Numbers 27:5

KJV

And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} brought {H7126} their cause {H4941} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe brought their cause before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses brought their case before the LORD,

American Standard Version

And Moses brought their cause before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:5 records a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, demonstrating Moses' exemplary leadership and God's active involvement in establishing equitable justice. Faced with an unprecedented legal challenge from Zelophehad's daughters regarding inheritance, Moses, rather than relying on human wisdom or existing tradition, immediately brought their unique petition directly before the LORD. This act underscores divine accessibility and sets the stage for a profound revelation of God's character as the ultimate, just Lawgiver who responds directly to the specific needs of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial legal narrative in Numbers 27, immediately following the bold and unprecedented petition of the [daughters of Zelophehad](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1 - The Daughters of Zelophehad"). Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the entire congregation at the Tabernacle entrance. Their father, Zelophehad, had died in the wilderness without male heirs, and according to the prevailing inheritance customs, his family line and portion of the promised land would be lost. Their plea, articulated in [Numbers 27:3-4](/numbers/27-3 "Numbers 27:3-4 - The Daughters' Plea"), directly challenged the established patriarchal inheritance laws, presenting a complex legal dilemma that no human authority could resolve based solely on tradition. Moses' immediate action in [Numbers 27:5](/numbers/27-5 "Numbers 27:5 - Moses Brings the Case Before the Lord") highlights his role as the mediator between God and Israel, demonstrating that even in seemingly unresolvable human situations, divine counsel is the ultimate recourse. The subsequent verses, [Numbers 27:6-11](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-11 - The Lord's Ruling on Inheritance"), record God's direct, just, and precedent-setting ruling in their favor.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many in the Near East, was predominantly patriarchal, with land inheritance typically passing through male lines to ensure the continuity of family names and tribal allotments. Land was not merely property; it was a foundational element of identity, security, and covenant blessing, representing a family's perpetual stake in the promised land. The concept of "losing a name" (i.e., a family line dying out without an heir) was a significant concern, as it meant the cessation of a family's legacy and claim to their ancestral land. The daughters of Zelophehad, therefore, were not merely seeking property; they were advocating for the preservation of their father's name and their family's rightful inheritance within the tribal structure. Their direct petition to Moses, bypassing male relatives or other traditional intermediaries, was a remarkably bold and culturally significant act, demonstrating their faith in the legal system and, ultimately, in God's justice. This case, therefore, represents a unique challenge to established norms, necessitating divine intervention to ensure equity within the covenant community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Moses' Exemplary Leadership**, showcasing his humility and absolute dependence on divine wisdom. Instead of rendering a judgment based on human tradition or personal opinion, Moses immediately recognized the unprecedented nature of the case and sought direct guidance from the ultimate Lawgiver, reinforcing his role as God's faithful conduit for revelation, as seen throughout [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Equity**, revealing God's profound 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 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](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-11 - The Lord's Ruling on Inheritance"), proving His active involvement in the specific needs and legal dilemmas of His people, thereby establishing a significant new legal precedent for inheritance within Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Hebrew, _yaqrev'_):** From the root קָרַב (qarab), meaning "to draw near," "to approach," or "to present." In a legal or ritual context, it signifies bringing something or someone into the presence of a higher authority or deity. Here, it emphasizes Moses' deliberate and immediate action of presenting the case directly to God, not merely praying about it, but formally submitting it for divine judgment, much like presenting an offering or a plea. This highlights the direct line of communication Moses had with the LORD.
* **cause (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** This multifaceted term (מִשְׁפָּט) refers to "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "right," or "legal case." It encompasses both the act of judging and the outcome of a judgment, implying a decision based on established principles of right and wrong. In this context, it specifically denotes the legal dispute or petition brought by the daughters of Zelophehad. Moses presented their specific legal argument and the facts of their situation, treating God as the ultimate Judge and source of all true justice and law.
* **before the LORD (Hebrew, _lifnei Yahweh'_):** This phrase (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) literally means "to the face of Yahweh" or "in the presence of Yahweh." It signifies a direct encounter with God's presence, often at the Tabernacle or a sacred space where God's presence was manifested. This is not a casual prayer but a formal 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses":** This opening establishes Moses as the central human agent in this divine-human interaction. His leadership is characterized by humility and dependence on God, rather than self-sufficiency. He is the divinely appointed mediator, entrusted with the responsibility of governing Israel according to God's will.
* **"brought their cause":** This phrase details Moses' specific action. He did not dismiss the women's petition, nor did he attempt to resolve it based on his own wisdom or existing legal precedents. Recognizing the unique and unprecedented nature of the case, he took the initiative to elevate the matter to the highest authority. The "cause" (mishpat) refers to the legal argument and facts presented by Zelophehad's daughters, highlighting the specific and formal nature of their appeal.
* **"before the LORD":** This crucial phrase indicates the ultimate destination of the petition. Moses presented the case directly to God, likely at the Tabernacle, where God's presence was manifested and divine pronouncements were received. This underscores God's role as the supreme Judge and Lawgiver, accessible to His people, and willing to intervene directly in their legal and social affairs to ensure justice and equity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Legal Narrative** and **Divine Accessibility** as key literary devices. As part of a larger legal narrative within Numbers, [Numbers 27:5](/numbers/27-5 "Numbers 27:5 - Moses Brings the Case Before the Lord") functions as a pivotal moment, serving as the turning point where a human dilemma is transferred to divine adjudication. The concise declaration "And Moses brought their cause before the LORD" emphasizes the immediate and decisive action taken, highlighting Moses' role as a faithful mediator. This direct action underscores the theme of **Divine Accessibility**, portraying God not as a distant, unapproachable deity, but as an actively engaged Lawgiver who hears and responds to the specific petitions of His people. The narrative structure builds tension with the unprecedented request, which is then resolved by the direct appeal to God, showcasing the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel, where justice is ultimately derived from divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:5 is a profound theological statement about the character of God and the nature of leadership within His covenant community. It powerfully illustrates God's ultimate sovereignty as the supreme Lawgiver and Judge, demonstrating that His justice transcends human traditions and is dynamically applied to ensure equity for all, even those marginalized by conventional structures. Moses' action exemplifies faithful leadership, characterized by humility, dependence on divine wisdom, and a commitment to seeking God's will in all matters, especially complex ones. This verse reinforces the 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 responsive in providing clear, just guidance. It establishes a precedent for bringing all difficult and unprecedented "causes" before the LORD, trusting in His perfect wisdom and unwavering commitment to righteousness.

