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)
The verse uses "go out" and "come in" not just for literal movement, but to encompass all the leader's responsibilities – from venturing into challenges to returning to peace. This paints a picture of a leader who's involved in every aspect of the people's lives, ensuring they are never left bewildered and unprotected like sheep without a guide.
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)
Moses, facing his own mortality, is desperately concerned for the future of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader. This plea comes after the deaths of his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, leaving him feeling the weight of responsibility even more acutely. He prays that God would select someone to guide the people, lest they become like lost sheep without a shepherd to lead them.
What does it really mean to 'go out and come in' with a people? This verse paints a picture of leadership that's more than just grand pronouncements.
The verse uses the repeated phrase 'go out before them, and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in.' This isn't just about major battles or monumental decisions.
Everyday Engagement
This imagery speaks to the constant, daily oversight a leader provides. It's about being present for the ordinary moments – the daily tasks, the challenges of peace, the ongoing life of the community.
Proactive Guidance
'Going out' and 'leading out' implies proactive engagement, initiating action, and guiding the people forward. 'Coming in' and 'bringing in' speaks to bringing them back safely, ensuring their well-being after ventures, and managing their return to a state of rest and security.
It encompasses every aspect of the community's life, from the mundane to the momentous.
Why does Moses compare the people to sheep? Understanding this metaphor reveals the profound responsibility placed on leadership.
The poignant conclusion, 'that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd,' reveals the heart of Moses's plea and the essence of true leadership.
Vulnerability of the Flock
Sheep are famously vulnerable. They lack natural defenses, can easily get lost, and are prey for predators. Without a shepherd, they are exposed and helpless.
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The Leader's Role
This metaphor underscores that leadership is fundamentally about care, protection, and guidance. A shepherd's job is to find pasture, lead the flock to safety, protect them from danger, and keep them together.
Divine Responsibility
Moses, recognizing the spiritual weight of leading God's people, understood that a leader's failure leaves the community exposed to spiritual dangers and disarray. The goal is not personal power, but the well-being of God's chosen people.
Who gets to pick the leaders? Moses didn't just nominate Joshua; he deferred to a higher authority.
This passage is a powerful illustration of how God, not man, ultimately appoints leaders for His people.
Moses's Humility
Moses, despite his unique relationship with God, doesn't appoint his successor. He prays to God, 'Oh, may the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint over the congregation a man who shall go out before them...' (Numbers 27:16). This shows his deep respect for God's ultimate authority.
God's Authority Over All
By calling God 'the God of the spirits of all flesh,' Moses acknowledges that God has the unique insight and power to choose individuals, understanding their innermost capabilities and preparing them for their roles. He doesn't just see outward skills; He knows the heart and the potential.
Divine Enduement
When God answers and designates Joshua, He emphasizes that the 'Spirit' is in him (Numbers 27:18). This isn't just about natural talent; it signifies God's empowerment and equipping of the chosen leader for the specific task.
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 verse reveals Moses' deep concern for the well-being of Israel, even as his life ends. He saw the immense responsibility of leadership and the potential chaos if a capable successor wasn't appointed, likening the people to sheep without a shepherd. His prayer for Joshua highlights the need for God-appointed leaders who possess His Spirit to guide His people effectively.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership, initiating their journey toward the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's military leadership, the Israelites begin to conquer the land of Canaan after 40 years in the wilderness.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints Joshua
Moses lays hands on Joshua and commissions him as his successor, officially designating him as the leader who will guide the people into the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Moses Dies
Moses passes away after seeing the Promised Land but not entering it, leaving Joshua to lead the nation.
c. 1405-1355 BC
Joshua's Leadership
Joshua leads the Israelites in completing the conquest of Canaan and dividing the land among the tribes.
This passage directly echoes the imagery of Israel as sheep without a shepherd, highlighting the dire consequences of lacking godly leadership.
Psalm 23:1-3This psalm offers a beautiful contrast, showing God Himself as the ultimate Shepherd, providing guidance and care for His flock, which is the divine ideal behind Moses' prayer.
Ezekiel 34:5-6This prophetic passage powerfully condemns corrupt leaders and emphasizes God's desire to find and care for His sheep when they are scattered and vulnerable without proper shepherding.
Matthew 9:36Jesus directly quotes and applies the sentiment of Numbers 27:17, revealing His compassion for the crowds who were like sheep without a shepherd, and seeing Himself as that longed-for leader.
John 10:11-14Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them, fulfilling the need for a shepherd that Moses so earnestly prayed for.
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 verse uses "go out" and "come in" not just for literal movement, but to encompass all the leader's responsibilities – from venturing into challenges to returning to peace. This paints a picture of a leader who's involved in every aspect of the people's lives, ensuring they are never left bewildered and unprotected like sheep without a guide.
Moses, facing his own mortality, is desperately concerned for the future of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader. This plea comes after the deaths of his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, leaving him feeling the weight of responsibility even more acutely. He prays that God would select someone to guide the people, lest they become like lost sheep without a shepherd to lead them.
Moses, facing his own mortality, is desperately concerned for the future of Israel and asks God to appoint a leader. This plea comes after the deaths of his brother Aaron and sister Miriam, leaving him feeling the weight of responsibility even more acutely. He prays that God would select someone to guide the people, lest they become like lost sheep without a shepherd to lead them.
"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 verse uses "go out" and "come in" not just for literal movement, but to encompass all the leader's responsibilities – from venturing into challenges to returning to peace. This paints a picture o…
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Last reviewed October 2026