Numbers 27:20
And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥ה
And thou shalt put
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֥ה
And thou shalt put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵהֽוֹדְךָ֖
some of thine honour
H1935
מֵהֽוֹדְךָ֖
some of thine honour
Strong's:
H1935
Word #:
2 of 9
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְמַ֣עַן
H4616
לְמַ֣עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ
may be obedient
H8085
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ
may be obedient
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֖ת
upon him that all the congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֖ת
upon him that all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
7 of 9
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
Historical Context
Moses' unmatched status as the lawgiver who spoke with God face-to-face (Exodus 33:11) meant no successor could fully replace him. Joshua's role was implementing the law Moses received, not receiving new foundational revelation. This distinction preserved Torah's authority—later prophets called Israel back to Mosaic law rather than replacing it. Only Christ would come as prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15), fulfilling and superseding the law.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish transferable ministerial authority from unique, unrepeatable roles?
- What does it mean that some leaders have foundational roles that successors implement but don't replicate?
- How does Christ's unique role as final prophet surpass even Moses?
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Analysis & Commentary
God's instruction 'thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him' indicates transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua. The Hebrew hod (honour/majesty) suggests more than respect—it conveys authoritative dignity. However, the phrase 'some of thine honour' shows Joshua would not equal Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10). Moses' unique mediatorial role as lawgiver would not be replicated. This teaches that ministerial authority can be transferred while recognizing unique, unrepeatable roles. Apostolic authority similarly transferred to subsequent elders, though none equal the original apostles' foundational role (Ephesians 2:20).