* [Deuteronomy 1:17](/deuteronomy/1-17 "Deuteronomy 1:17 - Impartial Justice"): "Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it."
* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God as Righteous Judge"): "But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness."
* [Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Moses Judging the People"): "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... When they had any matter, they came unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of Moses in Numbers 27:5 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, inviting us to cultivate a deeper reliance on God in every facet of life. In a world often characterized by complex ethical dilemmas, 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 model. It calls us to humility, recognizing the limits of our own wisdom and the insufficiency of human tradition when faced with unprecedented situations. We are encouraged to cultivate a habit of prayer and diligent study of God's Word, seeking divine counsel as our first and ultimate recourse. Furthermore, this passage inspires us to be advocates for justice, particularly for those who are marginalized, overlooked, or disadvantaged, just as Moses championed the cause of Zelophehad's daughters. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives and committed to equity, providing clear direction and just solutions, even for the most novel problems. Our trust in His wisdom should transcend our own understanding, leading us to confidently lay our burdens and our "causes" before Him, assured of His perfect judgment and unfailing responsiveness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "causes" or complex dilemmas in your life are you currently trying to resolve with human wisdom alone, rather than bringing them fully before the LORD?**
* **How does Moses' humility in this passage challenge your own approach to leadership or decision-making in difficult situations?**
* **In what ways can you, like Moses, advocate for justice or speak up for those who are marginalized in your community or sphere of influence?**
* **How does the responsiveness of God in this narrative encourage your faith in His active involvement in your personal circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Moses simply make a decision himself, given his authority as Israel's leader?**

Answer: Moses, despite his immense authority and direct communication with God, recognized the unprecedented nature of the daughters of Zelophehad's petition. The existing inheritance laws did not account for a situation where a man died without male heirs, leaving daughters. Instead of relying on his own judgment, tradition, or attempting to create a new law on the spot, Moses demonstrated profound humility and dependence on God. By bringing their [cause before the LORD](/numbers/27-5 "Numbers 27:5 - Moses Brings the Case 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 Lawgiver and ensured that the resulting decree would carry unquestionable divine authority, setting a lasting precedent for all Israel.

**What was the outcome of this specific "cause" that Moses brought before the LORD?**

Answer: The outcome was a clear and just ruling directly from the LORD, which established a significant new law regarding inheritance in Israel. As recorded in [Numbers 27:6-11](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-11 - The Lord's Ruling on Inheritance"), God 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. Furthermore, God expanded the law to outline the 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. This divine ruling ensured equity and prevented families from losing their land and identity within Israel due to a lack of male heirs.

### 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 acted as a mediator, bringing the specific legal and social needs of God's people directly to the divine throne for a just resolution. This role finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") and [Advocate with the Father](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Our Advocate"). Unlike Moses, who merely presented the case, Jesus himself is the perfect and righteous Judge, to whom [all judgment has been committed by the Father](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge"). He not only intercedes for us but also embodies the very justice and equity that God revealed in the wilderness. The concern for the marginalized and the establishment of a just law for Zelophehad's daughters prefigures Christ's ministry, where He consistently championed the cause of the outcast, the weak, and the forgotten, demonstrating God's radical love and inclusion. In Christ, the law is not merely expanded but perfectly fulfilled, as He brings us into a new covenant where there is [neither male nor female, for all are one in Him](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"), securing for us an eternal inheritance that can never be lost, not by human custom or legal loophole, but by His perfect sacrifice and resurrection.

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

Leviticus 24:12

And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.

Leviticus 24:13

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 9:8

And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Numbers 15:34

And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him.

Exodus 18:15

And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God: