(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
ADONAI answered Moshe,
and the LORD answered him,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the LORD{H3068} spake{H559} unto Moses{H4872}, saying{H559},
**Numbers 27:6**
**Themes:**
1. **Inheritance Rights:** The verse is part of a narrative that addresses the issue of inheritance rights for women in a patriarchal society. It challenges the existing norms by considering the case of Zelophehad's daughters, who had no brothers and thus were at risk of losing their father's inheritance.
2. **Gender Equality:** This passage is significant for its time as it presents a progressive stance on gender, suggesting that daughters should have the same inheritance rights as sons in the absence of male heirs.
3. **Divine Justice and Fairness:** The Lord's response to Moses indicates a concern for fairness and justice, emphasizing that inheritance should not solely be determined by gender but also by kinship and rightful claim.
4. **Legal Precedent:** The ruling set a legal precedent in Israelite society, influencing later laws regarding property and inheritance rights.
**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The events recorded in Numbers occur during the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land. This period is characterized by the formation of Israel's legal and social structures.
- **Societal Structure:** Israelite society at this time was predominantly patriarchal, with inheritance typically passing from father to son. The case of Zelophehad's daughters was exceptional and required divine intervention to resolve.
- **Legal Development:** The legal system of the Israelites was in its formative stages, with many laws being given directly by God to Moses, who then communicated them to the people. This verse reflects the development of a more equitable legal framework concerning property rights.
In summary, Numbers 27:6 is part of a passage that deals with a pivotal moment in the development of Israelite law, advocating for fairness and gender equality in the context of inheritance rights, which was a significant departure from the norms of contemporary societies.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)