Numbers 27:17
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)
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The phrases "go out before them and come in before them" and "lead them out and bring them in" aren't just about military leadership; they encompass the entirety of a leader's responsibility, covering every aspect of the people's daily lives and activities, much like a shepherd guiding their flock to pasture and safely returning them home. This emphasizes that the need for a leader is not just for crisis moments, but for the consistent, guiding presence that ensures the community thrives.
Moses, facing his imminent death, is deeply concerned about who will lead God's people after he is gone. He prays to God, not for himself, but for the Israelites, emphasizing their vulnerability and need for a shepherd. This prayer leads directly to God's appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor, outlining the qualities and responsibilities this new leader will need to guide the people effectively.
Imagine a shepherd leading sheep. It's not just about marching forward, but a deep, daily engagement. Moses uses this vivid image to describe what a leader needs.
The phrase "go out before them, and go in before them, and lead them out, and bring them in" isn't just about big decisions or battles. It paints a picture of comprehensive leadership.
Leading Out and In
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This wasn't just a symbolic role; it was about constant, vigilant oversight of every aspect of the people's lives, much like a shepherd's unwavering attention to the flock.
Moses doesn't just describe what a leader should do. He also powerfully warns of the consequence if that leadership is absent. The image is stark and deeply unsettling.
The comparison of the congregation to "sheep that have no shepherd" is a direct appeal to God's compassion. It's not just an inconvenience; it's a state of profound vulnerability and danger.
The Shepherdless Condition:
Moses uses this image to emphasize that without divinely appointed and Spirit-filled leadership, the people of God are exposed to ruin and dispersion.
Who gets to lead God's people? Moses could have chosen, but he knew true leadership comes from somewhere higher. This verse is embedded in a larger story about God's sovereign choice.
While Moses expresses his deep concern and prays for a successor, the ultimate appointment of Joshua is presented as a divine act. Moses isn't just picking a replacement; he's facilitating God's choice.
God's Sole Authority:
This principle underscores that all legitimate authority originates from God, and leaders for His people are chosen and equipped by Him.
Understand the original words
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 moment highlights the immense responsibility of leadership and the profound need for a successor who is not only capable but also divinely appointed, especially when guiding God's people.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses, initiating their journey as a distinct nation.
c. 1446-1406 BC
Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, during which Moses served as their sole, divinely appointed leader, guiding them through challenges and towards the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints Joshua
With the Promised Land in sight but Moses nearing the end of his life, God instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor to lead the people.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the military campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan.
This passage directly echoes the imagery of Israel being like sheep without a shepherd, highlighting the critical need for faithful leadership.
Psalm 23:1-3While Numbers describes the need for a human shepherd, Psalm 23 beautifully reveals God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd, providing guidance, care, and protection for His people.
Ezekiel 34:5-6This prophecy powerfully condemns negligent shepherds and promises God's direct intervention to care for His scattered sheep, paralleling the concern in Numbers for competent leadership.
Matthew 9:36Jesus Himself uses this exact imagery, showing deep compassion for the crowds who are 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' underscoring the profound spiritual need for His leadership.
John 10:11-14Jesus identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them, directly addressing the core concern expressed in Numbers about the people's vulnerability without a shepherd.
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.…
bensonNumbers 27:17: "Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd."
Numbers 27:17 . Go out before them — That is, who may wisely conduct them in all their affairs, both when they go forth to war, or upon other occasions, and when they return home and live in peace. A metaphor from shepherds, who in those places used not to go behind their sheep, as ours…
The phrases "go out before them and come in before them" and "lead them out and bring them in" aren't just about military leadership; they encompass the entirety of a leader's responsibility, covering every aspect of the people's daily lives and activities, much like a shepherd guiding their flock to pasture and safely returning them home. This emphasizes that the need for a leader is not just for crisis moments, but for the consistent, guiding presence that ensures the community thrives.
Moses, facing his imminent death, is deeply concerned about who will lead God's people after he is gone. He prays to God, not for himself, but for the Israelites, emphasizing their vulnerability and need for a shepherd. This prayer leads directly to God's appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor, outlining the qualities and responsibilities this new leader will need to guide the people effectively.
Moses, facing his imminent death, is deeply concerned about who will lead God's people after he is gone. He prays to God, not for himself, but for the Israelites, emphasizing their vulnerability and need for a shepherd. This prayer leads directly to God's appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor, outlining the qualities and responsibilities this new leader will need to guide the people effectively.
"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.”" — The phrases "go out before them and come in before them" and "lead them out and bring them in" aren't just about military leadership; they encompass the entirety of a leader's responsibility, cover…
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