Numbers 27:16
Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
Original Language Analysis
יִפְקֹ֣ד
set
H6485
יִפְקֹ֣ד
set
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
Let the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
Let the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת
of the spirits
H7307
הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת
of the spirits
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 9
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּשָׂ֑ר
of all flesh
H1320
בָּשָׂ֑ר
of all flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
6 of 9
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
7 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Numbers 16:22And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?Jeremiah 3:15And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.Acts 20:28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Matthew 9:38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.Deuteronomy 31:14And the LORD said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation.Ezekiel 34:23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.Ezekiel 37:24And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.1 Samuel 12:13Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you.
Historical Context
This request occurred shortly after God informed Moses he would die without entering Canaan (verses 12-14). Rather than bitterness or self-pity, Moses immediately thought of the people's future welfare. The shepherd imagery later employed by Jesus (John 10) has roots in passages like this. Moses' concern for continuity ensured Israel wouldn't collapse after his death, demonstrating strategic thinking about long-term spiritual health.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' concern for successor leadership challenge ministry focused on personal legacy rather than gospel advance?
- What steps are you taking to prepare and equip those who will continue ministry after you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' prayer for a successor addresses God as 'LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh,' acknowledging God's sovereignty over all humanity and His perfect knowledge of every person's character. Moses' concern that 'the congregation of the LORD' not be 'as sheep which have no shepherd' demonstrates pastoral care for God's people extending beyond his own lifetime. This reveals that godly leaders care more about ministry continuation than personal legacy. Moses' submission to God's choice of successor models humble acceptance of divine providence.