Numbers 27:20

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And you shall put some of your authority on him, that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may be obedient.

Latin

…et dabis ei præcepta cunctis videntibus, et partem gloriæ tuæ, ut audiat eum omnis synagoga filiorum Israël.

Original

Hebrew

English

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

Notes

Numbers 27:20–21

Joshua received only part of the authority Moses had. Moses had spoken with God face to face (12:6–8; Deuteronomy 34:10–12). Joshua did not have that same direct access to God’s revelation.

Instead, Joshua had to seek guidance through Eleazar the priest on important matters (Numbers 27:21; compare Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8). Eleazar used the priestly means of seeking God’s will.

From this time on, Israel separated military leadership from spiritual leadership. Joshua led the army, while the priest guided the people in spiritual matters.

Numbers 27:12–23

Israel needed a leader when they entered the land of Canaan. Joshua was chosen to follow Moses.

Theme notes and profiles

Joshua Moses Spirit Empowerment

Related verses

Joshua 1:16–18
So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go.
1 Samuel 10:9
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day.
1 Samuel 10:6
Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.
1 Chronicles 29:25
The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
Numbers 11:28–29
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.
2 Kings 2:9–10
After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
Numbers 11:17
And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
1 Chronicles 29:23
So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 31:1–8

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Deuteronomy, Book of Eleazar Hand Joshua (Person) Moses Numbers, Book of Shittim (Place)

Topics

Christian Minister: Charge Delivered To Citizens: Duties of Government: Mosaic: Chose, or Ratified, the Chief Ruler Hand: Joshua Israel: Joshua Appointed the Leader Joshua: Commissioned, Ordained, and Charged with the Responsibilites of Moses' office Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Return to the Plains of Moab: Appointment of Joshua Loyalty: Enjoined Obedience: Moses The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Appointing Civil officers

Numbers 27:20

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