Numbers 27:15-17
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Moses doesn't simply report a problem; he brings a specific request to God concerning leadership. This isn't just about finding a leader, but ensuring God's people remain under His providential care, reflecting Moses' deep concern for their future even as his own ministry ends.
Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after being told he won't enter the Promised Land himself, Moses shows incredible selflessness. He immediately turns his focus to the future of Israel, praying to God not for himself, but for a qualified leader to guide the people after his death. This conversation sets the stage for God's appointment of Joshua as the next leader, highlighting Moses' deep care for his people even in his final days.
When a leader faces their own end, what truly occupies their thoughts? Moses, on the cusp of death, shows us a profound lesson in selfless love.
Moses' request for a successor in Numbers 27 isn't just about filling a role; it's a demonstration of deep, paternal care for the people of Israel.
Beyond Personal Grief
Even though Moses himself was denied entry into the Promised Land, his focus wasn't on his own disappointment. Instead, he immediately concerned himself with the future welfare of the nation.
A Legacy of Love
He sought a leader not for his own sake, but so that the people would not be left 'like a headless body.' This shows a leader's true heart is often revealed not in times of triumph, but in how they prepare for the continuity of the mission and the well-being of those they lead, even after they are gone.
In a world where succession plans often involve politics and promotion, Moses presents a starkly different model. How did he approach finding the right leader?
Moses demonstrated profound humility and trust by refusing to appoint his own successor or let the people choose. He recognized that true leadership, especially spiritual leadership, comes from God alone.
A Divine Appointment
Moses understood that selecting a leader with the necessary gifts, wisdom, and character was beyond human capacity. He didn't 'arrogate the right of appointment to himself.'
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God's Sovereign Choice
By bringing the matter solely before the LORD, Moses affirmed that God is the ultimate source of all authority and the perfect judge of human ability. He knew that God alone could 'fashion and refashion the men whom He chooses as His ministers' and supply the specific grace needed for the task.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It signifies the God who is intimately involved in history to redeem and govern His creation.
basar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the totality of humanity, emphasizing the fragility, mortality, and dependence of all human beings upon their Creator for life and breath. It signifies that all people, regardless of status, are subject to God as the source of their existence.
edah · Hebrew Noun
A formal assembly or community of people, specifically used to describe Israel as the people of God chosen for a holy purpose. It highlights their identity as a unified, covenant-bound entity under divine leadership.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
One who provides guidance, protection, oversight, and nourishment. In Scripture, it is a primary metaphor for divine and human leadership, where the leader acts as a servant-guardian responsible for the well-being and direction of God's people.
This pivotal moment occurs as Moses faces his own impending death and the end of his leadership, keenly aware that the immense task of bringing Israel into their promised inheritance requires a new shepherd.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Reach the Border
After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites, led by Moses, arrive at the edge of the Promised Land, east of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Denied Entry to the Land
God informs Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land due to his disobedience at the waters of Meribah. This news prompts Moses to seek a successor.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Appointed Successor
Moses, at God's direction and with his prayers, publicly commissions Joshua as the new leader of Israel. Joshua is consecrated and given authority.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Dies
Moses ascends Mount Nebo, sees the Promised Land from a distance, and dies. Joshua then leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan.
This passage highlights Moses' deep, personal relationship with God, speaking to Him face-to-face, similar to how he initiates a crucial conversation in Numbers 27:15.
Deuteronomy 3:23-26This passage provides Moses' own account of his plea to God to enter the promised land, showing his initial concern that preceded his prayer for a successor.
John 1:14The concept of God's presence and mediation through a chosen leader is central here, echoing Moses' role and his concern for God's continued presence with Israel through Joshua.
1 Kings 19:16This shows Elijah, another significant leader, being instructed by God to anoint Elisha as his successor, paralleling the divine appointment of a new leader for God's people.
Acts 1:24-26This New Testament example shows the early disciples praying for God's guidance in choosing a successor to Judas, demonstrating the ongoing pattern of seeking God's will for leadership within the community.
calvinNumbers 27:15-23: "And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: 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.
Qui postea coram Eleazar stabit, et interrogabit eum de judicio Urim coram Jehova: ad verbum ejus egredientur ipse et omnes filii Israel cum eo, et tota congregatio.…
gillNumbers 27:15: "And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,"
And Moses spake unto the Lord,.... Having requested to go into the land and see it, which was denied him; and perceiving he must quickly die, and being a man of a public spirit, and concerned for the welfare of the people of Israel, prays that a successor might be nominated and appointed: saying; as follows.
Moses doesn't simply report a problem; he brings a specific request to God concerning leadership. This isn't just about finding a leader, but ensuring God's people remain under His providential care, reflecting Moses' deep concern for their future even as his own ministry ends.
Just after being told he won't enter the Promised Land himself, Moses shows incredible selflessness. He immediately turns his focus to the future of Israel, praying to God not for himself, but for a qualified leader to guide the people after his death. This conversation sets the stage for God's appointment of Joshua as the next leader, highlighting Moses' deep care for his people even in his final days.
Just after being told he won't enter the Promised Land himself, Moses shows incredible selflessness. He immediately turns his focus to the future of Israel, praying to God not for himself, but for a qualified leader to guide the people after his death. This conversation sets the stage for God's appointment of Joshua as the next leader, highlighting Moses' deep care for his people even in his final days.
"Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation…" — Moses doesn't simply report a problem; he brings a specific request to God concerning leadership. This isn't just about finding a leader, but ensuring God's people remain under His providential car…
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Last reviewed October 2026
