Numbers 27:2

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

And they stood {H5975} before {H6440} Moses {H4872}, and before {H6440} Eleazar {H499} the priest {H3548}, and before {H6440} the princes {H5387} and all the congregation {H5712}, by the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

They stood in front of Moshe, El'azar the cohen, the leaders and the whole community at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said,

Berean Standard Bible

the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said,

American Standard Version

And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, at the door of the tent of meeting, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:2 vividly sets the stage for a landmark legal petition in ancient Israel, depicting the five daughters of Zelophehad standing before the highest authorities—Moses, Eleazar the priest, the tribal princes, and the entire congregation—at the very entrance of the Tabernacle. This public and formal presentation underscores the gravity and unprecedented nature of their plea for inheritance rights, challenging established patriarchal norms and seeking divine intervention in a matter of profound communal and personal significance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the introduction of the five daughters of Zelophehad in [Numbers 27:1](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1 - The Daughters of Zelophehad"). Their father, Zelophehad, had died in the wilderness without sons, which, under the prevailing patriarchal inheritance laws, would mean his family line would forfeit its portion of the Promised Land. The daughters, driven by a desire to preserve their father’s name and legacy, courageously step forward to challenge this custom. Their bold action in approaching the highest legal and spiritual authorities initiates a crucial legal precedent that not only secures their own inheritance but also establishes a new principle for future generations, as further detailed in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Additional Inheritance Laws"). The narrative here highlights a moment where existing law is not merely applied but expanded and refined through divine revelation in response to a specific, just appeal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many in the ancient Near East, was predominantly patriarchal, with land inheritance typically passing through the male line. Land was not merely property but a foundational element of tribal identity, economic security, and covenantal blessing, ensuring the perpetuation of family names and legacies within their allotted territories. The "tabernacle of the congregation" (or Tent of Meeting) was the central place of worship, divine revelation, and judicial proceedings, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Standing "by the door" signified a public forum where important communal matters were addressed. Moses served as the supreme civil and judicial authority, Eleazar as the chief spiritual leader, and the princes represented the tribal leadership, making this assembly the highest court of appeal in Israel. The public nature of their petition at such a sacred and authoritative venue emphasized its seriousness and the daughters' conviction in the righteousness of their cause.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 27:2 introduces several pivotal themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Justice and Inheritance Rights**, demonstrating a divine willingness to adapt and clarify law to ensure equitable distribution of the covenantal land, even challenging traditional gender-based norms for the sake of fairness and the preservation of family lines. Secondly, it underscores **Access to Leadership and Advocacy**, showing that individuals, even those without conventional power, could directly approach the highest civil and spiritual authorities to seek redress for grievances. This act of bold, yet respectful, petitioning exemplifies the importance of seeking righteous counsel and advocating for the marginalized. Finally, the setting at the Tabernacle emphasizes the theme of **Divine Guidance in Law**. The case is not treated as a mere secular dispute but as a matter requiring God's direct input, as Moses subsequently brings their cause [before the Lord](/numbers/27-5 "Numbers 27:5 - Moses Brings the Case Before the Lord"), leading to a divine ruling that expands the legal framework ([Numbers 27:6-7](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-7 - God's Ruling on Inheritance")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʿāmad_):** The verb "stood" (עָמַד, _ʿāmad_) implies more than mere physical presence; it denotes taking a deliberate, firm, and often authoritative or confrontational stance. In a legal context, it signifies presenting oneself formally before a judge or authority to make a case or receive a verdict (cf. [Deuteronomy 19:17](/deuteronomy/19-17 "Deuteronomy 19:17 - Standing Before the Lord")). For five women in a patriarchal society to "stand" before such a formidable assembly—Moses, Eleazar, the princes, and the entire congregation—is an act of remarkable courage, conviction, and resolve. It conveys their readiness to articulate their grievance and defend their position publicly.
* **Tabernacle of the Congregation (Hebrew, _ʾōhel môʿēd_):** This phrase (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, _ʾōhel môʿēd_) literally means "tent of meeting" or "tent of appointed time/place." It emphasizes the Tabernacle's dual function: it was the designated place where God would "meet" with Moses and His people, and where the community would "meet" for worship, instruction, and the resolution of significant national and legal issues. Its location at the "door" or entrance (פֶּתַח, _petaḥ_) signifies a public, accessible forum, open to the community for witnessing and participating in important proceedings. This sacred setting underscores that the matter was not merely a civil dispute but one requiring divine consultation and the Lord's authoritative word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they stood before Moses":** This clause immediately establishes the direct and formal confrontation. The "they" refers to the five daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, as named in [Numbers 27:1](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1 - The Daughters of Zelophehad")). Standing before Moses, the supreme leader, lawgiver, and judge of Israel, signifies their appeal to the highest human authority.
* **"and before Eleazar the priest":** The inclusion of Eleazar, the high priest, indicates that the matter was not purely secular but also held spiritual and theological implications. As the spiritual head, Eleazar represented the divine presence and the Mosaic covenant, suggesting that the case might require priestly consultation or divine oracle.
* **"and before the princes and all the congregation":** This expands the audience to include the tribal leaders ("princes") and the entire community. This highlights the public nature of the petition, ensuring transparency and communal awareness of the proceedings. It also implies that the resolution would set a precedent affecting all Israel.
* **"[by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation":** The specific location is crucial. The "door" (entrance) of the Tabernacle was the primary public space for judicial and communal gatherings. Its sacred nature underscored the gravity of the issue and the expectation that divine wisdom would guide the decision. It was the place where God's presence was most tangibly manifested and where His will was sought.
* **"saying,":** This concluding word sets up the direct address that follows in [Numbers 27:3-4](/numbers/27-3 "Numbers 27:3-4 - The Daughters' Petition"), indicating that the daughters were about to articulate their petition formally and publicly.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey the significance of the moment. The **Setting** is paramount; placing the scene "by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" imbues the event with profound religious and legal weight, signifying that this is a matter of divine concern and public consequence. This location functions as **Symbolism**, representing the confluence of divine authority, communal gathering, and judicial process. The act of the daughters "standing" is a form of **Dramatic Staging**, immediately drawing the reader's attention to their courageous and resolute posture in the face of societal norms. The verse also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the groundbreaking nature of the petition that is about to be uttered, which will challenge and ultimately expand the existing legal framework of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:2, by setting the scene for the daughters of Zelophehad's petition, powerfully illustrates God's profound attentiveness to justice, even for the marginalized, and His willingness to reveal and refine His law in response to specific human needs. It challenges a rigid, legalistic application of the law, demonstrating that the spirit of justice and the preservation of family legacy can transcend the letter of existing statutes. This account reveals a God who is not bound by human conventions but is actively engaged in ensuring fairness and equity among His people. The public nature of the appeal and the subsequent divine ruling underscore the transparency and divine authority inherent in Israel's legal system, providing a model for seeking righteous outcomes and advocating for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Impartial Justice")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")
* [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Numbers 27:2 offers a timeless lesson in courage, advocacy, and the pursuit of justice. The daughters of Zelophehad, facing a system that threatened to erase their family's legacy, did not passively accept their fate. Instead, they boldly and respectfully presented their case to the highest authorities in Israel, trusting that justice could prevail even against deeply entrenched customs. This challenges us to consider where we might be complacent in the face of injustice, whether for ourselves or for others. It calls us to embody a similar spirit of righteous advocacy, speaking up for the vulnerable, and seeking equitable solutions within our communities and beyond. Furthermore, Moses's immediate response to bring the matter before the Lord reminds us of the crucial importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance when confronting complex ethical or legal dilemmas, trusting that God's justice ultimately transcends human limitations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community am I called to "stand" for justice, even when it challenges established norms?**
* **How does the daughters' respectful yet persistent approach model effective advocacy for those who feel marginalized or overlooked?**
* **When faced with difficult decisions or perceived injustices, how consistently do I seek divine counsel before acting?**

