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Commentary on Numbers 27 verses 1–11
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 27:6 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, introducing the divine response to an unprecedented legal petition presented by the daughters of Zelophehad. This brief declaration, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," underscores the immediate and direct nature of God's communication, highlighting His attentiveness to the specific needs and concerns of His people and setting the stage for a groundbreaking legal precedent concerning female inheritance rights in ancient Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Numbers 27:6 immediately follows the bold petition of the five daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) in Numbers 27:1-5 - The Petition of Zelophehad's Daughters. Their father had died in the wilderness without male heirs, and under the prevailing custom, his family name and inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh would cease. These women, demonstrating remarkable faith and legal acumen, approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the entire congregation, arguing that their father's name should not be lost simply because he had no sons. This verse marks the direct divine intervention, indicating that Moses brought their case before the Lord, and God Himself is now providing the definitive ruling that begins in Numbers 27:7 - God's Ruling on Female Inheritance. It is a classic example of a legal case brought before God for arbitration, leading to the expansion of Mosaic Law.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, inheritance was primarily patrilineal, meaning land and property passed through the male line. This system ensured the perpetuation of family names, tribal boundaries, and the distribution of the promised land among the twelve tribes, as detailed in sections like Numbers 33 - Instructions for Conquering Canaan. The absence of male heirs typically meant the cessation of a family's claim to its allotted land. The daughters of Zelophehad's petition challenged this deeply ingrained custom, not to overturn the system, but to seek a just exception that would preserve their father's name and portion within Israel. This context highlights the immense social and economic implications of their request and the radical nature of God's subsequent ruling, which addressed a specific lacuna in the existing legal framework as Israel prepared to enter and settle Canaan.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully introduces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Communication and Revelation, showcasing God's direct and authoritative interaction with Moses, who serves as the primary mediator of God's will and law to Israel, a theme central to Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments. Secondly, it highlights God's Attentiveness and Justice, demonstrating His active involvement in the daily lives and legal concerns of His people, particularly His willingness to listen to the marginalized or those facing unique circumstances and to clarify or expand existing laws to ensure fairness, as seen in principles like those in Deuteronomy 1:17 - Impartial Justice. Thirdly, it illustrates the Progressive Development of Law, showing that while God's foundational principles are eternal, His specific statutes could be expanded or clarified to address new situations and ensure justice as Israel matured as a nation and prepared for its future in the Promised Land, foreshadowing the continuous unfolding of divine wisdom.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Numbers 27:6 employs several significant literary devices, despite its brevity. The most prominent is the Formulaic Phrase "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," which functions as a Divine Speech Indicator. This recurring phrase throughout the Pentateuch serves as a clear signal that the following words are not human counsel or Mosaic decree, but direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself. It lends immense weight and infallibility to the subsequent legal ruling, establishing its divine origin and binding nature. Furthermore, the very act of God speaking directly to Moses, even without a visual manifestation, functions as a form of Theophany, emphasizing God's active presence and direct involvement in the legal and social life of His people. This direct communication underscores the divine origin of Israel's laws and the covenant relationship that underpins their entire societal structure.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:6 is far more than a mere narrative connector; it is a profound theological statement. It affirms God's active sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the details of His people's lives, even their legal and social structures. This verse underscores the principle that God is a God of justice who hears the cries of His people, even when their petitions challenge established customs. It reveals a dynamic aspect of divine law, showing that while God's character and foundational principles are immutable, His specific statutes can be clarified or expanded to address unforeseen circumstances and ensure equity. This demonstrates God's compassion and His desire for all His people, regardless of gender or social standing, to experience His justice and provision within the covenant community.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief declaration in Numbers 27:6 carries profound implications for our walk with God today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not distant or indifferent, but actively engaged with the specific challenges and petitions of His people. Just as He listened attentively to the daughters of Zelophehad, He invites us to bring our unique concerns, even those that seem unconventional or unprecedented, before Him with confidence. This verse encourages us to trust in His justice and wisdom, knowing that He is capable of providing clear guidance and establishing equitable solutions even in complex situations. It calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening to His voice, whether through His written Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or the counsel of wise believers, always trusting that His divine guidance is available to illuminate our path and ensure that justice and righteousness prevail in our lives and communities.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is this brief verse, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," so significant?
Answer: This verse is highly significant because it marks the direct divine intervention in a crucial legal case. It signifies that the subsequent ruling regarding female inheritance rights is not a human decision but a direct, authoritative word from God Himself. It highlights God's attentiveness to the specific needs of His people, His commitment to justice, and His willingness to provide clarity and expand His law to address new situations, demonstrating His active involvement in the details of Israel's societal structure. It sets a precedent for divine revelation in response to human petition.
Does this verse imply that God's laws can change?
Answer: This verse, and the subsequent ruling, illustrates that while God's fundamental character and eternal principles (like justice, righteousness, and covenant faithfulness) are unchanging, His specific statutes or applications of law can be clarified, expanded, or adapted to address new circumstances or unforeseen situations. It's not a change in God's nature, but a dynamic application of His wisdom to ensure equity and order within His people as they prepared for the complexities of settling the land, as seen in the broader legal framework of the Pentateuch (e.g., Deuteronomy 17:8-11 - Difficult Cases for Judges).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:6, with its emphasis on direct divine communication and the progressive unfolding of God's law to address human need, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While God "spake unto Moses" in the Old Covenant, He has now "spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son). Jesus is the living Word of God, the full and final revelation of the Father, embodying both God's perfect justice and His boundless compassion. Just as God heard the petition of the marginalized daughters of Zelophehad and established a new precedent for justice, Jesus consistently championed the cause of the overlooked and disenfranchised, demonstrating God's heart for all people (Matthew 11:5 - The Poor Hear Good News). He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, bringing its true intent to light and establishing a new covenant where the Spirit writes God's law on hearts (Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law; Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant). Thus, the attentiveness, justice, and revelatory nature of God displayed in Numbers 27:6 are perfectly and completely manifested in the person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator).