Numbers 27: Inheritance, Leadership, and God's Provision
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.
And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.
And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.
And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren.
And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the Lord commanded Moses.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying,
Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.
Numbers 27 unveils two significant themes: inheritance rights for women and the crucial transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. These narratives highlight God's justice, compassion, and foresight in providing for His people's needs, both materially and spiritually, as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. This chapter is a testament to God's meticulous planning and unwavering care for Israel.
The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-11)
The chapter opens with a unique legal challenge. As the Israelites prepared to allocate tribal lands based on the casting of lots, a problem arose. Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, had died without a son, leaving behind five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (Numbers 27:1). Under the existing laws of inheritance, which favored male lineage, these women faced a precarious future. Without a male heir, the family's property would likely be lost, leaving them vulnerable.
These daughters, demonstrating remarkable courage and foresight, approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Numbers 27:2). They presented their case, arguing that their father's name should not be erased from his clan simply because he had no son. They were careful to clarify that their father's death was due to his own sin, but he was not involved in Korah's rebellion(Numbers 27:3). This distinction was important because involvement in Korah's rebellion would have carried a severe stigma and potentially jeopardized their claim. Their argument was essentially, "Why should our father's name be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives" (Numbers 27:4).
Moses, recognizing the gravity and complexity of the situation, brought their case before the Lord (Numbers 27:5). God, in His wisdom and justice, affirmed the daughters' request. He established a new legal precedent, decreeing that if a man dies without a son, his inheritance should pass to his daughter(s) (Numbers 27:6-8). This landmark decision not only addressed the immediate needs of Zelophehad's daughters but also set a precedent for future generations, underscoring God's concern for the well-being and rights of women in Israelite society. God went even further, outlining a detailed system for inheritance in the absence of sons or daughters, extending the line to brothers, uncles, and finally, the nearest relative (Numbers 27:9-11). This meticulous provision demonstrates God's thoroughness and commitment to justice in matters of inheritance.
The Appointment of Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23)
As Israel stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land, God directed His attention to the critical matter of succession. The time had come to appoint a leader to succeed Moses, who, due to his disobedience at Meribah-kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13), would not be permitted to enter Canaan. God instructed Moses to ascend Mount Nebo in the Abarim range, from which he could gaze upon the land promised to the Israelites (Numbers 27:12). This panoramic view served as both a reward for Moses's faithful service and a poignant reminder of the consequence of his sin. God explicitly stated that Moses would not enter the land because he and Aaron rebelled against God at Meribah-kadesh by angrily striking the rock instead of speaking to it, thereby failing to uphold God’s holiness before the people (Numbers 27:14).
Remarkably, Moses did not plead for a second chance or dwell on his disappointment. Instead, his immediate concern was for the well-being of the people he had led for so long. He prayed, "May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd" (Numbers 27:15-17). Moses's selfless prayer reveals his deep love for his people and his unwavering commitment to their welfare, even in the face of his own personal disappointment. He understood the importance of strong, compassionate leadership to guide the Israelites through the challenges that lay ahead.
God, in response to Moses's prayer, revealed His chosen successor: Joshua, son of Nun, a man "in whom is the Spirit" (Numbers 27:18). Joshua was already a respected figure among the Israelites, known for his courage, loyalty, and close association with Moses. God instructed Moses to publicly commission Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire community (Numbers 27:19). This commissioning involved the symbolic transfer of authority, as Moses was to lay his hand on Joshua and give him some of his authority so the whole Israelite community would obey him (Numbers 27:20).
Furthermore, God established a system of checks and balances to ensure that Joshua would lead with wisdom and discernment. Joshua was to rely on Eleazar the priest, who would inquire of the Lord through the Urim, to determine God's will in matters of importance (Numbers 27:21). This collaborative leadership model emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance and working together for the common good. Moses faithfully carried out God's instructions, publicly commissioning Joshua and entrusting him with the leadership of Israel (Numbers 27:22-23). This seamless transition of power ensured the continuity of God's plan for His people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Numbers 27 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice, compassion, and provision. It highlights His concern for the marginalized, His commitment to righteous leadership, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and guidance in all areas of our lives, knowing that He will always provide for our needs, both materially and spiritually.
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,
Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.
And Moses brought their cause before the Lord.
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.
