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Context
Joshua to Succeed Moses
17who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”18And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.19Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight.
Sermons
Derek Prince
Chuck Smith
David Ravenhill
Lewis Sperry ChaferSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom is the spirit - This must certainly mean the Spirit of God; and because he was endued with this Spirit, therefore he was capable of leading the people. How miserably qualified is that man for the work of God who is not guided and influenced by the Holy Ghost! God never chooses a man to accomplish his designs but that one whom he himself has qualified for the work.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Lord then appointed Joshua to this office as a man "who had spirit." רוּה (spirit) does not mean "insight and wisdom" (Knobel), but the higher power inspired by God into the soul, which quickens the moral and religious life, and determines its development; in this case, therefore, it was the spiritual endowment requisite for the office he was called to fill. Moses was to consecrate him for entering upon this office by the laying on of hands, or, as is more fully explained in Num 27:19 and Num 27:20, he was to set him before Eleazar the high priest and the congregation, to command (צוּה) him, i.e., instruct him with regard to his office before their eyes, and to lay of his eminence (הוד) upon him, i.e., to transfer a portion of his own dignity and majesty to him by the imposition of hands, that the whole congregation might hearken to him, or trust to his guidance. The object to ישׁמעוּ (hearken) must be supplied from the context, viz., אליו (to him), as Deu 34:9 clearly shows. The מן (of) in Num 27:20 is partitive, as in Gen 4:4, etc. The eminence and authority of Moses were not to be entirely transferred to Joshua, for they were bound up with his own person alone (cf. Num 12:6-8), but only so much of it as he needed for the discharge of the duties of his office. Joshua was to be neither the lawgiver nor the absolute governor of Israel, but to be placed under the judgment of the Urim, with which Eleazar was entrusted, so far as the supreme decision of the affairs of Israel was concerned. This is the meaning of Num 27:21 : "Eleazar shall ask to him (for him) the judgment of the Urim before Jehovah." Urim is an abbreviation for Urim and Thummim (Exo 28:30), and denotes the means with which the high priest was entrusted of ascertaining the divine will and counsel in all the important business of the congregation. "After his mouth" (i.e., according to the decision of the high priest, by virtue of the right of Urim and Thummim entrusted to him), Joshua and the whole congregation were to go out and in, i.e., to regulate their conduct and decide upon their undertakings. "All the congregation," in distinction from 'all the children of Israel," denotes the whole body of heads of the people, or the college of elders, which represented the congregation and administered its affairs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JOSHUA APPOINTED TO SUCCEED HIM. (Num 27:18-23) Take thee Joshua . . . a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him--A strong testimony is here borne to the personality of the divine Spirit--the imposition of hands was an ancient ceremony. (See Gen 48:14; Lev 1:4; Ti1 4:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation,.... Declaring before them all that he was his successor, and that they might be witnesses of what was said and done unto him, and receive and acknowledge him as such, and as having power and authority over them, which it became them to submit unto: and give him a charge in their sight: to take care of the people committed to him; to rule them in the fear of God, and according to his laws; and to be of good courage, and go before the people and introduce them into the land of Canaan; assuring him of the divine Presence and help, so that he need not fear any enemy whatever; of this charge, and as confirmed by the Lord himself, see Deu 31:7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:18-19 Joshua had a solid background for the role (cp. Exod 17:8-16). He had been Moses’ assistant for a long time (Num 11:28; cp. Exod 33:11). He was also one of the faithful spies (Num 13–14) who knew the people of Israel well. Joshua possessed the Spirit and recognized the special presence of God in his life (cp. 11:25-29). His relationship with God also gave him wisdom for the tasks ahead (e.g., Deut 34:9). • lay your hands on him: This act symbolized the transfer of authority from an elder statesman to his assistant (cp. Num 8:10-14). Moses did this publicly so that Joshua’s leadership would be incontestable.
Joshua to Succeed Moses
17who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”18And the LORD replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.19Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Transmitting God's Power to Others - Part 1
By Derek Prince4.0K28:09NUM 27:18
This sermon emphasizes the significance of laying on of hands in transmitting God's power and authority for continuity in the body of Christ. It explores the spiritual purposes of laying on of hands, such as transmitting blessings, authority, wisdom, the Holy Spirit, and commissioning individuals for ministry. The sermon delves into Old Testament examples like Jacob blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, Moses appointing Joshua, and Elisha imparting power. It also discusses New Testament instances of laying on of hands for healing, imparting the Holy Spirit, and commissioning believers.
