Old Testament

Numbers 27:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God instructs that the new leader of Israel will work closely with Eleazar the priest.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written: Around 1400 BC
Genre: Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience: The Israelites in the wilderness

CBTClear Bible Translation

He will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him according to the judgment of Urim before the LORD. At his word, they will go out, and at his word, they will come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, the entire congregation.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God instructs that the new leader of Israel will work closely with Eleazar the priest. Eleazar will use the Urim, a sacred tool for divine guidance, to seek God's will for the people. This means that the leader's decisions will be based on God's direction, ensuring that the entire community follows God's plan. The phrase 'at his word they will go out and come in' signifies that the leader's authority is directly linked to God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of obedience and unity among the Israelites. This process highlights the role of spiritual leadership in making decisions that affect the whole congregation, ensuring that they remain aligned with God's intentions.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Numbers 27:21 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions. Just as the leader relied on Eleazar and the Urim, we should turn to prayer and scripture for direction in our lives. Trusting in God's wisdom fosters unity and purpose within our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Numbers 27:21 mean?

Numbers 27:21 explains that the new leader of Israel will consult Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim to seek God's guidance. This shows that the leader's decisions will be based on divine direction, ensuring the community follows God's plan.

What is the significance of the Urim in Numbers 27:21?

The Urim, mentioned in Numbers 27:21, is a sacred tool used by the priest to receive divine guidance. It signifies the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making for the community.

What does 'at his word they will go out and come in' mean in Numbers 27:21?

The phrase 'at his word they will go out and come in' indicates that the leader's authority is linked to God's guidance. It emphasizes the need for obedience and unity among the Israelites under the leader's direction.

How does Numbers 27:21 relate to leadership?

Numbers 27:21 highlights the role of spiritual leadership by showing that the leader must seek God's counsel through the priest. This underscores the importance of aligning decisions with divine guidance for the benefit of the community.

Book Summary

The Book of Numbers

Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders

The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

The tribe of Levi is not numbered with the others. The Levites are appointed over the tabernacle of testimony, its furniture, and everything that belongs to it. They are to carry it, set it up, take it down, and camp around it so wrath does not come on the congregation, while the other tribes camp by their own standards. Numbers 2: Camp Arrangement and Marching Order The LORD assigns the layout of Israel's camp around the tabernacle, with each tribe grouped under its standard. On the east side, Judah camps with Issachar and Zebulun, led by Nahshon, with a stated count for each tribe and a total for that side. On the south side, Reuben camps with Simeon and Gad, led by Elizur, with counts and a total. On the west side, Ephraim camps with Manasseh and Benjamin, led by Elishama, with counts and a total. On the north side, Dan camps with Asher and Naphtali, led by Ahiezer, with counts and a total. The Levites camp around the tabernacle in the center, and when Israel moves, the groups set out in the same order as they camp. Numbers 3: Levites Assigned and Firstborn Counted The record identifies Moses and Aaron and Aaron's sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Nadab and Abihu die before the LORD when they offer "strange fire," and Eleazar and Ithamar serve as priests under Aaron. The LORD sets the tribe of Levi apart, placing them under Aaron to serve in the tabernacle work on behalf of the children of Israel.

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