What is the meaning of Numbers 27:21? He shall stand before Eleazar the priest • God has just named Joshua as Moses’ successor (Numbers 27:18-20), yet Joshua must “stand before” the high priest. Leadership in Israel is never autonomous; it submits to God-ordained structures. • Exodus 28:30 shows the high priest bearing the Urim and Thummim over his heart, signifying dependence on divine guidance rather than personal strategy (cf. Deuteronomy 17:9-10). • Even a Spirit-filled leader like Joshua (Numbers 27:18) demonstrates humility by seeking priestly mediation. That posture foreshadows Christ, who fulfilled both kingly and priestly roles yet submitted to the Father’s will (John 5:19-20). who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim • “Seek counsel” highlights that direction originates “before the LORD,” not in committee rooms. Proverbs 3:5-6 echoes the call to trust the Lord for straight paths. • The Urim, likely a means of yes-or-no determination, underlines God’s direct involvement (1 Samuel 14:41; Ezra 2:63). • Practical takeaways: – Spiritual decisions should be approached in prayerful dependence. – God can employ tangible means (Scripture, godly counsel, providential circumstances) to confirm His will today (James 1:5; Acts 13:2). At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in • The phrase “go out and come in” denotes every military and civil action (Deuteronomy 31:2; 1 Samuel 18:13-16). Joshua’s obedience to divine guidance secures blessing for the nation. • Authority flows from submission: once Joshua hears God’s verdict through Eleazar, he issues commands with confidence (Joshua 1:10-11). • The whole congregation benefits when leaders and intercessors walk in harmony (Psalm 133:1-3; Hebrews 13:17). summary Numbers 27:21 portrays a three-way partnership: God speaks, the priest seeks, and the leader obeys. Joshua’s public dependence on Eleazar shows that genuine authority is rooted in submission to the Lord’s revealed will. When leaders, spiritual advisors, and the people align under God’s direction, the entire community can “go out and come in” with assurance and success. |
    |