And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.
And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren.
And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the Lord commanded Moses.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.
For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying,
Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.
Numbers 27 unveils two significant themes: inheritance rights for women and the crucial transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. These narratives highlight God's justice, compassion, and foresight in providing for His people's needs, both materially and spiritually, as they stand on the threshold of the Promised Land. This chapter is a testament to God's meticulous planning and unwavering care for Israel.
The Daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-11)
The chapter opens with a unique legal challenge. As the Israelites prepared to allocate tribal lands based on the casting of lots, a problem arose. Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, had died without a son, leaving behind five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (Numbers 27:1). Under the existing laws of inheritance, which favored male lineage, these women faced a precarious future. Without a male heir, the family's property would likely be lost, leaving them vulnerable.
These daughters, demonstrating remarkable courage and foresight, approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the tent of meeting (Numbers 27:2). They presented their case, arguing that their father's name should not be erased from his clan simply because he had no son. They were careful to clarify that their father's death was due to his own sin, but he was not involved in Korah's rebellion(Numbers 27:3). This distinction was important because involvement in Korah's rebellion would have carried a severe stigma and potentially jeopardized their claim. Their argument was essentially, "Why should our father's name be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives" (Numbers 27:4).
Moses, recognizing the gravity and complexity of the situation, brought their case before the Lord (Numbers 27:5). God, in His wisdom and justice, affirmed the daughters' request. He established a new legal precedent, decreeing that if a man dies without a son, his inheritance should pass to his daughter(s) (Numbers 27:6-8). This landmark decision not only addressed the immediate needs of Zelophehad's daughters but also set a precedent for future generations, underscoring God's concern for the well-being and rights of women in Israelite society. God went even further, outlining a detailed system for inheritance in the absence of sons or daughters, extending the line to brothers, uncles, and finally, the nearest relative (Numbers 27:9-11). This meticulous provision demonstrates God's thoroughness and commitment to justice in matters of inheritance.
The Appointment of Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23)
As Israel stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land, God directed His attention to the critical matter of succession. The time had come to appoint a leader to succeed Moses, who, due to his disobedience at Meribah-kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13), would not be permitted to enter Canaan. God instructed Moses to ascend Mount Nebo in the Abarim range, from which he could gaze upon the land promised to the Israelites (Numbers 27:12). This panoramic view served as both a reward for Moses's faithful service and a poignant reminder of the consequence of his sin. God explicitly stated that Moses would not enter the land because he and Aaron rebelled against God at Meribah-kadesh by angrily striking the rock instead of speaking to it, thereby failing to uphold God’s holiness before the people (Numbers 27:14).
Remarkably, Moses did not plead for a second chance or dwell on his disappointment. Instead, his immediate concern was for the well-being of the people he had led for so long. He prayed, "May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd" (Numbers 27:15-17). Moses's selfless prayer reveals his deep love for his people and his unwavering commitment to their welfare, even in the face of his own personal disappointment. He understood the importance of strong, compassionate leadership to guide the Israelites through the challenges that lay ahead.
God, in response to Moses's prayer, revealed His chosen successor: Joshua, son of Nun, a man "in whom is the Spirit" (Numbers 27:18). Joshua was already a respected figure among the Israelites, known for his courage, loyalty, and close association with Moses. God instructed Moses to publicly commission Joshua before Eleazar the priest and the entire community (Numbers 27:19). This commissioning involved the symbolic transfer of authority, as Moses was to lay his hand on Joshua and give him some of his authority so the whole Israelite community would obey him (Numbers 27:20).
Furthermore, God established a system of checks and balances to ensure that Joshua would lead with wisdom and discernment. Joshua was to rely on Eleazar the priest, who would inquire of the Lord through the Urim, to determine God's will in matters of importance (Numbers 27:21). This collaborative leadership model emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance and working together for the common good. Moses faithfully carried out God's instructions, publicly commissioning Joshua and entrusting him with the leadership of Israel (Numbers 27:22-23). This seamless transition of power ensured the continuity of God's plan for His people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Numbers 27 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice, compassion, and provision. It highlights His concern for the marginalized, His commitment to righteous leadership, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises. As we reflect on this chapter, we are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and guidance in all areas of our lives, knowing that He will always provide for our needs, both materially and spiritually.