“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.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 27, the daughters of Zelophehad come forward to Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire congregation, seeking their inheritance since their father had died and had no sons. This request leads to a significant decision regarding the leadership succession of Moses.
Leadership Transition: In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses presents his concern to God about finding a successor to lead the Israelites. God responds by instructing Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, commissioning him as the one who would lead the people into the Promised Land. The verse emphasizes the qualities and responsibilities of a leader who will “go out before them” and “bring them in.”
Going Out Before Them: A leader must have the ability to go out before the people, taking the lead in various aspects. This includes setting an example in faithfulness, courage, and obedience to God’s commands. The leader should be willing to face challenges, make decisions, and guide the people through difficult situations.
Bringing Them In: Similarly, a leader should bring the people into the places or situations God has prepared for them. This involves guiding and directing them towards their God-given destiny and ensuring they remain aligned with God’s purposes.
Leading and Shepherdhood: The verse mentions that the leader’s role is to prevent the congregation from becoming like sheep without a shepherd. This metaphor emphasizes the leader’s responsibility to provide guidance, protection, and care for the people entrusted to their leadership. The shepherd is a familiar biblical symbol of a leader who tends to and cares for the needs of the flock.
Application: While Numbers 27:17 specifically addresses the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor, the qualities mentioned in this verse apply to leaders in various contexts today. Leaders should strive to exemplify faithfulness, courage, and obedience, leading by example. They should guide people towards God’s purposes and protect them from spiritual harm, like a shepherd caring for their flock.
Jesus Christ as the Ultimate Shepherd: As Christians, we recognize Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He perfectly embodies the qualities described in Numbers 27:1He went before His disciples, teaching and leading them. He also brought them into the fullness of God’s promises by His sacrificial death and resurrection. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His leadership style, relying on His guidance and shepherding the people God has entrusted to us.
Remember, this Bible study is a brief exploration of Numbers 27:17, and there is much more to discover and learn from this passage and the surrounding context. It is always beneficial to study Scripture further, meditate on it, and seek deeper understanding through prayer and seeking godly counsel.
