022. Prayer Of Moses That The Lord Would Set A Man Oyer The Congregation.

Prayer Of Moses That The Lord Would Set A Man Oyer The Congregation. The Prayer as recorded.—Numbers 27:15-17. The Answer.—Numbers 27:18-21.

Moses was now under sentence of condemnation; he was not permitted to pass over Jordan; from the hour he fell under the displeasure of God, and which shortened the date of his life, we realize that he is not only a prophet but a man of like passions with ourselves; sometimes we hear him entreating the Lord to permit him to pass into the goodly land, and then again quietly resigning himself to the will of God, now manifesting a love of life, and then vindicating the righteous judgment of God in the punishment of his transgression. The prayer under our present notice was no personal appeal; the soul of the prophet was full of desire for Israel; he seems to lose sight of self, and prays as one who earnestly wished the advancement of God’s cause, and the eternal welfare of his people. Humble-minded, he seems willing to see himself abased and others exalted, if so be the glory of the Lord is acknowledged. Joshua, a man of unshaken fidelity and singular piety, is brought before us; in answer to the prophet’s prayer, God was pleased to appoint him as the leader of Israel, to finish the work of Moses, and introduce his children to their inheritance. There is no murmuring word from the prophet as he sees his dignity about to rest upon another; he prays for one that might lead his flock as a faithful shepherd. Joshua was taken to his heart as a friend and brother.

How unlike the spirit of the world is that displayed by the prophet; how rarely do we see one who can rejoice over the exaltation of inferiors, even when such advancement is for the glory of God! How will jealousy exhibit itself to one who knows the evil of his own natural heart, when its possessor is unconscious of it! How it breathes itself in the bitter sarcasm, the whispered reproach, the fault-finding spirit, towards the exalted one, who, instead of being taken to the heart as a better instrument in working for God, is cast aside and hated as an enemy! Moses, in the answer to his prayer, is commanded to cause Joshua to stand before Eleazar the priest; the form of laying on of hands was one recommended by divine authority, and of significant simplicity. The words, “Thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him,” imply that Moses should be associated with Joshua and enjoy the satisfaction of beholding one who would, acting with him and with the same spirit, conduct the affairs of the people. In this petition of Moses we have again a striking exhibition of his meekness.