Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that Joshua’s commissioning wasn’t just a private handover from Moses, but a public affirmation by God, conducted by the priest before everyone. This emphasizes that true leadership, even when divinely appointed, requires public recognition and accountability within the community.
Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is publicly commissioning Joshua as his successor, following God's direct instruction. This involves presenting Joshua before the priest and the entire community to ensure everyone witnesses and acknowledges this divinely appointed transition of leadership. The act culminates in Moses giving Joshua a formal charge, setting the stage for Joshua's future leadership.
Ever feel like important decisions are made behind closed doors? This passage shows a different way. God's chosen leader wasn't just tapped on the shoulder; his transition was a public event.
Moses didn't just appoint Joshua in secret. He was instructed to "stand him before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation" and then "commission him in their sight." This public presentation served crucial purposes:
Joshua was God's chosen leader, but he wasn't meant to operate alone. This verse highlights a crucial connection to the priesthood.
Joshua, the incoming military and national leader, is explicitly placed "before Eleazar the priest." This wasn't a demotion for Joshua, but a vital part of how God's plan would function.
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Moses didn't just point to Joshua and say, 'He's the guy.' The word 'commission' here means much more than a simple introduction.
The instruction to 'give him a charge' is profound. It wasn't merely an announcement of succession, but a formal bestowing of authority and responsibility.
Understand the original words
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.
This commissioning highlights a crucial transition in Israel's leadership from Moses to Joshua, occurring at a pivotal moment as they stood on the brink of entering and conquering the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
Under Moses' leadership, the Israelites depart from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their 40-year wilderness journey.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, begin their military campaign to conquer the land of Canaan.
c. 1405 BC
Division of the Land
Following the conquest, the land of Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel. This sets the stage for future leadership transitions.
c. 1405 BC— this verse
Moses Appoints Joshua as Successor
Moses publicly commissions Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire congregation, establishing him as the new leader for the conquest and governance of Israel.
This passage directly echoes the commissioning of Joshua, detailing Moses giving him a charge and telling him to be strong and courageous, reinforcing the public and authoritative nature of the transition of leadership.
1 Samuel 16:1-13This shows God's direct involvement in choosing and anointing leaders, highlighting how Samuel was instructed to select David, much like God selected Joshua through Moses, demonstrating divine appointment over human selection.
Acts 6:1-6This passage illustrates the early church appointing leaders publicly before the congregation, with the apostles laying hands on them, mirroring the public commissioning and solemnity seen in Joshua's appointment.
1 Timothy 4:14This verse speaks of a spiritual gift being conferred through the laying on of hands by the elders, paralleling the laying on of hands in Joshua's commissioning as a way of publicly validating and empowering a leader for their specific task.
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.…
ellicottNumbers 27:19: "And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight."
(19) And give him a charge . . . — Comp. Deuteronomy 31:23 , “And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage.”
This verse highlights that Joshua’s commissioning wasn’t just a private handover from Moses, but a public affirmation by God, conducted by the priest before everyone. This emphasizes that true leadership, even when divinely appointed, requires public recognition and accountability within the community.
Moses is publicly commissioning Joshua as his successor, following God's direct instruction. This involves presenting Joshua before the priest and the entire community to ensure everyone witnesses and acknowledges this divinely appointed transition of leadership. The act culminates in Moses giving Joshua a formal charge, setting the stage for Joshua's future leadership.
Moses is publicly commissioning Joshua as his successor, following God's direct instruction. This involves presenting Joshua before the priest and the entire community to ensure everyone witnesses and acknowledges this divinely appointed transition of leadership. The act culminates in Moses giving Joshua a formal charge, setting the stage for Joshua's future leadership.
"Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight." — This verse highlights that Joshua’s commissioning wasn’t just a private handover from Moses, but a public affirmation by God, conducted by the priest before everyone. This emphasizes that true leader…
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Last reviewed October 2026