TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 27:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Mention is made of the case of these daughters of Zelophehad in the chapter before, v. 33. It should seem, by the particular notice taken of it, that it was a singular case, and that the like did not at this time occur in all Israel, that the head of a family had no sons, but daughters only. Their case is again debated (Num 36:1-13) upon another article of it; and, according to the judgments given in their case, we find them put in possession, Jos 17:3, Jos 17:4. One would suppose that their personal character was such as added weight to their case, and caused it to be so often taken notice of.
Here is, I. Their case stated by themselves, and their petition upon it presented to the highest court of judicature, which consisted of Moses as king, the princes as lords, and the congregation, or elders of the people who were chose their representatives, as the commons, Num 27:2. This august assembly sat near the door of the tabernacle, that in difficult cases they might consult the oracle. To them these young ladies made their application; for it is the duty of magistrates to defend the fatherless, Psa 82:3. We find not that the had any advocate to speak for them, but they managed their own cause ingeniously enough, which they could do the better because it was plain and honest, and spoke for itself. Now observe,
1.What it is they petition for: That they might have a possession in the land of Canaan, among the brethren of their father, Num 27:4. What God had said to Moses (Num 26:53) he had faithfully made known to the people, that the land of Canaan was to be divided among those that were now numbered; these daughters knew that they were not numbered, and therefore by this rule must expect no inheritance, and the family of their father must be looked upon as extinct, and written childless, though he had all these daughters: this they thought hard, and therefore prayed to be admitted heirs to their father, and to have an inheritance in his right. If they had had a brother, they would not have applied to Moses (as one did to Christ, Luk 12:13) for an order to inherit with him. But, having no brother, they beg for a possession. Herein they discovered,
(1.)A strong faith in the power and promise of God concerning the giving of the land of Canaan to Israel. Though it was yet unconquered, untouched, and in the full possession of the natives, yet they petition for their share in it as if it were all their own already. See Psa 60:6, Psa 60:7, God has spoken in his holiness, and the Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mane.
(2.)An earnest desire of a place and name in the land of promise, which was a type of heaven; and if they had, as some think, an eye to that, and by this claim laid hold on eternal life, they were five wise virgins indeed; and their example should quicken us with all possible diligence to make sure our title to the heavenly inheritance, in the disposal of which, by the covenant of grace, no difference is made between male and female, Gal 3:28.
(3.)A true respect and honour for their father, whose name was dear and precious to them now that he was gone, and they were therefore solicitous that it should not be done away from among his family. There is a debt which children owe to the memory of their parents, required by the fifth commandment: Honour thy father and mother.
2.What their plea is: That their father did not die under any attainder which might be thought to have corrupted his blood and forfeited his estate, but he died in his own sin (Num 27:3), not engaged in any mutiny or rebellion against Moses, particularly not in that of Korah and his company, nor in any way concerned in the sins of others, but chargeable only with the common iniquities of mankind, for which to his own Master he was to stand or fall, but laid not himself open to any judicial process before Moses and the princes. He was never convicted of any thing that might be a bar to his children's claim. It is a comfort to parents, when they come to die, if, though they smart themselves for their own sin, yet they are not conscious to themselves of any of those iniquities which God visits upon the children.
II.Their case determined by the divine oracle.
Moses did not presume to give judgment himself, because, though their pretensions seemed just and reasonable, yet his express orders were to divide the land among those that were numbered, who were the males only; he therefore brings their cause before the Lord, and waits for his decision (Num 27:5), and God himself gives the judgment upon it. He takes cognizance of the affairs, not only of nations, but of private families, and orders them in judgment, according to the counsel of his own will.
1.The petition is granted (Num 27:7): They speak right, give them a possession. Those that seek an inheritance in the land of promise shall have what they seek, and other things shall be added to them. These are claims which God will countenance and crown.
