King James Version
Numbers 27
23 verses with commentary
The Daughters of Zelophehad
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The LORD speaking to Moses 'Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel' is both mercy and judgment. The Hebrew <em>re'eh</em> (see) allowed Moses visual fulfillment of the promise, though he could not enter. This demonstrates that sin's consequences remain even for forgiven leaders—Moses' striking the rock (Numbers 20:11) disqualified him fr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**34-35. I have sinned ... if it displease thee, I will get me back again--**Notwithstanding this confession, he evinced no spirit of penitence, as he speaks of desisting only from the outward act. The words "go with the men" was a mere withdrawal of further restraint, but the terms in which leave was given are more absolute and peremptory than those in Nu 22:20.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
The daughters of Zelophehad standing 'before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle' demonstrates public legal proceedings in Israel's theocratic system. The Hebrew <em>amad lipnei</em> (stand before) indicates formal court proceedings. Their case was brought to the highest authorities at the central sanctuary, ensuring ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36-37. when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him--**Politeness requires that the higher the rank of the expected guest, greater distance is to be gone to welcome his arrival.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.
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KJV Study Commentary
The daughters' testimony about their father—'Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah'—establishes his righteous character. They distinguished their father from Korah's rebels (Numbers 16) who died under divine judgment. The phrase 'but died in his own sin' acknowledges that Zelophehad died u...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**36-37. when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him--**Politeness requires that the higher the rank of the expected guest, greater distance is to be gone to welcome his arrival.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. done: Heb. diminished
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.</strong><br><br>The daughters of Zelophehad ask a revolutionary question that challenges patriarchal inheritance laws. Their concern about their father's <em>name</em> (<em>shem</em>) being "done away" reflects ancient Near East...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**38. the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak--**This appears a pious answer. It was an acknowledgment that he was restrained by a superior power.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses brought their case 'before the LORD'—acknowledging that novel situations require divine wisdom. Rather than deciding based solely on tradition or personal judgment, he sought God's will. This demonstrates proper leadership: recognizing limits of human wisdom and deferring to divine instruction when facing new questions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39. Kirjath-huzoth--**that is, "a city of streets."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
God's response—'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—vindicates their claim and establishes case law. The Hebrew <em>ken dovrot</em> (rightly speak) affirms the justice of their petition. God's subsequent command to give them inheritance demonstrates divine commitment to justice even when existing law did not explicitly address the situation. This shows that God's law is not arbitrary but flow...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**40. Balak offered oxen and sheep--**made preparations for a grand entertainment to Balaam and the princes of Midian.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
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KJV Study Commentary
God declared, 'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—divine approval of their petition. Their boldness in seeking justice was vindicated; God rewards those who pursue righteous claims. This case established that God's law serves justice and family preservation, not rigid tradition that harms rather than helps. Divine law has both stability and appropriate flexibility.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Thou shalt surely give them . . . —**The pronoun *them *is in the masculine gender in the Hebrew. Either the reference must be to the sons of Zelophehad’s daughters, or the daughters must be regarded in the light of sons.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**41. high places of Baal--**eminences consecrated to the worship of Baal-peor (see on Nu 25:3) or Chemosh.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's command 'If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter' establishes the principle of female inheritance. The Hebrew <em>he'evir nachalah</em> (cause inheritance to pass) indicates legal transfer of property rights. This law ensured family land remained within bloodlines, preventing tribal territory loss. The specification moves from daughters to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **If a man die, and have no son . . . —**On the general law of inheritance which is here laid down, see Selden’s *De Successionibus, *London, 1636, and Keil’s *Archœol., *2, s. 142.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.
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KJV Study Commentary
The inheritance law continues: 'if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.' The Hebrew <em>achav</em> (his brothers) extends inheritance to lateral family when vertical descent fails. This comprehensive legislation covered all possibilities, ensuring no situation left a family without inheritance. The legal cascade—sons, daughters, brothers, uncles, nearest kinsm...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 23 Nu 23:1-30. Balak's Sacrifices.
**1. Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars--**Balak, being a heathen, would naturally suppose these altars were erected in honor of Baal, the patron deity of his country. It is evident, from Nu 23:4 that they were prepared for the worship of the true God; although in choosing the high places of Baal as their site and rearing a number of alta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren.
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KJV Study Commentary
The law extends further: 'if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family.' The Hebrew <em>she'ero ha-karov</em> (his nearest kinsman) ensures someone would always inherit. This prevented escheat (property reverting to the state) and maintained family continuity. The principle teaches that covenant community maintains interconne...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.
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KJV Study Commentary
The conclusion 'and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses' establishes this as permanent case law. The Hebrew <em>chukat mishpat</em> (statute of judgment) indicates binding legal precedent. The phrase 'as the LORD commanded Moses' grounds human legislation in divine authority. This demonstrates that proper case law deve...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Stand by thy burnt offering--**as one in expectation of an important favor.
