Numbers 27:22
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
him and he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֣ח
him and he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
7 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּֽעֲמִדֵ֙הוּ֙
and set
H5975
וַיַּֽעֲמִדֵ֙הוּ֙
and set
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
10 of 16
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
and before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 16
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 #:
13 of 16
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 #:
14 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
This command governed Israel's conquest of Canaan. Military campaigns awaited divine approval through Urim inquiry. Later, when Israel demanded a king like the nations (1 Samuel 8:5), they rejected this theocratic pattern. The monarchy partially adopted it (kings sometimes consulted prophets), but often ignored divine guidance, leading to disaster. The ideal remained: God's people move only at God's command.
Questions for Reflection
- How should God's people discern when to advance and when to wait?
- What happens when churches or individuals move without clear divine guidance?
- How does Christ's rule through His Word provide the guidance Urim once provided?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The comprehensive scope 'at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation' establishes Joshua's military and civil authority. The Hebrew construction emphasizes that both Joshua and the people would move at Eleazar's word (through Urim), meaning divine guidance directed the nation. This theocratic structure ensured God ruled Israel through appointed mediators. The principle extends to the church: Christ rules His people through His Word as interpreted by the Spirit and taught by faithful elders (Hebrews 13:17).