Joshua 17:4

KJV

And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came near {H7126} before {H6440} Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and before {H6440} Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and before {H6440} the princes {H5387}, saying {H559}, The LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872} to give {H5414} us an inheritance {H5159} among {H8432} our brethren {H251}. Therefore according to the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} he gave {H5414} them an inheritance {H5159} among {H8432} the brethren {H251} of their father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They approached El'azar the cohen, Y'hoshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, "ADONAI ordered Moshe to give us an inheritance together with our kinsmen." Therefore, in keeping with ADONAI's order, he gave them an inheritance together with the kinsmen of their father.

Berean Standard Bible

They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, Jehovah commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren: therefore according to the commandment of Jehovah he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 17:4 recounts the pivotal moment when the five daughters of Zelophehad approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal princes to claim their rightful inheritance in the Promised Land. Their appeal was based on a divine command given to Moses, ensuring that families without male heirs would not lose their portion of the land. This verse highlights the faithful execution of God's specific instructions by Israel's leaders, demonstrating divine justice and the meticulous fulfillment of covenant promises as the land of Canaan was being distributed among the tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 17:4 is situated within the broader narrative of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, specifically detailing the inheritance for the tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 17:1-13). This chapter follows the general principles of land allocation established in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance") and precedes the detailed geographical descriptions of tribal boundaries. The verse specifically addresses a unique legal precedent concerning the five daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah), who had no brothers. Their initial plea for an inheritance, a groundbreaking request in a patriarchal society, was brought before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation in the wilderness, as meticulously recorded in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters"). Joshua 17:4 thus serves as a powerful testament to the fulfillment of that divine decree under Joshua's leadership, decades after the initial command, underscoring the continuity of God's word and the leaders' obedience during the land distribution process.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, land inheritance was predominantly patrilineal, meaning property typically passed from father to son. Land was not merely an economic asset but was intrinsically linked to family identity, tribal affiliation, and the perpetuation of the family name. To lose one's land was to lose one's place and future within the community. The case of Zelophehad's daughters, therefore, presented a significant challenge to established norms. Their father had died in the wilderness without sons, leaving them vulnerable to losing their family's portion of the promised inheritance. God's ruling through Moses, granting them the right to inherit, was revolutionary, demonstrating a divine concern for justice and the preservation of family lines that transcended conventional societal structures. This ruling ensured that no family's portion of the covenant land would be lost simply due to the absence of male heirs, reflecting God's equitable nature and His commitment to the well-being of all His people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Command and Faithfulness**, explicitly stating, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance." This reiterates that the entire land distribution was not an arbitrary human decision but a direct fulfillment of God's specific, long-standing instructions. Joshua and Eleazar's actions demonstrate exemplary faithfulness in upholding this divine commandment, even years after its initial pronouncement. Secondly, the passage champions **Justice and Women's Inheritance Rights**. In a deeply patriarchal society, this case stands as a groundbreaking example of divine justice ensuring that women, in the absence of male heirs, could inherit property. This precedent, established in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Inheritance Laws"), ensured that family lines and their portions of the Promised Land would not be lost, reflecting God's profound concern for the vulnerable and for equitable distribution within the covenant community. Finally, it underscores **Leadership and Adherence to Law**. Joshua and Eleazar, as the primary spiritual and civil leaders, are depicted as diligently applying established laws and divine precedents. Their role was not merely to conquer but to fairly administer God's covenant promises, demonstrating righteous governance in the allocation of tribal territories, as seen throughout [Joshua 14-19](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14-19 - Division of the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** The Hebrew verb צָוָה (*tsavah*) signifies a strong, authoritative directive, an imperative that carries the full weight of the one giving the command. Its use here emphasizes that the decision regarding the daughters' inheritance was not a human invention or a matter of negotiation, but a direct, binding divine imperative from Yahweh Himself. This word underscores the absolute authority behind the land distribution and the leaders' obligation to obey.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥalâ'_):** The Hebrew noun נַחֲלָה (*naḥalâ*) is central to the theological framework of the book of Joshua. It refers to an allotted portion of land, a permanent, divinely-given possession that secures a family's future, identity, and place within the covenant community. More than just property, *naḥalâ* represents the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, signifying rest, security, and the tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes":** "They" refers to the five daughters of Zelophehad, who are explicitly named in the preceding verses of Joshua 17 and in Numbers 27. Their approach to Eleazar (the spiritual head), Joshua (the military and civil leader), and "the princes" (representatives of the tribes) signifies a formal, public appeal to the highest authorities in Israel. This demonstrates their courage and the legitimacy of their claim, seeking justice through the established channels of leadership.
* **"saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren":** This clause reveals the basis of their bold claim: a direct divine command previously given to Moses. They are not asking for a favor or a special exception based on their personal circumstances, but demanding the fulfillment of a divinely ordained right. The phrase "among our brethren" is crucial, indicating their desire for a full, integrated portion of the tribal land, not a separate or diminished allocation, ensuring their family's continuity within the larger clan of Manasseh.
* **"Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father":** This final clause confirms the immediate and righteous fulfillment of the daughters' request. The emphasis on "according to the commandment of the LORD" reiterates that the leaders' action was not arbitrary but a direct act of obedience to God's word. "He gave them" refers to Joshua and Eleazar, acting as God's agents, ensuring that the divine decree was meticulously carried out, thereby securing the daughters' portion within their ancestral tribal territory.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 17:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated emphasis on "the commandment of the LORD" and "inheritance among our brethren," reinforcing the divine authority behind the land distribution and the specific nature of the daughters' claim. This repetition serves to highlight the unwavering nature of God's word and the leaders' faithful adherence to it. The entire narrative surrounding Zelophehad's daughters, from Numbers 27 to Joshua 17, functions as a powerful example of **Foreshadowing** and **Fulfillment**. The initial divine ruling given to Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 27) directly foreshadows its concrete implementation under Joshua's leadership in the Promised Land. This demonstrates God's long-term faithfulness to His promises and the meticulous way in which His plans unfold. Furthermore, the passage showcases **Divine Mandate**, where human actions (the leaders' decision) are presented as direct obedience to a higher, divine authority, underscoring God's sovereignty over the land and its distribution. The establishment of a **Legal Precedent** is also a key literary and theological function, as this specific case set a standard for future inheritance disputes involving women without male heirs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:4 stands as a profound testament to God's character as a God of justice, equity, and meticulous faithfulness to His covenant promises. It reveals that God's concern for His people extends beyond broad national plans to the specific, individual circumstances of families, even challenging established societal norms to uphold what is righteous. The case of Zelophehad's daughters underscores that God's law is not rigid or uncaring, but is designed for the flourishing and well-being of all His people, ensuring that no one is unjustly disenfranchised. This divine intervention in inheritance law demonstrates God's active involvement in the daily lives of His people and His commitment to ensuring that His promises of land and blessing are fully realized for every family unit. It teaches us that true leadership involves not only conquest but also the diligent, compassionate, and faithful administration of God's revealed will.

