John Calvin Commentary Numbers 27:15

"And Moses spake unto Jehovah, saying," — Numbers 27:15 (ASV)

And Moses spoke. Moses here presents not only God’s providence in attending to the welfare of the people, but also his own zeal for them. Thus it appears how paternal his affection was for them, because he not only performed his duty towards them faithfully and earnestly, and spared no effort it cost him, even to the end of his life, but he also made provision for the future. He was anxious about a suitable successor, lest the people should remain without one, like a headless body.

We also perceive his humility, as he does not claim the right of appointment for himself, nor by his own authority submit the matter to the people's election, but establishes God as its sole arbiter.

Indeed, he was permitted to choose the officers, and this was a part of the political constitution. However, this was too difficult a task: to find by human judgment one who would be adequate for its performance. Consequently, it was necessary that the power should be entrusted to God alone, who indeed did not refuse to undertake it.

And this special reason carried much weight in such a difficult matter, namely, that the people should receive their leader from His hand, so that the supreme power would always remain vested in Himself. Therefore, just as He had chosen Moses in an extraordinary manner and had appointed him as His representative, so He continued the same grace in Joshua's case. Indeed, He had already designated him; but, out of modesty, Moses omits his name and simply prays that God would provide for His people.

The title with which he honors God relates to the matter in question. It is true, indeed, that God may often be called the God of the spirits of all flesh, and for another reason, in Numbers 16:22, Moses uses this expression. But he now alludes to this attribute, as if to say that there must be someone ready, and as it were in His hand, to be appointed, since He makes all men according to His own will.

Men are often mistaken and deceived in their opinions. Even if the Spirit of God enlightens them, they go no further than to discern the particular gift for which a person is distinguished. But God is not only the best judge of each person’s ability and aptitude, nor does He only penetrate to the inmost recesses of every heart. He also fashions and refashions the men whom He chooses as His ministers, supplying them with the abilities they require to be capable of bearing the burden.

We gather a useful lesson from this: namely, that when we are deprived of good rulers, they should be sought from the Maker Himself, whose special gift is the power of good government. And on this ground Moses calls Him not only the Creator of men, but “of all flesh,” and expressly refers to their “spirits.”

When he compares the people to sheep, it is to awaken compassion, so that God might be more inclined to appoint them a shepherd.