Numbers 27:12-23
The LORD now talks with His servant Moses about the end of his career. Because of his mistake at the waters of Meribah, he will not be permitted to bring the people into the land. What at once troubles the man of God is that Israel could find themselves without a leader. Instead of thinking of himself, he intercedes yet again for the people, asking that they should not be like sheep without a shepherd (v. 17). The same thought occupied the heart of the Lord Jesus. Consider Him in Matthew 9:36 "moved with compassion" towards the multitude "because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd". Moreover, was He not in their midst, the Good Shepherd Himself? But they did not want Him.
In reply to Moses’ request, the LORD designates Joshua, "a man in whom is the spirit". Inside the tabernacle, this man has learnt from his youth to know the LORD (Exodus 33:11). Afterwards he faithfully fulfilled a mission of trust: the exploration of the land. Finally, as Moses before him, Joshua has been trained for forty years in the wilderness school, the long school of patience. Only then does God call him for the service He has reserved for him: to lead the people into Canaan.