Joshua, the new head of the Israelite community

In Numbers, chapter 27:23, Joshua became the head of the Israelites.  Yahweh told Moses to go up to the mountain of Abarim, where he could see the Promised Land.  However, Moses would die, or be gathered to his people, just like his brother Aaron.  Moses had rebelled against Yahweh at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.  However, Moses wanted Yahweh to appoint another leader, so that the Israelite sheep would not be without a shepherd.  Yahweh told Moses to take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom was the Spirit.  Moses was to lay his hand on Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation.  Moses then commissioned Joshua in their sight.  All the congregation of the Israelites then must obey Joshua.  Eleazar the priest would inquire for him about the decision of the Urim before Yahweh.  Thus, Moses did as Yahweh had commanded him.  He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation.  He laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, just as Yahweh had directed him.  Everyone was to obey Joshua.  Thus, the Israelites now had a new leader.  With the laying on of hands, the power passed from Moses to Joshua, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses to do.  Do you know who your leader is?

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.