Numbers 27:17 - who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Yahweh may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”
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What does "Numbers 27:17" mean?
This verse from Numbers 27:17 expresses a desperate need for strong leadership. Let's break down the meaning:
"Who may go out before them, and who may come in before them...": This refers to someone who actively and publicly leads the people. "Going out" likely means leading them into battle or other situations requiring leadership, while "coming in" likely means leading them back to safety or a place of rest and stability. It's about consistent presence and guidance.
"...and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in...": This is a repetition and emphasis on the previous point, highlighting the importance of the leader's role in directing and guiding the people's movements and activities. It's about having someone to make decisions and point the way forward.
"that the congregation of Yahweh may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”: This is the crux of the verse. Sheep without a shepherd are vulnerable, lost, and easily scattered. They are prone to danger and have no one to protect or guide them. The verse expresses the fear that without a strong leader, the Israelites will become disorganized, directionless, and susceptible to external threats and internal strife.
In essence, this verse is a plea for strong and reliable leadership to prevent the Israelites from becoming a scattered and vulnerable group, much like sheep without a shepherd.
Context in Numbers 27:
This verse is spoken by Moses. He is old and knows he is about to die and will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is asking God to appoint a successor, someone capable of taking his place and leading the people effectively. It reflects his deep concern for the well-being and future of the nation. The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor in the following verses is the answer to this plea.
Numbers 27:17 - who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Yahweh may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”
What does "Numbers 27:17" mean?
This verse from Numbers 27:17 expresses a desperate need for strong leadership. Let's break down the meaning:
"Who may go out before them, and who may come in before them...": This refers to someone who actively and publicly leads the people. "Going out" likely means leading them into battle or other situations requiring leadership, while "coming in" likely means leading them back to safety or a place of rest and stability. It's about consistent presence and guidance.
"...and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in...": This is a repetition and emphasis on the previous point, highlighting the importance of the leader's role in directing and guiding the people's movements and activities. It's about having someone to make decisions and point the way forward.
"that the congregation of Yahweh may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”: This is the crux of the verse. Sheep without a shepherd are vulnerable, lost, and easily scattered. They are prone to danger and have no one to protect or guide them. The verse expresses the fear that without a strong leader, the Israelites will become disorganized, directionless, and susceptible to external threats and internal strife.
In essence, this verse is a plea for strong and reliable leadership to prevent the Israelites from becoming a scattered and vulnerable group, much like sheep without a shepherd.
Context in Numbers 27:
This verse is spoken by Moses. He is old and knows he is about to die and will not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He is asking God to appoint a successor, someone capable of taking his place and leading the people effectively. It reflects his deep concern for the well-being and future of the nation. The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor in the following verses is the answer to this plea.