Old Testament
Numbers 27:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
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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.
What Numbers 27:21 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Joshua Chosen to Lead (Numbers 27:12–23)
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Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
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