**peradventure the Lord will come to meet me: and whatsoever he showeth me--**that is, makes known to me by word or sign.
**he went to an high place--**apart by himself, where he might practise rites and ceremonies, with a view to obtain a response of the oracle.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
The law concerning vows, Of persons and animals.(1-13)
Vows concerning houses and land.(14-25)
Devoted things not to be redeemed.(26-33)
Conclusion.(34)
**Verses 1-13**
Zeal for the service of God disposed the Israelites, on some occasions, to dedicate themselves or their children to the service of the Lord, in his house for life. Some persons w...
Read full commentary →Joshua to Succeed Moses
And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
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KJV Study Commentary
God told Moses, 'Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.' Though Moses couldn't enter Canaan, God graciously allowed him to see it. This mercy demonstrated that even disciplined servants remain loved by God. Consequences don't equal rejection; God shows kindness even when administering necessary judgment.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Get thee up into this mount Abarim.**—The position of this command, in immediate connection with the answer returned to the request of the daughters of Zelophehad, is very remarkable. They were to enter into the land of promise, and their descendants were to inherit it. The great lawgiver himself was to be excluded on account of his transgression. He does not, however, shrink from recording...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. God met Balaam--**not in compliance with his incantations, but to frustrate his wicked designs and compel him, contrary to his desires and interests, to pronounce the following benediction [Nu 23:8-10].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14**
Moses must die, but he shall have the satisfaction of seeing the land of promise. This sight of Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the heavenly. Moses must die, but death does not cut him off; it only brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs. It is but to die as they died, having lived as they lived; and as their end was peace, why shoul...
Read full commentary →And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
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KJV Study Commentary
After viewing the land, Moses would be 'gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.' This euphemism for death emphasizes continuity beyond the grave—joining ancestors in Sheol, the place of the dead. Death isn't annihilation but transition. Even judgment that prevents earthly fulfillment doesn't separate God's servants from their people or from future hope.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Gathered unto thy people.—**See Genesis 25:8, and Note. In the case of Moses, as in that of Abraham, the expression cannot be understood in reference to the place of his burial.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. God met Balaam--**not in compliance with his incantations, but to frustrate his wicked designs and compel him, contrary to his desires and interests, to pronounce the following benediction [Nu 23:8-10].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14**
Moses must die, but he shall have the satisfaction of seeing the land of promise. This sight of Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the heavenly. Moses must die, but death does not cut him off; it only brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs. It is but to die as they died, having lived as they lived; and as their end was peace, why shoul...
Read full commentary →For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
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KJV Study Commentary
God reminded Moses why he couldn't enter: 'ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin... to sanctify me at the water before their eyes.' Moses' striking the rock (20:7-12) instead of speaking to it failed to honor God properly before Israel. Leaders' public failures matter more because they teach wrong lessons about God. Representation of God's character is weighty responsibility.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **To sanctify me . . . —**See Numbers 20:12-13, where the same expression is used.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-6. God met Balaam--**not in compliance with his incantations, but to frustrate his wicked designs and compel him, contrary to his desires and interests, to pronounce the following benediction [Nu 23:8-10].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-14**
Moses must die, but he shall have the satisfaction of seeing the land of promise. This sight of Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the heavenly. Moses must die, but death does not cut him off; it only brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs. It is but to die as they died, having lived as they lived; and as their end was peace, why shoul...
Read full commentary →And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses immediately prayed, 'Let the LORD... set a man over the congregation.' Rather than focusing on his own disappointment, he concerned himself with the people's need for leadership. This selfless response demonstrates mature spirituality: prioritizing the community's welfare over personal fulfillment. True leaders ensure continuity beyond their own tenure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. took up his parable--**that is, spoke under the influence of inspiration, and in the highly poetical, figurative, and oracular style of a prophet.
