TRV
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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 27:5 marks a critical juncture in the wilderness narrative, vividly portraying Moses' exemplary leadership and God's dynamic engagement in establishing equitable justice. When confronted with the unprecedented legal petition from Zelophehad's daughters concerning their family's inheritance, Moses, instead of relying on established human tradition or his own judgment, immediately presented their unique case directly before the LORD. This decisive action profoundly underscores divine accessibility and sets the stage for a groundbreaking revelation of God's character as the ultimate, just Lawgiver who actively responds to the specific and evolving needs of His people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within a pivotal legal and narrative segment of Numbers 27, directly following the bold and unconventional petition of Zelophehad's daughters. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, facing the prospect of their deceased father's name and land portion being lost due to his lack of male heirs, courageously approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the entire congregation at the Tabernacle entrance. Their plea, articulated in Numbers 27:3-4, directly challenged the prevailing patriarchal inheritance customs, presenting a complex legal dilemma for which no existing statute provided a clear solution. Moses' immediate and decisive action in Numbers 27:5 serves as a crucial narrative pivot, highlighting his divinely appointed role as the faithful mediator between God and Israel. It demonstrates that even in seemingly unresolvable human situations, divine counsel is the ultimate and necessary recourse. The subsequent verses, Numbers 27:6-11, then record God's direct, just, and precedent-setting ruling in their favor, showcasing divine wisdom in adapting law to ensure equity.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israelite society, consistent with many cultures in the ancient Near East, was fundamentally patriarchal. Land inheritance was typically transmitted through the male line, a practice vital for ensuring the continuity of family names, tribal allotments, and the perpetual claim to the promised land. Land was far more than mere property; it was an indelible mark of identity, a source of security, and a tangible manifestation of covenant blessing. The concept of a family's "name" being "lost" (i.e., a lineage dying out without male heirs to carry it forward) was a profound cultural and spiritual concern, as it meant the cessation of a family's legacy and their ancestral claim within Israel's divinely ordained land distribution. The daughters of Zelophehad, therefore, were not merely seeking property; they were courageously advocating for the preservation of their father's name and their family's rightful, perpetual inheritance within their tribal structure. Their direct petition to Moses, bypassing male relatives or other traditional intermediaries, was an exceptionally bold and culturally significant act, underscoring their faith in the legal system and, ultimately, in God's overarching justice. This case thus represents a unique challenge to established societal norms, necessitating divine intervention to ensure equity and prevent an unintended injustice within the covenant community.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates Moses' Exemplary Leadership, showcasing his profound humility and absolute dependence on divine wisdom. Instead of attempting to render a judgment based on human tradition, personal opinion, or established legal precedent, Moses immediately recognized the unprecedented nature of the case and sought direct guidance from the ultimate Lawgiver. This act reinforces his consistent role as God's faithful conduit for revelation, a characteristic seen throughout his leadership. Secondly, it highlights Divine Justice and Equity, revealing God's profound and active concern for fairness, even for those who might be marginalized or overlooked by conventional social structures. The situation of Zelophehad's daughters presented a potential injustice within the framework of existing law, and God's willingness to adapt or expand laws demonstrates His unwavering commitment to ensuring that all within His covenant community receive just treatment. Finally, the verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of God's Responsiveness and Accessibility. The Lord does not remain silent but provides a clear and just ruling, as detailed in Numbers 27:6-11, proving His active involvement in the specific needs and intricate legal dilemmas of His people, thereby establishing a significant new legal precedent for inheritance within Israel.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From the primitive root H7126 (qarab), meaning "to approach," "to bring near," or "to present." In this context, it signifies Moses' deliberate and immediate action of formally presenting the legal case directly into God's presence. This is not a casual prayer but a formal submission for divine judgment, akin to presenting an offering or a plea before a supreme authority. It underscores the direct and unique line of communication Moses had with the LORD, acting as an intercessor.
This multifaceted term (H4941, mishpat) refers to "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "right," or a "legal case" or "dispute." It encompasses both the act of judging and the outcome of a judgment, implying a decision based on established principles of right and wrong. Here, it specifically denotes the legal petition and the facts of the dispute brought by the daughters of Zelophehad. Moses presented their specific legal argument and the details of their situation, treating God as the ultimate Judge and the source of all true justice and law.
This phrase (H6440, pânîym; H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) literally means "to the face of Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh." It signifies a direct, formal encounter with God's manifest presence, likely at the Tabernacle, where divine pronouncements were received. This is not merely a general prayer but a solemn presentation of a legal matter directly to the divine authority, emphasizing God's immediate accessibility and His role as the supreme arbiter of justice for His people, the self-existent God who governs His covenant community.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses"
This opening establishes Moses as the central human agent in this crucial divine-human interaction. His leadership is consistently characterized by humility and absolute dependence on God, rather than relying on his own wisdom or authority. He functions as the divinely appointed mediator, entrusted with the profound responsibility of governing Israel according to God's revealed will.
"brought their cause"
This phrase precisely details Moses' specific action. He did not dismiss the women's unprecedented petition, nor did he attempt to resolve it based on his own understanding, existing legal precedents, or the prevailing patriarchal customs. Recognizing the unique and novel nature of the case, he took the immediate and decisive initiative to elevate the matter to the highest possible authority. The "cause" (mishpat) refers to the specific legal argument and the factual circumstances presented by Zelophehad's daughters, highlighting the formal and weighty nature of their appeal.
"before the LORD"
This crucial concluding phrase indicates the ultimate and divine destination of the petition. Moses presented the case directly to God, most likely at the Tabernacle, the sacred place where God's presence was manifested and divine pronouncements were received. This underscores God's supreme role as the ultimate Judge and Lawgiver, who is both accessible to His people and willing to intervene directly in their legal, social, and personal affairs to ensure perfect justice and equity.
