Numbers 27:7

KJV

The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

The daughters {H1323} of Zelophehad {H6765} speak {H1696} right {H3651}: thou shalt surely {H5414} give {H5414} them a possession {H272} of an inheritance {H5159} among {H8432} their father's {H1} brethren {H251}; and thou shalt cause the inheritance {H5159} of their father {H1} to pass {H5674} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The daughters of Tz'lof'chad are right in what they say. You must give them property to be inherited along with that of their father's brothers; have what their father would have inherited pass to them.

Berean Standard Bible

“The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly must give them property as an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and transfer their father’s inheritance to them.

American Standard Version

The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:7 is a landmark divine decree, directly affirming the righteous petition of Zelophehad's daughters. This verse establishes a crucial legal precedent within Mosaic Law, ensuring that daughters without brothers could inherit their father's property in the Promised Land. It powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to justice, His attentiveness to the pleas of the vulnerable, and the dynamic nature of His covenantal law, which can be clarified and expanded to ensure equitable outcomes for all His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within [Numbers chapter 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Zelophehad's Daughters' Petition and Joshua's Appointment"), following the first census of the new generation preparing to enter Canaan. The narrative begins in [Numbers 27:1-5](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-5 - The Petition of Zelophehad's Daughters"), detailing the approach of Zelophehad's five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the tribal leaders. Their father had died in the wilderness, not among those who rebelled against the Lord (like Korah's company, as mentioned in [Numbers 27:3](/numbers/27-3 "Numbers 27:3 - Zelophehad's Death")), but simply as one who died in his own sin. Crucially, he had no sons. Under the prevailing patriarchal customs and the initial framework for land distribution (as outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot")), inheritance typically passed exclusively through the male line, threatening to extinguish Zelophehad's name and family portion from the tribal allocation in the Promised Land. Their bold and righteous petition, appealing directly to Moses, prompted Moses to bring their case before the Lord in [Numbers 27:5](/numbers/27-5 "Numbers 27:5 - Moses Brings the Case Before the Lord"), leading directly to God's affirmative response in verse 7. This immediate divine intervention underscores the gravity and unique nature of their request.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many in the Near East, was largely patriarchal, with inheritance typically flowing through the male lineage to ensure the perpetuation of the family name and the preservation of tribal land holdings. Land was not merely an economic asset; it was inextricably linked to identity, covenant blessing, and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham (see [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Each tribe and family was to receive a specific portion of the land, which was considered an inalienable inheritance from God. The concern was that if a man died without sons, his family line would effectively disappear from the land register, and his portion would be absorbed by another male relative, potentially diminishing the family's legacy and status. The daughters of Zelophehad, by appealing for their father's inheritance, were not merely seeking personal wealth but were fighting for the preservation of their father's name and the integrity of their family's allotted portion within the tribe of Manasseh. Their petition challenged a deeply ingrained custom, forcing a divine clarification that transcended traditional norms for the sake of justice and the comprehensive fulfillment of the covenant promise.
* **Key Themes:** The ruling in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Decree on Female Inheritance") illuminates several profound theological and narrative themes. Foremost is **Divine Justice and Equity**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to fairness and His willingness to intervene on behalf of the vulnerable. God's immediate and affirmative response demonstrates that His law is not rigid or arbitrary but is capable of expansion and clarification to ensure just outcomes for all His people, even when new circumstances arise that are not explicitly covered by existing statutes. This highlights the **Adaptability and Living Nature of God's Law**, revealing a responsive covenant that prioritizes equity over strict adherence to custom. The **Importance of Inheritance** is also paramount; for the Israelites, land was a tangible manifestation of God's covenant promises, representing tribal identity, family legacy, and a secure future. This ruling ensured that Zelophehad's name and portion would not be lost. Finally, it powerfully illustrates **God's Attentiveness and Listening Ear**, depicting a God who hears the legitimate concerns and righteous pleas of His people and intervenes to correct potential injustices, affirming the value of every individual within the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak right (Hebrew, כֵּן _ken_):** This adverb signifies "rightly," "truly," "correctly," or "justly." God's declaration that the daughters "speak right" is a powerful divine endorsement, indicating that their petition was not merely reasonable or logical, but morally and legally sound in His eyes. It implies that their request aligned perfectly with God's own character of righteousness and justice, validating their argument with ultimate authority. This word elevates their plea from a human request to a divinely sanctioned principle.