2.The point is settled for all future occasions. These daughters of Zelophehad consulted, not only their own comfort and the credit of their family, but the honour and happiness of their sex likewise; for on this particular occasion a general law was made that, in case a man had no son, his estate should go to his daughters (Num 27:8); not to the eldest, as the eldest son, but to them all in copartnership, share and share alike. Those that in such a case deprive their daughters of their right, purely to keep up the name of their family, unless a valuable consideration be allowed them, may make the entail of their lands surer than the entail of a blessing with them. Further directions are given for the disposal of inheritances, Num 27:9-11. "If a man have no issue at all, his estate shall go to his brethren; if no brethren, then to his father's brethren; and, if there be no such, then to his next kinsman." With this the rules of our law exactly agree: and though the Jewish doctors here will have it understood that if a man have no children his estate shall go to his father, if living, before his brethren, yet there is nothing of that in the law, and our common law has an express rule against it, That an estate cannot ascend lineally; so that if a person purchase lands in fee-simple, and die without issue in the life-time of his father, his father cannot be his heir. See how God makes heirs, and in his disposal we must acquiesce.
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Summary
Numbers 27:10 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic law, meticulously detailing the third tier of succession for land inheritance in ancient Israel when a man dies without direct male or female descendants or immediate brothers. It specifies that in such a scenario, the deceased's inheritance, particularly their allotted portion of the Promised Land, is to be transferred to his paternal uncles, ensuring the continuity of family lineage and the preservation of tribal land holdings within the broader patrilineal structure.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of a broader divine decree concerning land inheritance, directly following the groundbreaking case of Zelophehad's daughters. Their father died in the wilderness without male heirs, prompting them to petition Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders, fearing their family's name and land portion would be lost. God affirmed their plea in Numbers 27:7, establishing a new legal precedent allowing daughters to inherit. This specific case then led to a comprehensive divine outline of the full order of inheritance, starting from Numbers 27:8, with verse 10 addressing a specific contingency within this systematic framework.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally patrilineal, with lineage and inheritance typically passing through the male line. Land was not merely property but a sacred trust, a tangible manifestation of God's covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). The tribal land allotments, as detailed in Numbers 26:55 and later implemented in Joshua, were foundational to Israel's identity, economic stability, and connection to the covenant. The meticulous rules for inheritance, including this verse, were designed to prevent the fragmentation or loss of tribal land and to ensure that every family maintained its stake in the Promised Land, thereby preserving its name and legacy for generations.
Key Themes
The detailed inheritance laws in Numbers 27, including verse 10, underscore several key themes. Firstly, Divine Justice and Equity are paramount, as God meticulously provides for fairness, even in complex family situations, ensuring that no family's legacy is unjustly lost. Secondly, the Preservation of Family Lineage and Land is a core principle, as the detailed order of succession prevents family portions from being absorbed by other lines, reinforcing tribal identity and cohesion. This is further emphasized in Numbers 36, which addresses the potential for land to transfer between tribes through marriage. Thirdly, the Order and Structure in Law is highlighted, demonstrating the comprehensive and systematic nature of the Mosaic Law, which provided clear guidelines for various eventualities concerning property rights and succession, reflecting divine wisdom in governance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H5159) refers to an inherited possession, most frequently land, which was considered a permanent, God-given stake in the Promised Land. Beyond mere property, it signified a lasting legacy, a connection to one's tribal and family identity, and a share in the covenant promises. It was the physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His people.
This word (H251), used for 'brothers' in the verse, signifies not just immediate siblings but can encompass wider kinship or affinity. In this context, it refers to the deceased's direct brothers, forming a critical tier in the succession hierarchy. Its broader meaning highlights the communal and familial nature of Israelite society and the importance of keeping resources within the extended family.
This foundational term (H1) refers to the male head of a family or lineage. In the phrase "father's brethren," it specifically points to the paternal line, emphasizing that the inheritance remains within the deceased's father's side of the family, specifically his uncles. This underscores the patrilineal structure and the preservation of the ancestral name and land.
