Numbers 27:18-23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Numbers 27:15-23

Here, I. Moses prays for a successor. When God had told him that he must die, though it appears elsewhere that he solicited for a reprieve for himself (Deut. 3:24; 25), yet, when this could not be obtained, he begged earnestly that the work of God might be carried on, though he might not have the honour of finishing it. Envious spirits do not love their successors, but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:18

And the Lord said unto Moses ,.... In answer to his request: take thou Joshua the son of Nun , who had been a servant of his near forty years, and of whose humility, diligence, faithfulness and integrity he had sufficient proof, as well as of his skill and courage in military affairs, particularly at the battle with Amalek, Exodus 17:9 , a man in whom is the Spirit : not only in whom is a spirit or soul, which is in every man; but the Spirit of God, and that not only as a spirit of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:19

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation ,.... Declaring before them all that he was his successor, and that they might be witnesses of what was said and done unto him, and receive and acknowledge him as such, and as having power and authority over them, which it became them to submit unto: and give him a charge in their sight : to take care of the people committed to him; to rule them in the fear of God, and according to his laws; and to be of good courage,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:20

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him ,.... Meaning not the Spirit that was on Moses, and the gifts of the Spirit; for to do this was the work of the Lord, and not Moses, see Numbers 11:17 , but of the honour of civil government; suggesting that he should give him a share in it, and use him not as a minister and servant, as he had been, but as his colleague and partner; and let him have some of the ensigns of power and authority, and some exercise of it; not only to inure him to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest ,.... This was for the honour of God, whose priest Eleazar was, and whose oracle was consulted by him; for it is said F26 Maimon. Hilchot Melachim, c. 2. sect. 5. , the high priest did not come into the presence of the king but when he pleased; and he did not stand before him, but the king stood before the high priest, as it is said, "and before Eleazar the priest shall he stand"; though it is commanded the high priest to honour the king,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:22

And Moses did as the Lord commanded him ,.... Being faithful and obedient to him in all things, though ever so contrary to his own private interest and to that of his family: and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation ; as his successor, whom God had named and appointed as such. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Numbers 27:23

And he laid his hands upon him ,.... Jarchi observes, that he did this cheerfully, and did more than he was commanded; for the Lord said to him, "lay thine hand", but he laid both his hands: and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded Moses ; Numbers 27:19 , this is a clear proof that Moses was no imposter, since he sought not to aggrandize his family, or serve the interest of that; nor did he in the least repine or murmur that the priesthood was given to his brother Aaron and sons,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 27:18

In whom is the spirit - This must certainly mean the Spirit of God; and because he was endued with this Spirit, therefore he was capable of leading the people. How miserably qualified is that man for the work of God who is not guided and influenced by the Holy Ghost! God never chooses a man to accomplish his designs but that one whom he himself has qualified for the work. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 27:20

And thou shalt put, etc. - מחודך mechodecha , of thine honor or authority upon him. Thou shalt show to the whole congregation that thou hast associated him with thyself in the government of the people. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Numbers 27:21

Eleazar the priest - shall ask counsel for him - Here was a remarkable difference between him and Moses. God talked with Moses face to face; but to Joshua only through the medium of the high priest. read more

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