Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

NUMBERS 27:17KJV
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Numbers 27:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 27:17 mean?

Numbers 27:17 describes the need for a leader who will guide the people of Israel in all their movements, so that the community is not left directionless, like sheep without a shepherd. The verse emphasizes the importance of leadership for the well-being and unity of the congregation.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to God, asking Him to appoint someone to lead the Israelites after Moses is gone. The language paints a picture of a leader who goes out and comes in before the people, showing both public leadership and personal involvement. The comparison to sheep without a shepherd highlights the vulnerability and need for guidance among the people if no leader is provided.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 27:17

  • "Out" (יָצָא, yatsa): This word means to go out or depart. Here, it refers to a leader who actively leads the people out, likely in terms of both daily life and in battle.
  • "Before" (פָּנִים, panim): This word means "in front of" or "before." The repetition stresses that the leader is visible and present, not hidden or distant.
  • "In" (בּוֹא, bo): This means to come in or enter. The pairing with "go out" covers all aspects of movement and leadership, both leaving and returning.
  • "Congregation" (עֵדָה, edah): This word refers to the whole assembly or community of Israel, underlining that the request is for the benefit of everyone, not just a select group.
  • "Sheep" (צֹאן, tson) and "Shepherd" (רָעָה, ra'ah): These words create a vivid image of care and guidance. Without a shepherd, sheep are scattered and lost, so the leader’s role is to provide direction and protection.

Why Numbers 27:17 matters

  • Numbers 27:17 clarifies that leadership in Israel was not just about authority but about personal involvement and care, much like a shepherd with sheep.
  • The verse shows Moses’ concern for the people’s future, connecting his leadership to God’s ongoing provision for Israel.
  • This request sets the stage for Joshua’s appointment, highlighting the transition of leadership and God’s faithfulness to the community.

Where else these words appear

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

“shepherd” Hebrew H7462 · used in 144 verses

  • Genesis 4:2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
  • Psalms 49:14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
  • Jeremiah 33:12 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.