Numbers 27:18-23

How is Joshua’s appointment made public and accountable?

Berean Standard Bible

18 And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. 20 Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. 21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” 22 Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23 and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

What is the context?

The Lord names Joshua, described in the BSB as a man with the Spirit in him. Moses is to lay his hand on him, present him before Eleazar and the congregation, commission him, and give him some of his authority so the people will obey.

Joshua is also to stand before Eleazar, who will seek the Lord’s decision by the Urim. Moses carries out the public commission. Joshua’s responsibility is real, but the instructions distinguish his service from Moses’ and include the priest’s role in seeking the Lord’s direction.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley understands Joshua’s spirit in terms of the wisdom and gifts needed for government. The USCCB notes consider a courageous spirit as the likely sense. They also describe the Urim as sacred means of discerning God’s will. The passage gives their role without describing enough detail to reconstruct their exact operation.

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.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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