Numbers 27:18-20
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The command isn't just about picking a capable leader; it's about recognizing that Joshua possesses the "Spirit"—not just general competence, but a divine empowerment for the task. This highlights that true leadership in God's work isn't merely human skill but a unique endowment from the Holy Spirit.
So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the daughters of Zelophehad’s successful plea for inheritance, Moses prays to God for a leader to guide Israel after his death. The Lord responds by instructing Moses to designate Joshua, a man already recognized for possessing the Spirit and proven in service, as his successor. This divine appointment is then publicly ratified by Moses laying his hands on Joshua and presenting him to the priest and the congregation, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of necessary spiritual gifts for leadership.
What makes someone truly qualified to lead? Moses asks God for a successor, and God's answer highlights a critical qualification.
When God designates Joshua as his successor, He points to one primary characteristic: 'a man in whom is the Spirit.' This isn't just about having a 'spirit' in the sense of a human soul. It speaks to the presence of the Holy Spirit, equipping Joshua with divine enablement.
Essential Endowments
This 'Spirit' signifies a profound endowment of gifts necessary for leadership:
God doesn't just choose people; He prepares them. His choice of Joshua wasn't random; it was based on divine discernment and empowerment.
Moses could have chosen his successor, or the people could have voted. So why does God personally appoint Joshua?
Moses, a faithful leader, doesn't presume to choose his own successor. Instead, he prays to God, recognizing that leadership succession is ultimately God's responsibility. God’s direct appointment of Joshua highlights that true leadership authority comes from Him.
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Divine Appointment vs. Human Election
Moses doesn't just point to Joshua; he performs a specific action. What does this physical act signify?
The command for Moses to 'lay your hand on him' is more than a symbolic gesture; it's a sacred rite with profound meaning.
Rites of Consecration
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the active presence and power of God within history and individuals. In the Old Testament, the Spirit often comes upon individuals to empower them for specific tasks, divine service, or prophetic leadership.
samak · Hebrew Verb
A symbolic act performed to signify the transfer of authority, blessing, or responsibility from one person to another. It identifies the individual as divinely appointed and acknowledges their new role before the community.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
A religious official responsible for maintaining the holiness of God’s house, offering sacrifices, and mediating between God and the people. The priest holds a position of intercession, teaching, and judicial authority within the covenant community.
tsavah · Hebrew Verb
A formal act of granting power, charge, or leadership responsibility to an individual. It implies a public authorization that legitimizes the leader’s authority in the eyes of the congregation.
hod · Hebrew Noun
The capacity to lead, influence, and command others, often granted by God or established through institutional succession. It requires obedience from those under authority and necessitates stewardship from those who possess it.
This appointment happens at a crucial transition point for Israel, as their 40-year wilderness journey nears its end and the conquest of the Promised Land is about to begin. God's choice of Joshua, a man 'in whom is the Spirit,' underscores the necessity of divine empowerment for leadership.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt, marking the beginning of their 40-year wilderness journey. This event sets the stage for God's ongoing leadership and provision for His people.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Following Moses' leadership, the Israelites, under Joshua's military command, begin the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua demonstrates exceptional leadership and courage in these early campaigns.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Request for a Successor
Moses, realizing his own end is near and concerned for the people's future, prays to God for a leader to succeed him. This prayer directly leads to God's appointment of Joshua.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
God Appoints Joshua as Successor
The LORD instructs Moses to identify Joshua, a man filled with the Spirit, and to lay hands on him. This act publicly designates Joshua as Moses' successor and bestows divine authority.
c. 1406 BC
Joshua Commissioned Before the Congregation
Moses publicly presents Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, symbolizing the transfer of leadership and ensuring the people's acceptance of their new head. Joshua is charged with his new responsibilities.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Death and Joshua's Sole Leadership
Moses dies at age 120, and Joshua takes full command of the Israelites, leading them into the Promised Land and overseeing its division among the tribes.
This passage directly follows Joshua's appointment, stating he was 'full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him,' highlighting the conferral of divine enablement through Moses' action.
1 Samuel 16:13Here, the Spirit of the LORD rushes upon David after Samuel anoints him, showing a pattern of God imparting His Spirit upon chosen leaders for their tasks.
Acts 6:3When choosing the first deacons, the apostles instructed the community to select 'men full of the Spirit and of wisdom,' echoing the qualification of Joshua as 'a man in whom is the Spirit.'
1 Timothy 4:14This verse speaks of a spiritual gift given to Timothy 'by prophecy when the elders laid their hands on him,' similar to Joshua's consecration, illustrating the impartation of God-given abilities through prescribed rites.
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 27:18: "And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;"
Numbers 27:18 . In whom is the spirit — Or spiritual endowments from the Holy Ghost; for it is by the influence of the Spirit of God that all good gifts are communicated to the sons of men. It particularly means here, the spirit of wisdom, courage, and the fear of God, with other gifts necessary for a well-qualified governor. Hence Joshua is said to have been…
The command isn't just about picking a capable leader; it's about recognizing that Joshua possesses the "Spirit"—not just general competence, but a divine empowerment for the task. This highlights that true leadership in God's work isn't merely human skill but a unique endowment from the Holy Spirit.
Following the daughters of Zelophehad’s successful plea for inheritance, Moses prays to God for a leader to guide Israel after his death. The Lord responds by instructing Moses to designate Joshua, a man already recognized for possessing the Spirit and proven in service, as his successor. This divine appointment is then publicly ratified by Moses laying his hands on Joshua and presenting him to the priest and the congregation, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of necessary spiritual gifts for leadership.
Following the daughters of Zelophehad’s successful plea for inheritance, Moses prays to God for a leader to guide Israel after his death. The Lord responds by instructing Moses to designate Joshua, a man already recognized for possessing the Spirit and proven in service, as his successor. This divine appointment is then publicly ratified by Moses laying his hands on Joshua and presenting him to the priest and the congregation, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the impartation of necessary spiritual gifts for leadership.
"So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest…" — The command isn't just about picking a capable leader; it's about recognizing that Joshua possesses the "Spirit"—not just general competence, but a divine empowerment for the task. This highlights th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
