Numbers 27:23
New International Version
Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses.

New Living Translation
Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

English Standard Version
and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the LORD directed through Moses.

Berean Standard Bible
and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

King James Bible
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

New King James Version
And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

New American Standard Bible
Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.

NASB 1995
Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.

NASB 1977
Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as Yahweh had spoken by the hand of Moses.

Amplified Bible
and Moses laid his hands on Joshua and commissioned him, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

Christian Standard Bible
laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the LORD had spoken through Moses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the LORD had spoken through Moses.

American Standard Version
and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as Jehovah spake by Moses.

Contemporary English Version
then he placed his hands on Joshua and appointed him Israel's leader.

English Revised Version
and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD spake by the hand of Moses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Moses placed his hands on Joshua and gave him his instructions as the LORD had told him.

Good News Translation
As the LORD had commanded, Moses put his hands on Joshua's head and proclaimed him as his successor.

International Standard Version
laid his hands on him, and charged him, just as the LORD had commanded, using Moses' authority.

Majority Standard Bible
and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

NET Bible
He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the LORD commanded, by the authority of Moses.

New Heart English Bible
and he laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the LORD spoke by Moses.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

World English Bible
He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as Yahweh spoke by Moses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and lays his hands on him and charges him, as YHWH has spoken by the hand of Moses.

Young's Literal Translation
and layeth his hands upon him, and chargeth him, as Jehovah hath spoken by the hand of Moses.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will place his hands upon him and command him as Jehovah spake by the hand of Moses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And laying his hands on his head, he repeated all things that the Lord had commanded.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And imposing his hands upon his head, he repeated all that the Lord had commanded.

New American Bible
he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had directed through Moses.

New Revised Standard Version
he laid his hands on him and commissioned him—as the LORD had directed through Moses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him authority, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he laid his hand upon him and he commanded him as LORD JEHOVAH commanded Moshe.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD spoke by the hand of Moses.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he laid his hands on him, and appointed him as the Lord ordered Moses.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joshua to Succeed Moses
22Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, 23and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

Cross References
Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Joshua 1:1-2
Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, / “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise, you and all these people, and cross over the Jordan into the land that I am giving to the children of Israel.

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Kings 19:16
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

Acts 6:6
They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

Acts 13:3
And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Timothy 4:14
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Exodus 24:13
So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God.

Exodus 28:41
After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.

Exodus 29:9
Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.

Leviticus 8:10-12
Next, Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it; and so he consecrated them. / He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. / He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.

1 Chronicles 22:11-13
Now, my son, may the LORD be with you, and may you succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as He said you would. / Above all, may the LORD give you insight and understanding when He puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the Law of the LORD your God. / Then you will succeed, if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

2 Kings 2:9-15
After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. / “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.” / As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And he laid his hands on him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 27:1
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 27:9
And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.

Jump to Previous
Charge Chargeth Commanded Commandment Commissioned Directed Hand Hands Instructed Layeth Moses Orders
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Charge Chargeth Commanded Commandment Commissioned Directed Hand Hands Instructed Layeth Moses Orders
Numbers 27
1. The daughters of Zelophehad ask for an inheritance
6. The law of inheritances
12. Moses, being told of his death, asks for a successor
18. Joshua is appointed to succeed him














and laid his hands on him
The act of laying hands is a significant biblical gesture symbolizing the transfer of authority, blessing, or the Holy Spirit. In this context, Moses laying hands on Joshua signifies the transfer of leadership. This practice is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the ordination of priests (Leviticus 8:14) and the commissioning of the seven deacons in the early church (Acts 6:6). It represents a public acknowledgment of God's choice and the empowerment of the individual for a specific task.

and commissioned him
Commissioning involves appointing someone to a specific role or task. Here, Joshua is being appointed as the leader of Israel, succeeding Moses. This commissioning is not just a human decision but a divine mandate, as Joshua is to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The concept of commissioning is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), indicating a continuity of God's mission through chosen leaders.

as the LORD had instructed
This phrase underscores the importance of divine guidance and obedience to God's commands. Moses acts according to God's specific instructions, highlighting the theme of obedience that runs throughout the book of Numbers. It reflects the biblical principle that leadership and authority come from God and must align with His will. This obedience is crucial for the success of Joshua's leadership and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

through Moses
Moses serves as the intermediary between God and the people of Israel, a role that foreshadows the mediatory work of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses faithfully conveys God's instructions to the people, Jesus is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). This phrase also emphasizes the continuity of God's plan, as the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua is part of the divine strategy to bring Israel into the Promised Land. Moses' role as a prophet and leader is foundational, and his actions set a precedent for future leaders in Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In this passage, Moses is following God's command to appoint a successor.

2. Joshua
The son of Nun, chosen by God to succeed Moses as the leader of Israel. Joshua is known for his faithfulness and courage, qualities that make him a fitting leader for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides guidance and instruction to His people through His chosen leaders.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness.

5. Laying on of Hands
A symbolic act of commissioning and transferring authority, signifying the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Leadership
Godly leadership is crucial for guiding God's people. Moses' obedience in appointing Joshua demonstrates the importance of following God's direction in leadership transitions.

The Role of Obedience in God's Plan
Moses' actions show that obedience to God's instructions is vital. Even great leaders like Moses must submit to God's will and plan.

The Significance of Spiritual Commissioning
The laying on of hands is more than a ritual; it is a spiritual act that signifies the transfer of authority and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for the task ahead.

Preparation for Future Challenges
Joshua's commissioning prepares him for the challenges of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Similarly, believers must be prepared and equipped for the tasks God calls them to.

Continuity in God's Work
The transition from Moses to Joshua illustrates the continuity of God's work through different leaders. God's purposes remain constant even as His servants change.Verse 23. - And gave him a charge. This charge is nowhere recorded, for it cannot possibly be identified with the passing words of exhortation in Deuteronomy 31:7.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and laid
וַיִּסְמֹ֧ךְ (way·yis·mōḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of

his hands
יָדָ֛יו (yā·ḏāw)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

on him
עָלָ֖יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and commissioned him,
וַיְצַוֵּ֑הוּ (way·ṣaw·wê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

as
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer)
Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had instructed
דִּבֶּ֥ר (dib·ber)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

through
בְּיַד־ (bə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

Moses.
מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver


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OT Law: Numbers 27:23 And he laid his hands on him (Nu Num.)
Numbers 27:22
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