The Daily Offerings to the Lord
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:03OfferingNUM 27:18NUM 28:1NUM 29:8JHN 7:37In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith focuses on the ordination of Joshua as instructed by the Lord to Moses. He emphasizes that vows are unnecessary and that trusting in one's own flesh and trying to induce God to do something good for oneself is not the right approach. Pastor Chuck explains that God's blessings come to us based on His grace, love, mercy, and unmerited favor, not on our own good works. He also discusses the various offerings and sacrifices that were made to the Lord during feast days, highlighting the significance of Jesus' proclamation during the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Death of Moses
By David Ravenhill3051:49Leadership TransitionMosesHoliness in LeadershipEXO 17:8EXO 33:11NUM 27:18NUM 32:11DEU 1:37DEU 3:23DEU 34:7DEU 34:9JOS 1:2JOS 1:5David Ravenhill discusses the significance of Moses' death and the transition to Joshua's leadership, emphasizing that God often raises new leaders during times of change. He reflects on Moses' life, noting that despite his great accomplishments, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land due to a moment of disobedience, highlighting the seriousness of representing God's holiness. Ravenhill draws parallels to contemporary leadership failures in the church, urging a return to holiness and integrity among leaders. He emphasizes the qualities that made Joshua a suitable leader, including his faith, character, and commitment to God, suggesting that God is preparing a new generation of leaders for a fresh move of His Spirit.
God the Holy Spirit: His Advent
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0GEN 41:38EXO 31:3NUM 27:18JOB 33:4PSA 139:7HAG 2:4ZEC 4:6LUK 11:13JHN 14:161CO 6:19EPH 2:182TH 2:7HEB 9:14Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the Spirit's advent into the world, emphasizing the various dispensations and revealed purposes of God. The Holy Spirit's presence in the world before and after the first advent of Christ is explored, highlighting His continuous work in and through the people of God. The progressive ministry of the Spirit during Christ's earthly ministry and the present age of the Church is discussed, focusing on His abode in believers and the growth of the spiritual temple. The future departure of the Spirit from the world and His unique ministry during the Kingdom age are also examined.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In whom is the spirit - This must certainly mean the Spirit of God; and because he was endued with this Spirit, therefore he was capable of leading the people. How miserably qualified is that man for the work of God who is not guided and influenced by the Holy Ghost! God never chooses a man to accomplish his designs but that one whom he himself has qualified for the work.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Lord then appointed Joshua to this office as a man "who had spirit." רוּה (spirit) does not mean "insight and wisdom" (Knobel), but the higher power inspired by God into the soul, which quickens the moral and religious life, and determines its development; in this case, therefore, it was the spiritual endowment requisite for the office he was called to fill. Moses was to consecrate him for entering upon this office by the laying on of hands, or, as is more fully explained in Num 27:19 and Num 27:20, he was to set him before Eleazar the high priest and the congregation, to command (צוּה) him, i.e., instruct him with regard to his office before their eyes, and to lay of his eminence (הוד) upon him, i.e., to transfer a portion of his own dignity and majesty to him by the imposition of hands, that the whole congregation might hearken to him, or trust to his guidance. The object to ישׁמעוּ (hearken) must be supplied from the context, viz., אליו (to him), as Deu 34:9 clearly shows. The מן (of) in Num 27:20 is partitive, as in Gen 4:4, etc. The eminence and authority of Moses were not to be entirely transferred to Joshua, for they were bound up with his own person alone (cf. Num 12:6-8), but only so much of it as he needed for the discharge of the duties of his office. Joshua was to be neither the lawgiver nor the absolute governor of Israel, but to be placed under the judgment of the Urim, with which Eleazar was entrusted, so far as the supreme decision of the affairs of Israel was concerned. This is the meaning of Num 27:21 : "Eleazar shall ask to him (for him) the judgment of the Urim before Jehovah." Urim is an abbreviation for Urim and Thummim (Exo 28:30), and denotes the means with which the high priest was entrusted of ascertaining the divine will and counsel in all the important business of the congregation. "After his mouth" (i.e., according to the decision of the high priest, by virtue of the right of Urim and Thummim entrusted to him), Joshua and the whole congregation were to go out and in, i.e., to regulate their conduct and decide upon their undertakings. "All the congregation," in distinction from 'all the children of Israel," denotes the whole body of heads of the people, or the college of elders, which represented the congregation and administered its affairs.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
JOSHUA APPOINTED TO SUCCEED HIM. (Num 27:18-23) Take thee Joshua . . . a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him--A strong testimony is here borne to the personality of the divine Spirit--the imposition of hands was an ancient ceremony. (See Gen 48:14; Lev 1:4; Ti1 4:14).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation,.... Declaring before them all that he was his successor, and that they might be witnesses of what was said and done unto him, and receive and acknowledge him as such, and as having power and authority over them, which it became them to submit unto: and give him a charge in their sight: to take care of the people committed to him; to rule them in the fear of God, and according to his laws; and to be of good courage, and go before the people and introduce them into the land of Canaan; assuring him of the divine Presence and help, so that he need not fear any enemy whatever; of this charge, and as confirmed by the Lord himself, see Deu 31:7.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:18-19 Joshua had a solid background for the role (cp. Exod 17:8-16). He had been Moses’ assistant for a long time (Num 11:28; cp. Exod 33:11). He was also one of the faithful spies (Num 13–14) who knew the people of Israel well. Joshua possessed the Spirit and recognized the special presence of God in his life (cp. 11:25-29). His relationship with God also gave him wisdom for the tasks ahead (e.g., Deut 34:9). • lay your hands on him: This act symbolized the transfer of authority from an elder statesman to his assistant (cp. Num 8:10-14). Moses did this publicly so that Joshua’s leadership would be incontestable.