Numbers 27:18

a man in whom is(om. -the") spirit An influence proceeding from God already dwells in him. This was not the frenzied spirit of prophecy (Numbers 11:25 f.) but as in Deuteronomy 34:9 -the spirit of wisdom," prudence, capacity.

and lay thine hand upon him This action has more than one significance in the O.T. For the meaning in Numbers 8:10 see note there. In Genesis 48:14 it accompanies a solemn blessing; here it symbolizes the handing on of Moses" office to Joshua. In later Jewish times it was employed in admitting a person to the position of Rabbi. And in the Christian Church it remains to this day as the apostolic rite of ordination (cf. Acts 6:6; Act 13:3; 1 Timothy 3:14; 2 Timothy 1:6), in which all three meanings blessing, succession to office, and authority to teach are combined.