commentary

Numbers 27:23 portrays a pivotal moment of transition for Israel, underscoring God's continuous guidance and provision for His people. The simple yet profound act of Moses laying his hands on Joshua and commissioning him publicly signifies the transfer of divine authority, not just human responsibility. This succession was not of human devising but originated explicitly from the Lord, demonstrating that true leadership among God's people is ultimately a divine appointment executed by human agency. Moses, as God's faithful servant, fulfilled his final public duty by obediently preparing the way for the next phase of Israel's journey, embodying humility and selflessness by prioritizing the congregation's well-being above his own desires. The "laying on of hands" served as a public, tangible sign of God's anointing and the passing of the prophetic mantle, ensuring stability and divine legitimation for Joshua's coming command of the conquest.