Numbers 27:15-20
27:15 Moses [now 120 years old (Deut. 31:2; 34:7); did not grumble because he would not be permitted to enter the promised land; more concerned for the people than for himself; leaders must see to it that the next generation is equipped to carry on God’s work (2 Tim. 2:2)] said to the LORD,

27:16 “May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind [expression emphasized the sovereignty of God over all people], appoint [Moses left the appointment of a successor to God, who alone knew the inner qualities demanded for the task of leading His people into the promised land; the choice to select or elect a leader was not left to the people] a man [a leader] over [Moses’ main concern was that God provide a spiritual leader] this community [the people of Israel]

27:17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in [expressions refer to presiding over/directing activities of the people], so the LORD’S people will not be like sheep without a shepherd [thus wander aimlessly].”

27:18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take [imperative] Joshua [one of the faithful spies] son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit [divine endowment for leadership], and lay your hand on him [a visual representation of the transfer of leadership/power from Moses to Joshua].

ABOUT JOSHUA

27:19 Have him stand before Eleazar [Aaron’s son and successor (Num. 20:22-29)] the priest and the entire assembly and commission [command] him in their presence [read Deut. 31:7-8].

27:20 Give him some [indicates the transfer of leadership was to be done on a gradual basis while Moses was still alive; Joshua was a servant before he was a leader; “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” (Aristotle)] of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.