### 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 five sisters whose father died in the wilderness without any sons. Under the traditional Israelite inheritance laws, this meant their family line would lose its allocated portion of the Promised Land. Their case was highly significant because they boldly petitioned Moses, Eleazar, and the entire congregation at the Tabernacle, challenging this patriarchal custom. Their plea led to a divine ruling that established a new legal precedent, allowing daughters to inherit property when there were no sons, thus preserving family legacies and ensuring justice. This case demonstrated the adaptability of divine law and God's concern for individual rights and the preservation of family identity within the covenant community, as detailed in [Numbers 27:6-7](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-7 - God's Ruling on Inheritance").

**What was the "tabernacle of the congregation" and why was it important for this case?**

Answer: The "tabernacle of the congregation," also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It served as the central place of worship, divine revelation, and judicial proceedings. Its importance for this case lies in its sacred and authoritative nature. By presenting their petition "by the door of the tabernacle," the daughters of Zelophehad elevated their plea from a mere civil dispute to a matter requiring divine consultation and communal witness. This setting underscored the gravity of their request and ensured that the subsequent ruling would carry the weight of divine authority and communal acceptance, impacting all of Israel's future legal framework.

**How did this case impact Israelite law?**

Answer: The case of the daughters of Zelophehad had a profound and lasting impact on Israelite inheritance law. God's direct ruling, delivered through Moses, established a new legal provision: if a man died without sons, his inheritance was to pass to his daughters. If he had no daughters, it would go to his brothers, then to his father's brothers, and finally to the nearest kinsman in his clan ([Numbers 27:8-11](/numbers/27-8 "Numbers 27:8-11 - The Law of Inheritance")). This ruling was a significant expansion of the existing law, demonstrating God's flexibility and concern for justice, especially for those who might be disadvantaged by strict adherence to tradition. Later, a further provision was added in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Additional Provisions for Inheritance"), requiring such female heirs to marry within their own tribe to prevent the transfer of tribal land allotments, thus balancing individual rights with the preservation of tribal boundaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The groundbreaking legal precedent established through the daughters of Zelophehad, initiated in Numbers 27:2, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as these women, initially marginalized by societal custom, found justice and an inheritance through divine intervention, so too does Christ break down barriers and secure a spiritual inheritance for all who believe, regardless of their earthly status or gender ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")). Jesus, the ultimate advocate and high priest, stands before the Father on our behalf, ensuring that we, who were once alienated from God's covenant and without hope ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Without Christ")), are now adopted as sons and daughters and become co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The Tabernacle, where the daughters sought justice, foreshadows Christ, who is the true "tent of meeting," the place where God perfectly meets humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sacrifice, He has secured for us an eternal, imperishable inheritance that far surpasses any earthly land allotment ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope, an Incorruptible Inheritance")), demonstrating God's radical justice and boundless grace in providing for all His children.

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

Deuteronomy 17:8

¶ If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, [being] matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;

Deuteronomy 17:10

And thou shalt do according to the sentence, which they of that place which the LORD shall choose shall shew thee; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they inform thee:

Exodus 18:19

Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

Exodus 18:13

¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

Exodus 18:14

And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What [is] this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

Numbers 15:33

And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.