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs Legal Narrative and highlights the theme of Divine Accessibility as key literary devices. As an integral part of a larger legal narrative within the book of Numbers, Numbers 27:5 functions as a pivotal moment, serving as the critical turning point where a complex human dilemma is formally transferred from human deliberation to divine adjudication. The concise yet powerful declaration, "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD," emphasizes the immediate, decisive, and appropriate action taken, highlighting Moses' unwavering role as a faithful and obedient mediator. This direct action profoundly underscores the theme of Divine Accessibility, portraying God not as a distant, aloof, or unapproachable deity, but as an actively engaged Lawgiver who attentively hears and directly responds to the specific petitions and unique needs of His covenant people. The narrative structure skillfully builds tension with the unprecedented and challenging request, which is then resolved by the direct appeal to God, showcasing the unique and intimate relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where ultimate justice and wisdom are derived solely from divine revelation.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 27:5 stands as a profound theological statement regarding the character of God and the nature of faithful leadership within His covenant community. It powerfully illustrates God's ultimate sovereignty as the supreme Lawgiver and Judge, demonstrating that His justice transcends rigid human traditions and is dynamically applied to ensure equity for all, even for those who might otherwise be marginalized or overlooked by conventional social structures. Moses' action exemplifies faithful leadership, characterized by profound humility, absolute dependence on divine wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to seeking God's will in all matters, especially those that are complex, unprecedented, or ethically challenging. This verse reinforces the foundational truth that God is not a distant, indifferent deity, but one who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, accessible to hear their pleas, and unfailingly responsive in providing clear, just, and authoritative guidance. It establishes a powerful precedent for bringing all difficult and unprecedented "causes" before the LORD, fostering deep trust in His perfect wisdom and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Reflection and Application
The profound example of Moses in Numbers 27:5 offers timeless and deeply relevant lessons for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a more profound and consistent reliance on God in every facet of our lives. In a world often characterized by complex ethical dilemmas, pervasive social injustices, and personal challenges that defy easy human solutions, Moses' immediate and decisive act of bringing the "cause before the LORD" serves as a powerful and enduring model. It calls us to cultivate genuine humility, recognizing the inherent limits of our own wisdom and the insufficiency of human tradition or conventional approaches when faced with unprecedented or truly difficult situations. We are profoundly encouraged to cultivate a consistent habit of prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and seeking divine counsel as our first and ultimate recourse for guidance. Furthermore, this passage inspires us to actively be advocates for justice, particularly for those who are marginalized, overlooked, or disadvantaged within our communities, just as Moses championed the cause of Zelophehad's daughters. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and deeply committed to equity and righteousness, providing clear direction and just solutions, even for the most novel or intractable problems. Our trust in His perfect wisdom should transcend our own limited understanding, leading us to confidently lay our burdens, our questions, and our "causes" before Him, assured of His perfect judgment, unfailing responsiveness, and boundless grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why didn't Moses simply make a decision himself, given his immense authority as Israel's leader?
Moses, despite his immense authority and privileged direct communication with God, recognized the unprecedented nature of the daughters of Zelophehad's petition. The existing inheritance laws, established through divine revelation, did not account for a situation where a man died without male heirs, leaving only daughters. Instead of relying on his own judgment, established tradition, or attempting to create a new law on the spot, Moses demonstrated profound humility and absolute dependence on God. By bringing their cause before the LORD, he acknowledged that this was a matter requiring divine wisdom and revelation, not human interpretation or innovation. This act underscored God's ultimate sovereignty as the supreme Lawgiver and ensured that the resulting decree would carry unquestionable divine authority, thereby setting a lasting and just precedent for all Israel.
What was the outcome of this specific "cause" that Moses brought before the LORD?
The outcome was a clear, direct, and profoundly just ruling from the LORD, which established a significant new law regarding inheritance in Israel. As recorded in Numbers 27:6-11, God unequivocally affirmed the daughters' petition, stating, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak right." He commanded that they be given an inheritance among their father's relatives, thus preserving their father's name and portion of the land within their tribe. Furthermore, God expanded the law to outline the precise order of inheritance for all future cases: if a man dies without sons, his inheritance passes to his daughters; if he has no daughters, to his brothers; if no brothers, to his father's brothers; and if no father's brothers, to the nearest kinsman in his clan. This divine ruling ensured equity and prevented families from losing their land and identity within Israel due to a lack of male heirs, demonstrating God's dynamic justice.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 27:5, with Moses bringing the "cause before the LORD," beautifully foreshadows the ultimate intercession and perfect justice found in Jesus Christ. Moses, acting as a divinely appointed mediator, brought the specific legal and social needs of God's people directly to the divine throne for a just and authoritative resolution. This crucial mediatorial role finds its supreme and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is our Great High Priest, perpetually interceding for us before the Father, and our Advocate with the Father, pleading our case. Unlike Moses, who merely presented the case for divine judgment, Jesus himself is the perfect and righteous Judge, to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father. He not only intercedes for us but also embodies the very justice, equity, and compassion that God revealed in the wilderness. The divine concern for the marginalized and the establishment of a just law for Zelophehad's daughters profoundly prefigure Christ's earthly ministry, where He consistently championed the cause of the outcast, the weak, and the forgotten, demonstrating God's radical love and inclusive grace. In Christ, the law is not merely expanded or adapted but perfectly fulfilled, as He brings us into a new covenant where there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Gentile, for all are one in Him, securing for us an eternal, imperishable inheritance that can never be lost, not by human custom, legal loophole, or the passage of time, but by His perfect sacrifice and triumphant resurrection.