* [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Original Plea and God's Ruling")
* [Numbers 36:1-12](/numbers/36-1 "Numbers 36:1-12 - Further Regulations on Inheritance and Marriage")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalms/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Division of the Land by Lot")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 17:4 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers and leaders. The courageous advocacy of Zelophehad's daughters serves as a powerful inspiration for seeking justice in our own contexts. Their persistence, rooted in a knowledge of God's character and His previous commands, led to a groundbreaking divine ruling that not only benefited them but also established a legal precedent for future generations. This reminds us that God is meticulous in His plans and cares deeply about the details of justice and provision, even in individual family circumstances. His commands are comprehensive and designed for the well-being of His people, challenging us to trust in His perfect wisdom and timing. Furthermore, the actions of Eleazar and Joshua exemplify faithful leadership that adheres rigorously to God's word and applies it fairly and impartially. True leadership involves upholding divine principles, ensuring that justice is served for all, regardless of their status, gender, or perceived vulnerability. This commitment to God's established law, even when it challenges human tradition, is a model for leaders in all spheres of life today, urging us to prioritize divine truth over societal convenience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the persistence of Zelophehad's daughters inspire us to seek justice and advocate for what is right in our own contexts, especially for the marginalized?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's meticulous care for individuals and specific circumstances within His broader redemptive plan?**
* **What lessons can modern leaders, both spiritual and secular, draw from Joshua and Eleazar's faithful adherence to divine command and their commitment to equitable administration?**

### FAQ
**Who were the daughters of Zelophehad and why was their case significant?**

Answer: The daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) were members of the tribe of Manasseh whose father had died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. In ancient Israel, land inheritance typically passed through male heirs. Their case was significant because they boldly approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation to request an inheritance for themselves, arguing that their family name should not be lost from their clan simply because their father had no sons. God heard their plea and, through Moses, issued a groundbreaking ruling that allowed daughters to inherit land in the absence of sons, setting a new legal precedent within Israelite law, as recorded in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters"). Joshua 17:4 shows the fulfillment of this divine command during the actual land distribution in Canaan.

**What does this verse teach us about God's justice?**

Answer: Joshua 17:4 powerfully demonstrates God's profound commitment to justice and equity. It reveals that God's justice is not limited by human traditions or societal norms, but actively intervenes to ensure fairness and prevent the vulnerable from being disenfranchised. By commanding that Zelophehad's daughters receive an inheritance, God showed that His concern extends to every family and individual, ensuring that the covenant promises of land and identity were fully realized. This passage teaches us that God's justice is compassionate, meticulous, and always seeks to uphold the dignity and well-being of His people, even if it means challenging the status quo. It underscores that true justice originates from God and is to be administered faithfully by His appointed leaders.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The inheritance of the land in Joshua finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ. Just as the daughters of Zelophehad received a tangible, physical portion of the Promised Land, securing their identity and future within Israel, so too believers are granted an eternal, spiritual inheritance through their union with Jesus Christ. This inheritance is not earned but is a gracious gift, "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The justice demonstrated in Joshua 17:4, where God intervenes to ensure the vulnerable receive their rightful portion, foreshadows the perfect righteousness and justice found in Christ, who, as the ultimate heir, shares His inheritance with all who believe ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The land provided a place of rest and security for Israel, but Christ offers the ultimate spiritual rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me and I Will Give You Rest")) and the promise of inheriting the earth for the meek ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")). Thus, Joshua 17:4 points us to the greater reality that in Christ, we receive a secure, eternal inheritance, rooted in God's faithfulness and administered by the perfect Son, who ensures that all His adopted children receive their full portion in His kingdom ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Numbers 27:5

And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.

Numbers 27:7

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.

Joshua 14:1

¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

Numbers 34:17

These [are] the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 34:29

These [are they] whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.