Numbers 27:21
New International Version
He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”

New Living Translation
When direction from the LORD is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the LORD—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.”

English Standard Version
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole congregation.”

Berean Standard Bible
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.”

King James Bible
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

New King James Version
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the LORD for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him—all the congregation.”

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out, and at his command they shall come in, both he and all the sons of Israel with him, all the congregation.”

NASB 1995
“Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”

NASB 1977
“Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh. At his command they shall go out, and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”

Amplified Bible
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the LORD for him by the judgment (decision) of the Urim. At Joshua’s command the people shall go out and at his command they shall come in, he and all the congregation of Israel with him.”

Christian Standard Bible
He will stand before the priest Eleazar who will consult the LORD for him with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, even the entire community, will go out and come back in at his command.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He will stand before Eleazar who will consult the LORD for him with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, even the entire community, will go out and come back in at his command.”

American Standard Version
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Jehovah: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

Contemporary English Version
But Joshua must depend on Eleazar to find out from me what I want him to do as he leads Israel into battle."

English Revised Version
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He will stand in front of the priest Eleazar, who will use the Urim to make decisions in the LORD's presence. At his command Joshua and the whole community of Israel will go into battle. And at his command they will return."

Good News Translation
He will depend on Eleazar the priest, who will learn my will by using the Urim and Thummim. In this way Eleazar will direct Joshua and the whole community of Israel in all their affairs."

International Standard Version
You are to make him stand in the presence of Eleazar the priest, who is to inquire on his behalf using the Urim in the presence of the LORD regarding a decision of judgment, because by his command he and all the Israelis with him will go out or come in."

Majority Standard Bible
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him?the entire congregation?will go out and come in.?

NET Bible
And he will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the decision of the Urim. At his command they will go out, and at his command they will come in, he and all the Israelites with him, the whole community."

New Heart English Bible
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

World English Bible
He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he stands before Eleazar the priest, and he has inquired before YHWH for him by the judgment of the Lights; at his word they go out, and at his word they come in, he and all the sons of Israel with him—even all the congregation.”

Young's Literal Translation
'And before Eleazar the priest he standeth, and he hath asked for him by the judgment of the Lights before Jehovah; at His word they go out, and at His word they come in; he, and all the sons of Israel with him, even all the company.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And before Eleazar the priest, he shall stand, and he asked for him in the judgment of the Lights before Jehovah: at his mouth they shall go out, and at his mouth they shall come in, he and all the sons of Israel with him, and all the assembly.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If any thing be to be done, Eleazar the priest shall consult the Lord for him. He and all the children of Israel with him, and the rest of the multitude shall go out and go in at his word.

Catholic Public Domain Version
On his behalf, if anything is to be done, Eleazar the priest shall consult the Lord. He, and all the sons of Israel with him, and the rest of the multitude, shall go out and enter in at his word.”

New American Bible
He shall present himself to Eleazar the priest, who will seek for him the decision of the Urim in the LORD’s presence; and as it directs, Joshua, all the Israelites with him, and the whole community will go out for battle; and as it directs, they will come in.

New Revised Standard Version
But he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the decision of the Urim before the LORD; at his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the Israelites with him, the whole congregation.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask for him after the ordinance of the law before the LORD; at his word they shall go out and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, the whole congregation.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he shall stand before Eliazer the Priest and he shall be inquiring the law of petition for him before LORD JEHOVAH; by the word of his mouth he shall be going out and by the word of his mouth he shall be entering, he and all the children of Israel with him and all of the assembly.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD; at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, and they shall ask of him before the Lord the judgment of the Urim: they shall go forth at his word, and at his word they shall come in, he and the children of Israel with one accord, and all the congregation.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Joshua to Succeed Moses
20Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him. 21He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him— the entire congregation— will go out and come in.” 22Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation,…

Cross References
Exodus 28:30
And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD.

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Samuel 23:9-12
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. ...

1 Samuel 30:7-8
Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, / and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.”

Joshua 9:14
Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.

Judges 20:18
The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied.

Judges 20:27-28
And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, / and Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served before it.) The Israelites asked, “Should we again go out to battle against our brothers the Benjamites, or should we stop?” The LORD answered, “Fight, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.”

1 Kings 22:5-7
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?”

2 Samuel 2:1
Some time later, David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” “Go up,” the LORD answered. Then David asked, “Where should I go?” “To Hebron,” replied the LORD.

2 Samuel 5:19
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.”

2 Samuel 5:23
So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, / and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

1 Chronicles 14:10
So David inquired of God, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go,” replied the LORD, “for I will deliver them into your hand.”

1 Chronicles 14:14
So David again inquired of God, who answered him, “Do not march up after them, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees.

Isaiah 30:1-2
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.


Treasury of Scripture

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

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Children Congregation Counsel Eleazar Elea'zar Inquire Israel Judgment Moreover Priest Stand Urim Word
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














He shall stand before Eleazar the priest
This phrase indicates the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the role of Eleazar, the high priest, in this process. Eleazar, son of Aaron, represents the priestly authority and spiritual guidance necessary for the Israelites. The standing before the priest signifies respect and acknowledgment of the priestly office, which serves as a mediator between God and the people.

who will seek counsel for him before the LORD
This emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in leadership decisions. Seeking counsel before the LORD underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's governance, where decisions are made not solely based on human wisdom but through divine revelation. This practice reflects the dependence on God for direction, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

by the judgment of the Urim
The Urim, along with the Thummim, were sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were likely stones or objects kept in the breastplate of the high priest. The use of the Urim signifies a direct and tangible method of receiving God's guidance, highlighting the seriousness and sacredness of the decision-making process.

At his command, he and all the Israelites with him
This phrase indicates the authority given to Joshua as the leader of Israel. His command is not just personal but extends to the entire nation, showing the unity and collective movement of the people under God's appointed leader. It reflects the hierarchical structure of leadership, with Joshua as the military and administrative head.

the entire congregation
The term "congregation" refers to the whole assembly of Israel, emphasizing the communal aspect of their journey and mission. It highlights the unity and collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, bound together by covenant and purpose.

will go out and come in
This expression is a Hebrew idiom for conducting daily affairs, including military campaigns and community activities. It signifies the comprehensive scope of Joshua's leadership, covering all aspects of life. This phrase also implies protection and provision, as going out and coming in safely is a sign of God's blessing and presence with His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, Eleazar served as the high priest after Aaron's death. He played a crucial role in seeking God's guidance for the Israelites.

2. Urim
A divinely ordained tool used by the high priest to discern God's will. The Urim, along with the Thummim, was used for making decisions and seeking divine guidance.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate authority and guide for the Israelites.

4. The Congregation of the Israelites
The collective body of the Israelite people, who were to follow the guidance received through Eleazar and the Urim.

5. Joshua
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Joshua is the leader who is to stand before Eleazar to receive God's guidance for leading the people.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance
God provides specific means for His people to seek His will. In the Old Testament, this was through the Urim and Thummim; today, it is through prayer, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.

Role of Spiritual Leaders
Just as Eleazar was instrumental in guiding the Israelites, spiritual leaders today are called to seek God's will and guide their congregations accordingly.

Community Obedience
The Israelites were to act as a community in obedience to God's direction. Similarly, the church today is called to unity and collective obedience to God's guidance.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's decisions, even when they come through human intermediaries, reflects faith in His sovereignty and wisdom.

Seeking God's Will
Believers are encouraged to actively seek God's will in their lives, trusting that He will provide guidance through His appointed means.(21) After the judgment of Urim . . . --See Exodus 28:30, and Note.

At his word . . . --i.e., Joshua and the children of Israel were to abide by the decision of the high priest, which was obtained by means of Urim and Thummim.

Verse 21. - He shall stand before Eleazar the priest. This points to the essential difference between Moses and Joshua, and all who came after until the "Prophet like unto" Moses was raised up. Moses was as much above the priests as he was above the tribe princes; but Joshua was only the civil and military head of the nation, and was as much subordinate to the high priest in one way as the high priest was subordinate to him in another. In after times no doubt the political headship quite overpowered and overshadowed the ecclesiastical, but this does not seem to have been so intended, or to have been the case in Eleazar's lifetime. Who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord. Rather, "who shall inquire for him in the judgment of Urim." בְּמִשְׁפַט הָאוּרִים. Septuagint, τὴν κρίσιν τῶν δήλων. The Urim of this passage and of 1 Samuel 28:6 seems identical with the Urim and Thummim of Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8. What it actually was, and how it was used in con-suiting God, is not told us in Scripture, and has left no reliable trace in the tradition of the Jews; it must, therefore, remain for ever an insoluble mystery. It does not appear that Moses ever sought the judgment of Urim, for he possessed more direct means of ascertaining the will of God; nor does it seem ever to have been resorted to after the time of David, for the "more sure word of prophecy" superseded it. Its real use, therefore, belonged to the dark ages of Israel, after the light of Moses had set, and before the light of the prophets had arisen. At his word. Literally, after his mouth, i.e., according to the decision of Eleazar, given after consulting God by means of the Urim (cf. Joshua 9:14; Judges 1:1).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He shall stand
יַעֲמֹ֔ד (ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

before
וְלִפְנֵ֨י (wə·lip̄·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

Eleazar
אֶלְעָזָ֤ר (’el·‘ā·zār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 499: Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites

the priest,
הַכֹּהֵן֙ (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

who will seek counsel
וְשָׁ֥אַל (wə·šā·’al)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

for him
ל֛וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

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

by the judgment
בְּמִשְׁפַּ֥ט (bə·miš·paṭ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

of the Urim.
הָאוּרִ֖ים (hā·’ū·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 224: Part of the high priest's breastplate

At
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his command
פִּ֨יו (pîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

he
ה֛וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the Israelites
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

with him,
אִתּ֖וֹ (’it·tōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the entire
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

congregation,
הָעֵדָֽה׃ (hā·‘ê·ḏāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

will go out
יֵצְא֜וּ (yê·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

and come in.”
יָבֹ֗אוּ (yā·ḇō·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


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OT Law: Numbers 27:21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest (Nu Num.)
Numbers 27:20
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