Verse Breakdown
"And if he have no brethren"
This clause establishes a specific condition within the broader inheritance law. Following the provisions for sons, daughters, and then brothers (as outlined in Numbers 27:8-9), this phrase addresses the scenario where the deceased male has no living brothers who could inherit. It signifies a further step down the established hierarchy of succession, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the legal framework.
"then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father's brethren"
This second clause provides the direct legal instruction for the condition set forth. If the deceased has no sons, daughters, or brothers, the inheritance is to be passed to his paternal uncles. This ensures that the family's land and legacy remain within the extended patrilineal family, preventing its dispersal outside the immediate kinship group and maintaining the integrity of the tribal land distribution.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Legal Formulation, characteristic of the Mosaic Law, presenting a clear, concise, and prescriptive rule for a specific contingency. It is part of a Cascading Clause structure (or "case law"), where a primary rule is established, and then subsequent clauses address increasingly specific or exceptional circumstances, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various eventualities. This systematic approach reflects the divine wisdom in providing an exhaustive legal framework for the nascent nation. Furthermore, the emphasis on "father's brethren" highlights the Patrilineal Emphasis, underscoring the societal structure and the importance of maintaining lineage and land within the male family line, even when direct heirs are absent.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 27:10, as part of the broader inheritance laws, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous concern for justice, order, and the well-being of His people. It reveals a God who is not distant from the practicalities of human life but actively provides frameworks for a stable and equitable society, even down to the intricacies of property rights. This divine attention to detail ensures that every family, regardless of its specific circumstances, has a secure place and a lasting legacy within the covenant community, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises of land and blessing. The law's adaptability, first demonstrated by the case of Zelophehad's daughters, and then extended to cover various scenarios, showcases God's dynamic wisdom in applying unchanging principles of justice to diverse situations.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 27:10, though rooted in ancient Israelite legal specifics, offers timeless principles for reflection. It reminds us that God is concerned with justice and order in all aspects of life, even those that might seem mundane or purely legal. His provision of detailed frameworks for a just and stable society encourages believers to seek and uphold justice in their own communities and interactions, recognizing that God's character is reflected in equitable dealings. While modern inheritance laws differ, the underlying principle of valuing family legacy, ensuring provision for future generations, and maintaining a sense of belonging remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the long-term impact of our decisions and how we can contribute to the stability and flourishing of our families and communities, reflecting God's own meticulous care. It also highlights the adaptability of divine principles: God's law, while firm, was also capable of expansion and application to new circumstances, demonstrating that faithfulness to God's character (justice, equity) can lead to wise and compassionate solutions in evolving situations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was land inheritance so critically important in ancient Israelite society?
Land inheritance was paramount in ancient Israel for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, a physical manifestation of their identity as God's chosen people and their right to dwell in the Promised Land (Genesis 12:7). Secondly, land was the primary source of economic stability and sustenance, ensuring a family's livelihood and preventing poverty. Thirdly, it was intrinsically linked to tribal identity and lineage; a family's portion of land was their permanent stake in their tribe, preserving their name and legacy for future generations. The detailed laws, including Numbers 27:10, were designed to prevent the fragmentation or loss of these ancestral holdings, thereby maintaining the social, economic, and spiritual fabric of the nation.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 27:10, with its focus on earthly inheritance and the meticulous preservation of lineage and land, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Christ. While the Old Testament law secured a physical inheritance in the Promised Land, Christ is the ultimate heir through whom believers receive a far greater, eternal inheritance. He is the "firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29), and through faith in Him, we become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). The earthly land, a temporary possession, foreshadows the spiritual blessings and the "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). Just as the law ensured a place and a name for every Israelite family, Christ secures for us an eternal dwelling and a new identity as children of God, guaranteeing our spiritual legacy. He is the mediator of a "new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance" (Hebrews 9:15). The detailed care for earthly provision in Numbers 27:10 points to the even more profound and perfect provision God has made for our spiritual and eternal future in His Son.