Numbers 27:17
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Which may go out
H3318
יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Which may go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 19
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְבִיאֵ֑ם
and which may bring them in
H935
יְבִיאֵ֑ם
and which may bring them in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
before
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Which may go out
H3318
יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם
Which may go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
8 of 19
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְבִיאֵ֑ם
and which may bring them in
H935
יְבִיאֵ֑ם
and which may bring them in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
תִֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
עֲדַ֣ת
that the congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֣ת
that the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
13 of 19
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כַּצֹּ֕אן
be not as sheep
H6629
כַּצֹּ֕אן
be not as sheep
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
15 of 19
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Cross References
Ezekiel 34:5And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.Mark 6:34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.1 Kings 22:17And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.Zechariah 10:2For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.Deuteronomy 31:2And he said unto them, I am an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.2 Chronicles 1:10Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great?1 Kings 3:7And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in.1 Samuel 8:20That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.1 Samuel 18:13Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.
Historical Context
This prayer occurred after God announced Moses wouldn't enter Canaan (v.12-14). Rather than bitterness, Moses demonstrates selfless leadership - concerned for Israel's welfare beyond his own tenure. God appointed Joshua (v.18-23), who had proven faithful as Moses' assistant for forty years. The public commissioning before Eleazar and the congregation ensured smooth leadership transition. This contrasts with pagan monarchies' succession crises and shows God's providential preparation of leaders. Joshua's military skills would prove essential for Canaan's conquest, while his spiritual character ensured covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you pray for your church's future leadership, especially when you won't personally benefit from it?
- Are you preparing successors in your areas of ministry, or hoarding responsibility out of pride or fear?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses prays for a leader 'which may go out before them, and which may go in before them... that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.' Despite God denying Moses entry into Canaan, Moses selflessly seeks Israel's future leadership. The shepherd metaphor emphasizes protective care and guidance - a leader who shares the people's experiences ('go out... go in before them'). This concern reflects Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who leads, feeds, and protects His flock. The phrase 'spirits of all flesh' acknowledges God alone knows hearts and can appoint the right leader. Every true shepherd serves under the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4).