who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 17. Shepherd. Christ makes use of the same comparison. John 10:1. Kings are often styled shepherds in Homer. Moses begs that his successor may be enabled to conduct the multitude in both peace and war.—To go in and out, means to govern, (3 Kennicott. 3:7,) and includes all the occurrences of life. Acts 1:21. Psalms 120:8. Calmet.—Thus, temporal princes are the shepherds of the people. But they are not, on that account, supreme in spiritual causes. For here Josue only receives part of the glory of Moses, while Eleazar is appointed to consult the Lord for him, and to direct him in all matters of importance, verse 20. 21. Worthington.