Numbers 27

In this chapter, we see the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses with a request concerning their inheritance. Their case sets a precedent in Israel for the rights of women in certain situations. Following this, God also tells Moses of his impending death and instructs him to appoint Joshua as his successor, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

Numbers 27:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
2 And they stood before Moses, before Eleazar the priest, and before the leaders and all the congregation, by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, saying:
3 “Our father died in the wilderness; but he was not in the company of those who gathered together against the Lord, in company with Korah, but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons.

The daughters of Zelophehad, descendants of Joseph through Manasseh, come forward to present their case. They clarify that their father died in the wilderness due to personal sin, not as part of the rebellious group led by Korah. Since he left no male heirs, they are concerned about their family’s inheritance. This moment is significant as it highlights a rare public request by women before the religious and community leaders of Israel, indicating a break in traditional customs.

Numbers 27:4 (NKJV)
4 Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father’s brothers.”

The daughters make a bold plea: they argue that their father's name and legacy should not disappear simply because he had no sons. They request that his inheritance be passed down to them, a rare move in a patriarchal society. Their appeal is not only for land but also for the continuation of their father’s name within the family line, showing their deep sense of justice and loyalty to their family.

Numbers 27:5 (NKJV)
5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord.

Moses takes the request of the daughters to the Lord, signifying that such a decision was beyond his authority and needed divine guidance. This reflects Moses' humility and reliance on God to determine matters of justice, especially when it involves issues that could set new legal precedents for the community.

Numbers 27:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.

God affirms that the daughters of Zelophehad are correct in their request. He instructs Moses to grant them the inheritance that would have gone to their father’s male relatives. This decision from God marks a groundbreaking moment in Israel’s legal system, ensuring that fairness and justice extend even to women when there are no male heirs.

Numbers 27:8-9 (NKJV)
8 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter.
9 If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers.

God establishes a new legal standard for inheritance. If a man has no sons, his daughters are entitled to the inheritance. If there are no daughters, the inheritance should go to his brothers. This ruling creates an orderly system for passing down land, ensuring that a family’s name and property are preserved even in the absence of male heirs.

Numbers 27:10-11 (NKJV)
10 If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers.
11 And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the relative closest to him in his family, and he shall possess it.’ ” And it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

The legal provision continues to address more scenarios. If a man has no brothers, the inheritance passes to his father’s brothers, and if none are available, the nearest male relative takes possession. This ensures that the property remains within the extended family. God’s directive here is intended to maintain the tribal and family structure in Israel, reinforcing the importance of preserving family inheritance.

Numbers 27:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Now the Lord said to Moses: “Go up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel.
13 And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered.

God instructs Moses to ascend Mount Abarim to view the Promised Land, which the Israelites will soon inherit. However, God reminds Moses that he will not enter the land due to his disobedience at Meribah. Instead, Moses is to die, as his brother Aaron did. This marks a bittersweet moment for Moses—he will see the land he has worked so hard to lead Israel to, but will not enter it.

Numbers 27:14 (NKJV)
14 For in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to hallow Me at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah, at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

God refers to the incident at Meribah where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it, as God had commanded. This act of rebellion prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land. The consequence of Moses’ actions serves as a reminder of the seriousness of leadership and obedience to God’s instructions.

Numbers 27:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying:
16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,
17 who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”

Moses, concerned for the future of Israel, asks God to appoint a new leader to guide the people after his death. He recognizes the need for a strong, capable leader to shepherd the Israelites through the final stage of their journey into the Promised Land. Moses' humility is evident as he seeks God's will for his successor, putting the people's needs before his own.

Numbers 27:18-19 (NKJV)
18 And the Lord said to Moses: “Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;
19 set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight.

God selects Joshua, who has already proven himself a faithful servant and leader. Joshua is filled with the Spirit, making him the ideal candidate to succeed Moses. God commands Moses to publicly affirm Joshua's leadership by laying hands on him, signifying the transfer of authority. This public inauguration ensures that all the people recognize Joshua as their new leader.

Numbers 27:20-21 (NKJV)
20 And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the Lord for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him—all the congregation.”

Moses is instructed to bestow some of his authority on Joshua to help the people transition to new leadership. Joshua will work closely with Eleazar the priest, who will seek divine guidance using the Urim. This ensures that Joshua’s leadership will be grounded in God’s will, and the people are expected to follow Joshua just as they did Moses.

Numbers 27:22-23 (NKJV)
22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation.
23 And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Moses obediently follows God’s instructions and publicly commissions Joshua before the priest and the entire congregation. By laying hands on Joshua, Moses transfers leadership, ensuring that the people know Joshua is God's chosen successor. This moment marks the official transition of power, preparing the nation for the next chapter in their journey under Joshua's leadership.