Num 27:18-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 27:18-19: 27:18-19 Joshua had a solid background for the role (cp. Exod 17:8-16 ). He had been Moses’ assistant for a long time (Num 11:28 ; cp. Exod 33:11 ). He was also one of the faithful spies (Num 13–14 ) who knew the people of Israel well. Joshua possessed the Spirit and recognized the special presence of God in his life (cp. 11:25-29 ). His relationship with God also gave him wisdom for the tasks ahead (e.g., Deut 34:9 ). • lay your hands on him: This act symbolized the transfer of authority from an elder statesman to his assistant (cp. Num 8:10-14 ). Moses did this publicly so that Joshua’s leadership would be incontestable.

a27:18-19►

bExod 17:8-16►

cNum 11:28►

dExod 33:11►

eNum 13–14►

f11:25-29►

gDeut 34:9►

hNum 8:10-14►

i27:20-21►

j12:6-8►

kDeut 34:10-12►

lNum 27:21►

mExod 28:30►

nLev 8:8►

‏ Numbers 27:18-23

Summary for Num 27:18-19: 27:18-19 ^a Joshua had a solid background for the role (cp. Exod 17:8-16 ^b). He had been Moses’ assistant for a long time (Num 11:28 ^c; cp. Exod 33:11 ^d). He was also one of the faithful spies (Num 13–14 ^e) who knew the people of Israel well. Joshua possessed the Spirit and recognized the special presence of God in his life (cp. 11:25-29 ^f). His relationship with God also gave him wisdom for the tasks ahead (e.g., Deut 34:9 ^g).

• lay your hands on him: This act symbolized the transfer of authority from an elder statesman to his assistant (cp. Num 8:10-14 ^h). Moses did this publicly so that Joshua’s leadership would be incontestable.
Summary for Num 27:20-21: 27:20-21 ⁱ Joshua assumed only some of Moses’ authority. Moses had face-to-face contact with God (12:6-8 ^j; Deut 34:10-12 ^k), but Joshua had only indirect access to revelation, since he had to consult with Eleazar the priest on important matters (Num 27:21 ^l; cp. Exod 28:30 ^m; Lev 8:8 ⁿ). Israel would keep military and spiritual leadership separate hereafter.