“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.”
Historical Context: Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Books of Moses. It narrates the events of the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 27, we find the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, who had no sons and were concerned about their inheritance in the land.
Moses’ Request: In Numbers 27:15-17, Moses expresses his concern to God about the appointment of a new leader for the Israelites after his impending death. Moses desires a capable leader to guide the people and asks God to appoint someone who will take his place.
God’s Response: In Numbers 27:18, the Lord responds to Moses’ request by instructing him to take Joshua, the son of Nun. God highlights Joshua’s qualifications, stating that he is a man in whom is the Spirit. This indicates that Joshua possessed the Spirit of God, making him suitable for the task of leading the Israelites.
Significance of the Laying on of Hands: The phrase “lay thine hand upon him” signifies the transfer of authority and blessing from Moses to Joshua. The act of laying hands upon someone was a symbolic gesture used in the Old Testament to confer authority, commission, and divine empowerment. It represented a transmission of spiritual power and leadership.
Joshua’s Appointment: Following God’s command, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor and publicly ordained him as the leader of the Israelites in Numbers 27:22-23. Joshua would go on to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, as detailed in the subsequent books of Joshua and Judges.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Divine Selection: God chose Joshua as the leader of His people. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty in selecting individuals for specific tasks. It shows that God equips and empowers those He calls, even when they may seem unlikely candidates from a human perspective.
- The Importance of the Spirit: The mention of Joshua being a man in whom is the Spirit highlights the significance of the Holy Spirit’s presence and empowerment in the life of a leader. It demonstrates the necessity of relying on God’s Spirit to fulfill His purposes.
- Succession and Continuity: The seamless transition from Moses to Joshua reveals the importance of orderly leadership succession. It teaches us the significance of mentoring, preparing, and equipping future leaders to carry on the work of God’s kingdom.
- The Authority of God: The act of laying hands on Joshua signified the authority and approval of God. It reminds us that leaders derive their authority from God and should seek His guidance and empowerment in their leadership roles.
Numbers 27:18 presents a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the passing of the leadership mantle from Moses to Joshua. It provides valuable insights into God’s selection of leaders and the importance of the Holy Spirit’s presence and empowerment in their lives.