**brought me from Aram--**This word joined with "the mountains of the East," denotes the upper portion of Mesopotamia, lying on the east of Moab. The East enjoyed an infamous notoriety for magicians and soothsayers (Is 2:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses' prayer for a successor addresses God as 'LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh,' acknowledging God's sovereignty over all humanity and His perfect knowledge of every person's character. Moses' concern that 'the congregation of the LORD' not be 'as sheep which have no shepherd' demonstrates pastoral care for God's people extending beyond his own lifetime. This reveals that godly leaders ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Let the Lord . . . —**We have a remarkable instance here of the true greatness of Moses, as a type of Him whose words were, “Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). Instead of indulging in excessive grief, or in unavailing remorse, the mind of Moses was intently fixed upon the welfare of those for whose sake he had been willing that his own name should ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?--**A divine blessing has been pronounced over the posterity of Jacob; and therefore, whatever prodigies can be achieved by my charms, all magical skill, all human power, is utterly impotent to counteract the decree of God.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
Moses prays for a leader 'which may go out before them, and which may go in before them... that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.' Despite God denying Moses entry into Canaan, Moses selflessly seeks Israel's future leadership. The shepherd metaphor emphasizes protective care and guidance - a leader who shares the people's experiences ('go out... go in before them...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Which may go out before them . . . —**The expression going out and coming in is used here, as in many other places, to denote the ordinary life of man (Deuteronomy 28:6; Deuteronomy 31:2). Leading out and bringing in (literally, *causing to go out and to come in*)*, *as a shepherd in respect of his flock (John 10:3-9), denotes the direction of the conduct of others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. from the top--**literally, "a bare place" on the rocks, to which Balak had taken him, for it was deemed necessary to see the people who were to be devoted to destruction. But that commanding prospect could contribute nothing to the accomplishment of the king's object, for the destiny of Israel was to be a distinct, peculiar people, separated from the rest of the nations in government, religio...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →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;
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KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to commission Joshua as his successor, describing him as 'a man in whom is the spirit.' This phrase (Hebrew 'ish asher-ruach bo', אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־רוּחַ בּוֹ) indicates divine enablement and spiritual qualification for leadership. Joshua possessed God's Spirit, providing supernatural wisdom, courage, and guidance necessary for leading Israel. The instruction to lay hands on Joshua r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **In whom is the spirit . . . —**The definite article is not used in the original. The word translated “spirit” appears to denote spiritual endowment and qualifications.
**And lay thine hand upon him.—**It is to be observed that the spiritual qualifications of Joshua did not supersede the necessity of an outward consecration to his office. Nay, more; it seems that special qualifications for t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Who can count the dust of Jacob?--**an Oriental hyperbole for a very populous nation, as Jacob's posterity was promised to be (Ge 13:16; 28:14).
**the number of the fourth part of Israel--**that is, the camp consisted of four divisions; every one of these parts was formidable in numbers.
**Let me die the death of the righteous--**Hebrew, "of Jeshurun"; or, the Israelites. The meaning is:...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Moses regarding Joshua—'thou shalt give him a charge in their sight'—indicates public commissioning. The Hebrew <em>tsavah</em> (command/charge) conveys authoritative transmission of responsibility. The public nature prevented later challenges to Joshua's authority. This establishes the principle of orderly succession in leadership, publicly recognized by the outgoing leader. Mose...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's instruction 'thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him' indicates transfer of authority from Moses to Joshua. The Hebrew <em>hod</em> (honour/majesty) suggests more than respect—it conveys authoritative dignity. However, the phrase 'some of thine honour' shows Joshua would not equal Moses (Deuteronomy 34:10). Moses' unique mediatorial role as lawgiver would not be replicated. This teaches...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command 'he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD' establishes that Joshua's leadership operated under priestly mediation for divine guidance. The Urim and Thummim were objects used by the high priest to discern God's will in binary decisions (Exodus 28:30). Joshua, unlike Moses, could not speak with God directly but req...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **After the judgment of Urim . . . —**See Exodus 28:30, and Note.
**At his word . . . —**i.e., Joshua and the children of Israel were to abide by the decision of the high priest, which was obtained by means of Urim and Thummim.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-15. Come, ... with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them--**Surprised and disappointed at this unexpected eulogy on Israel, Balak hoped that, if seen from a different point of observation, the prophet would give utterance to different feelings; and so, having made the same solemn preparations, Balaam retired, as before, to wait the divine afflatus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive scope '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' establishes Joshua's military and civil authority. The Hebrew construction emphasizes that both Joshua and the people would move at Eleazar's word (through Urim), meaning divine guidance directed the nation. This theocratic structu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-15. Come, ... with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them--**Surprised and disappointed at this unexpected eulogy on Israel, Balak hoped that, if seen from a different point of observation, the prophet would give utterance to different feelings; and so, having made the same solemn preparations, Balaam retired, as before, to wait the divine afflatus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
Read full commentary →And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The record 'Moses did as the LORD commanded him' demonstrates faithful obedience in transferring authority. Despite Moses' natural desire to enter Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:23-26), he faithfully commissioned his successor. The Hebrew <em>ka'asher</em> (as/according as) emphasizes exact compliance. Moses' submission models godly leadership—preparing successors without resentment, even when prevented fr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-15. Come, ... with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them--**Surprised and disappointed at this unexpected eulogy on Israel, Balak hoped that, if seen from a different point of observation, the prophet would give utterance to different feelings; and so, having made the same solemn preparations, Balaam retired, as before, to wait the divine afflatus.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-23**
Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his humility in ministering ...
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