Numbers 27:15

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 27:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Moses spake unto Jehovah, saying,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Moses spake unto Jehovah, saying,
Numbers 27:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 27

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And Moses spake unto Jehovah, saying,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Moses spake unto the Lord, etc.] Having requested to go into the land and see it, which was denied him; and perceiving he must quickly die, and being a man of a public spirit, and concerned for the welfare of the people of Israel, prays that a successor might be nominated and appointed: saying; as follows.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Moses spake unto the Lord - Concerning his successor. We should concern ourselves both in our prayers and in our endeavours for the rising generation, that God's kingdom may be advanced among men, when we are in our graves. Numbers 27:16”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“27:15-17 Israel was on the threshold of a long battle for Canaan; Moses did not want them to flounder without a leader or lose their way like sheep without a shepherd (cp. 1 Kgs 22:17; Ezek 34:5; Matt 9:36).”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Consecration of Joshua as the Successor of Moses. - Num 27:15-17. The announcement thus made to Moses led him to entreat the Lord to appoint a leader of His people, that the congregation might not be like a flock without a shepherd. As "God of the spirits of all flesh," i.e., as the giver of life and breath to all creatures (see at Num 16:22), he asks Jehovah to appoint a man over the congregation, who should go out and in before them, and should lead them out and in, i.e., preside over and direct them in all their affairs. ובוא צאת ("go out," and "go in") is a description of the conduct of men in every-day life ( Deu 28:6; Deu 31:2; Jos 14:11). והביא הוציא ("lead out," and "bring in")…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification