Numbers 27:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses describes the ideal leader as one who will guide Israel in war and peace like a shepherd.
The Context of Numbers 27:17
Moses describes the qualities needed in Israel's next leader.
What Does Numbers 27:17 Mean?
Moses pictures leadership in military and domestic terms: going out (to battle), coming in (returning home), leading out, and bringing in (bringing the people to their destination). These paired phrases cover all dimensions of a leader's duty—offense, defense, initiative, and care. The leader must be present at every critical moment.
The shepherd metaphor completes the picture. Without a shepherd, sheep scatter, become lost, and fall prey to danger. Israel, gathered at the edge of Canaan after forty years, needs a shepherd—not a tyrant or a distant figurehead, but someone present, vigilant, and devoted to the flock's welfare. This is Moses' final vision of what Israel requires.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 27:17
What does Numbers 27:17 mean?
Moses describes the ideal leader as one who will guide Israel in war and peace like a shepherd.
What is the context of Numbers 27:17?
Moses describes the qualities needed in Israel's next leader.