King James Version
What Does Numbers 27:23 Mean?
“And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.”
Numbers 27:23 · KJV
Context
21
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.
22
And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
23
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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 ka'asher (as/according as) emphasizes exact compliance. Moses' submission models godly leadership—preparing successors without resentment, even when prevented from completing the mission personally. This foreshadows Christ who prepared His apostles to continue His work after His ascension (Acts 1:1-8), entrusting the gospel's advance to them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Moses' exclusion from Canaan (Numbers 20:12) due to his sin at Meribah made this commissioning poignant. Despite disappointment, he faithfully ensured the next generation's success. His final act was blessing the tribes (Deuteronomy 33) and viewing the land before death (Deuteronomy 34:1-4). Moses' faithful ending despite personal loss demonstrates that God's purposes transcend individual servants.
Reflection Questions
- How do we faithfully prepare successors when we cannot complete the mission ourselves?
- What does Moses' submission despite disappointment teach about prioritizing God's purposes over personal fulfillment?
- How should we view our role as preparing the way for others' ministries?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוַיִּסְמֹ֧ךְ1 of 10
“And he laid”
H5564to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
אֶת2 of 10
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיַד3 of 10
“by the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
עָלָ֖יו4 of 10
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר6 of 10
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר7 of 10
“commanded”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה8 of 10
“as the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיַד9 of 10
“by the hand”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 27:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 27:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge