Moses humbly commissions Joshua before Eleazar and all Israel so that God’s covenant community can securely follow their new leader into the promises God has prepared.
Moses had received clear instructions from the LORD that Joshua would succeed him as Israel’s leader, and in obedience, he gathered the community to make this transfer of authority public. In the midst of the Israelites’ encampment on the plains of Moab—east of the Jordan River and across from the city of Jericho—Moses made sure that everyone saw the moment of transition to Joshua. That is where Scripture tells us, So Moses did just as the LORD commanded him; and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation (v.22). Eleazar was Aaron’s son, who historically replaced Aaron as high priest after Aaron’s passing (Numbers 3:4), giving him primary spiritual responsibility over Israel.
By placing Joshua before Eleazar and the entire assembly, Moses confirmed that the call on Joshua’s life came from the LORD, ensuring that no one could doubt Joshua’s God-given role to lead the nation into the Promised Land. The act of commissioning Joshua in front of the people paralleled the New Testament practice of laying on of hands, as early church leaders also “laid their hands” on those called to serve (Acts 6:6). In fact, Scripture compares it to this very moment, saying, “Just as Moses laid hands on Joshua in order to commission him to lead Israel” (Numbers 27:22-23), highlighting how spiritual leadership transitions are meant to be both sacred and public.
This verse demonstrates the fidelity of Moses—who had led Israel from approximately 1525 to 1405 BC—and the readiness of Joshua to step into his new role. Moses carries out the LORD’s will without hesitation, modeling that the source of all authority is God Himself. Joshua’s humility and submission, in turn, remind us that leadership in God’s kingdom involves receiving both divine calling and communal affirmation.
Set to dark mode
Numbers 27:22 meaning
Moses had received clear instructions from the LORD that Joshua would succeed him as Israel’s leader, and in obedience, he gathered the community to make this transfer of authority public. In the midst of the Israelites’ encampment on the plains of Moab—east of the Jordan River and across from the city of Jericho—Moses made sure that everyone saw the moment of transition to Joshua. That is where Scripture tells us, So Moses did just as the LORD commanded him; and he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation (v.22). Eleazar was Aaron’s son, who historically replaced Aaron as high priest after Aaron’s passing (Numbers 3:4), giving him primary spiritual responsibility over Israel.
By placing Joshua before Eleazar and the entire assembly, Moses confirmed that the call on Joshua’s life came from the LORD, ensuring that no one could doubt Joshua’s God-given role to lead the nation into the Promised Land. The act of commissioning Joshua in front of the people paralleled the New Testament practice of laying on of hands, as early church leaders also “laid their hands” on those called to serve (Acts 6:6). In fact, Scripture compares it to this very moment, saying, “Just as Moses laid hands on Joshua in order to commission him to lead Israel” (Numbers 27:22-23), highlighting how spiritual leadership transitions are meant to be both sacred and public.
This verse demonstrates the fidelity of Moses—who had led Israel from approximately 1525 to 1405 BC—and the readiness of Joshua to step into his new role. Moses carries out the LORD’s will without hesitation, modeling that the source of all authority is God Himself. Joshua’s humility and submission, in turn, remind us that leadership in God’s kingdom involves receiving both divine calling and communal affirmation.