Numbers 27:19
And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֣
And set
H5975
וְהַֽעֲמַדְתָּ֣
And set
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
1 of 11
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
אֹת֗וֹ
H853
אֹת֗וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 11
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 11
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֵדָ֑ה
all the congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֑ה
all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
8 of 11
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וְצִוִּיתָ֥ה
and give him a charge
H6680
וְצִוִּיתָ֥ה
and give him a charge
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
9 of 11
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
Historical Context
Joshua had been Moses' assistant since the Exodus (Exodus 17:9-14; 24:13; 33:11). His long apprenticeship prepared him for leadership. The public commissioning occurred at the end of Moses' life, ensuring smooth transition. This contrasts with Saul's failure to properly commission David, resulting in years of conflict. Proper leadership succession prevents chaos and civil war—a lesson Israel would learn repeatedly through its history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public commissioning of leaders protect against later challenges to their authority?
- What does Moses' humble transfer of authority teach about godly leadership?
- How should churches ensure orderly leadership succession?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command to Moses regarding Joshua—'thou shalt give him a charge in their sight'—indicates public commissioning. The Hebrew tsavah (command/charge) conveys authoritative transmission of responsibility. The public nature prevented later challenges to Joshua's authority. This establishes the principle of orderly succession in leadership, publicly recognized by the outgoing leader. Moses' faithful commissioning of his successor demonstrates that godly leaders prepare successors and transfer authority humbly. Paul similarly charged Timothy publicly (1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:2), ensuring ministerial continuity.