What is the context?
The Lord tells Moses to view the land from the Abarim range and then be gathered to his people, as Aaron was. The announced exclusion is again connected with the failure to uphold the Lord’s holiness at Meribah.
Moses asks the God of the spirits of all humanity to appoint someone who can lead the congregation out and bring it in. His stated concern is that the people not be left like sheep without a shepherd. The succession is therefore a matter of the people’s care as well as a leader’s replacement.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes Moses’ concern for the congregation as his own service approaches its end. The USCCB notes understand the address to God as recognizing His knowledge of people’s character and abilities. Moses entrusts the choice to the One who knows whom to appoint.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
In Mark 6:30–44, Jesus has compassion on people described as sheep without a shepherd, teaches them, and provides food. This develops the same biblical concern for people needing faithful care. Numbers asks for a successor to Moses; Mark shows Jesus caring for the crowd. The shared picture supports the connection without making every detail of Joshua’s appointment a prediction of Jesus.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.