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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 27:16 "May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/27-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/04_Num_27_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 27:16 - Moses Requests a Successor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/27-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/27-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/27.htm">Chapter 27</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/27-15.htm" title="Numbers 27:15">◄</a> Numbers 27:16 <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm" title="Numbers 27:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/27.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/27.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/27.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“O LORD, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/27.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/27.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/27.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/27.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/27.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of humanity, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/27.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/27.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/27.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“May Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/27.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/27.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God who gives breath to all, appoint a man over the community<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/27.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/27.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/27.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"You are the LORD God, and you know what is in everyone's heart. So I ask you to appoint a leader for Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/27.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/27.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"LORD, you are the God who gives the breath of life to everyone. Please appoint someone over the community<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/27.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"LORD God, source of all life, appoint, I pray, a man who can lead the people <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/27.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"May the LORD God of the spirits of all living creatures appoint a man over the community <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/27.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all humankind, appoint a man over the community,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/27.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/27.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/27.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/27.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Let Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/27.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“YHWH, God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/27.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Jehovah -- God of the spirits of all flesh -- appoint a man over the company,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/27.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Will Jehovah, the God of the spirits to all flesh, appoint a man over the assembly,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/27.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />May the Lord the God of the spirits of all flesh provide a man, that may be over this multitude: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/27.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, provide a man, who may be over this multitude,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/27.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all humanity, set over the community someone<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/27.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint someone over the congregation<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/27.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/27.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Let LORD JEHOVAH, the God of the spirits of all flesh, order a man over the assembly.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/27.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/27.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let the Lord God of spirits and of all flesh look out for a man over this congregation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/27-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=8541" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/27.htm">Moses Requests a Successor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>So Moses appealed to the LORD, <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">“May the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: hā·rū·ḥōṯ (Art:: N-cp) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the spirits</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bā·śār (N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">flesh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: yip̄·qōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">appoint</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: hā·‘ê·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">the congregation</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-1.htm">Psalm 139:1-4</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me. / You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. / You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></span><br />I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a></span><br />As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/2-24.htm">John 2:24-25</a></span><br />But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. / He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Hebrews 4:13</a></span><br />Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Proverbs 15:11</a></span><br />Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD—how much more the hearts of men!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a></span><br />And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a></span><br />Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-39.htm">1 Kings 8:39</a></span><br />be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/11-5.htm">Ezekiel 11:5</a></span><br />And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-21.htm">Psalm 44:21</a></span><br />would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-11</a></span><br />But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,</p><p class="hdg">go out</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/31-2.htm">Deuteronomy 31:2</a></b></br> And he said unto them, I <i>am</i> an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-20.htm">1 Samuel 8:20</a></b></br> That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">1 Samuel 18:13</a></b></br> Therefore Saul removed him from him, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.</p><p class="hdg">as sheep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">1 Kings 22:17</a></b></br> And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/18-16.htm">2 Chronicles 18:16</a></b></br> Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return <i>therefore</i> every man to his house in peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/34-5.htm">Ezekiel 34:5</a></b></br> And they were scattered, because <i>there is</i> no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/14-4.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/numbers/27-2.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/27-14.htm">Community</a> <a href="/numbers/27-3.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/27-14.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/25-15.htm">Head</a> <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Mankind</a> <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/34-18.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/27-20.htm">Community</a> <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/27-17.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/31-33.htm">Head</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-8.htm">Mankind</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Spirits</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 27</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/27-1.htm">The daughters of Zelophehad ask for an inheritance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/27-6.htm">The law of inheritances</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/27-12.htm">Moses, being told of his death, asks for a successor</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/27-18.htm">Joshua is appointed to succeed him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the context of Numbers, Moses is speaking to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of guidance and leadership. This reflects the consistent biblical theme that God is the one who appoints leaders (<a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1</a>). The invocation of the LORD here is a plea for divine intervention and wisdom, emphasizing the need for God's direction in the leadership of His people.<p><b>the God of the spirits of all flesh</b><br>This phrase highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence. It acknowledges that God is the creator and sustainer of all life, possessing intimate knowledge of every individual (<a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Psalm 139:13-16</a>). The term "spirits of all flesh" suggests that God understands the inner workings and needs of every person, making Him uniquely qualified to appoint a leader who can shepherd His people effectively. This also underscores the belief that human life is sacred and under God's dominion.<p><b>appoint a man over the congregation</b><br>Here, Moses requests that God choose a successor to lead the Israelites. This reflects the biblical principle of divinely appointed leadership, as seen in the anointing of kings and prophets throughout Scripture (<a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a>). The need for a leader "over the congregation" indicates the importance of guidance and order within the community of God's people. This request foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate shepherd and leader of God's people (<a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-16</a>), fulfilling the need for a divinely appointed leader who guides with wisdom and compassion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is speaking to God, seeking guidance for the future leadership of Israel as he nears the end of his life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>Referred to as "the God of the spirits of all flesh," emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience over all creation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The congregation or assembly for whom Moses is requesting a new leader, as they are on the brink of entering the Promised Land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>Although not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the one whom God later appoints as Moses' successor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land</a></b><br>The destination of the Israelites' journey, representing God's promise and faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">Divine Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>God is the ultimate authority in appointing leaders. We should seek His guidance in leadership decisions, trusting His wisdom and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer_in_decision-making.htm">The Role of Prayer in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Moses' prayerful request for a new leader highlights the importance of seeking God's will through prayer in all decisions, especially those affecting the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_knowledge_of_all_people.htm">God's Knowledge of All People</a></b><br>The phrase "God of the spirits of all flesh" reminds us that God knows each person intimately. This should encourage us to trust His choices, as He sees beyond human limitations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_transition.htm">Preparation for Transition</a></b><br>Moses' request shows the importance of preparing for leadership transitions. We should plan and pray for smooth transitions in our own lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god's_promises.htm">Faithfulness to God's Promises</a></b><br>The context of entering the Promised Land underscores God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises, even as leadership changes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_27.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 27</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'sheep_without_a_shepherd'.htm">What does "Sheep Without a Shepherd" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'led_captivity_captive'_mean.htm">What does 'God of All Flesh' signify?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_some_christians_feel_depressed.htm">If Christianity brings joy and peace, why do some believers struggle with depression and anxiety?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_moses_and_jesus_similar.htm">What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/27.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Let the Lord . . . --</span>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" (<a href="/luke/23-28.htm" title="But Jesus turning to them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.">Luke 23:28</a>). 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 be blotted out of the Book (<a href="/exodus/32-32.htm" title="Yet now, if you will forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray you, out of your book which you have written.">Exodus 32:32</a>); and instead of appointing one of his own family, or the man of his own choice, as his successor, he commits the matter to God, and prays that He will appoint one who would be a true shepherd to the flock.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/27-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“May the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the spirits</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרוּחֹ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rū·ḥōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of all</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flesh,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּשָׂ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(bā·śār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man</span><br /><br /><span class="word">appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">יִפְקֹ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(yip̄·qōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the congregation</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵדָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stated assemblage</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">OT Law: Numbers 27:16 Let Yahweh the God of the spirits (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/27-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 27:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 27:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/27-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 27:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 27:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>