Numbers 27:23
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּסְמֹ֧ךְ
And he laid
H5564
וַיִּסְמֹ֧ךְ
And he laid
Strong's:
H5564
Word #:
1 of 10
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיַד
by the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
by the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
עָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיְצַוֵּ֑הוּ
upon him and gave him a charge
H6680
וַיְצַוֵּ֑הוּ
upon him and gave him a charge
Strong's:
H6680
Word #:
5 of 10
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
commanded
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
commanded
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Deuteronomy 3:28But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.Numbers 27:19And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
Historical Context
Moses' exclusion from Canaan (Numbers 20:12) due to his sin at Meribah made this commissioning poignant. Despite disappointment, he faithfully ensured the next generation's success. His final act was blessing the tribes (Deuteronomy 33) and viewing the land before death (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). Moses' faithful ending despite personal loss demonstrates that God's purposes transcend individual servants.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we faithfully prepare successors when we cannot complete the mission ourselves?
- What does Moses' submission despite disappointment teach about prioritizing God's purposes over personal fulfillment?
- How should we view our role as preparing the way for others' ministries?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The record 'Moses did as the LORD commanded him' demonstrates faithful obedience in transferring authority. Despite Moses' natural desire to enter Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:23-26), he faithfully commissioned his successor. The Hebrew ka'asher (as/according as) emphasizes exact compliance. Moses' submission models godly leadership—preparing successors without resentment, even when prevented from completing the mission personally. This foreshadows Christ who prepared His apostles to continue His work after His ascension (Acts 1:1-8), entrusting the gospel's advance to them.