* **Possession (Hebrew, אֲחֻזָּה _ʾăḥuzzâ_):** This term refers to a permanent, inheritable holding or property, specifically land. It denotes a secure, inalienable possession, often acquired by right or by lot, as was the case with the tribal land allotments in Canaan. The emphasis here is on the permanence and legal security of the land portion. It was not a temporary lease or a revocable gift, but a perpetual family inheritance, crucial for maintaining tribal identity, economic stability, and a tangible link to God's covenant promises.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, נַחֲלָה _naḥălâ_):** This word is central to the concept of land distribution in Israel. It signifies an inherited property, legacy, or portion, typically passed down through generations. In the context of the Promised Land, the "inheritance" was God's gift to His people, divided among the tribes and families. This term carries deep theological weight, representing not just material wealth but a spiritual blessing, a fulfillment of the covenant, and a symbol of God's faithfulness. The ruling ensures that this sacred "inheritance" would not be lost to Zelophehad's family, preserving their place within the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The daughters of Zelophehad speak right:"** This opening clause is a direct, divine affirmation of the legitimacy and moral rectitude of the daughters' petition. It signifies God's complete agreement with their argument, validating their challenge to existing custom and establishing the foundation for the subsequent legal decree. It underscores that their plea was not an act of rebellion or greed, but a just appeal rooted in a desire to preserve their family's name and share in God's promised inheritance.
* **"thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren;"** This is the core of the divine command, addressed directly to Moses. The double emphasis "surely give" (a Hebrew infinitive absolute construction) highlights the absolute certainty and divine imperative of the decree. It mandates that Zelophehad's daughters are to receive a permanent, inheritable land portion. Crucially, this inheritance is to be "among their father's brethren," meaning within their own tribal and clan allocation, ensuring their integration and recognition within their rightful lineage and preventing their family line from being disinherited or absorbed into another.
* **"and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them."** This concluding clause reiterates and clarifies the nature of the inheritance. It explicitly states that the land portion originally designated for Zelophehad, their deceased father, is to be transferred directly to his daughters. This ensures the continuity of the family name and its rightful claim to the land, preventing its loss due to the absence of male heirs. It establishes a new legal precedent that upholds the principle of familial continuity and equitable distribution of God's promised land.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Fiat** is paramount, as God's direct and immediate pronouncement ("speak right," "thou shalt surely give") serves as the ultimate authority, bypassing human deliberation and establishing a new legal standard. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active involvement in the legal and social structures of His people. The narrative also functions as a **Legal Precedent**, setting a new standard for inheritance law within Israel. This specific case becomes a foundational ruling, demonstrating the dynamic nature of Mosaic Law and its capacity to adapt and expand under divine guidance to address unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, there is an element of **Narrative Resolution**, as the problem posed by the daughters is swiftly and justly resolved by divine intervention, reinforcing the theme of God's perfect justice. The **Repetition** of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, _naḥălâ_) throughout the chapter, and particularly in this verse, emphasizes its profound significance—not just as property, but as a sacred, covenantal blessing and a marker of identity within the Promised Land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:7 profoundly illustrates God's character as a just and compassionate Lawgiver who is attentive to the cries of His people, especially the vulnerable. This ruling demonstrates that divine law, while foundational, is not static or rigid, but possesses an inherent capacity for clarification and expansion to ensure equity and uphold the spirit of justice. It underscores that God's concern for the well-being and rightful inheritance of every individual within His covenant community transcends human customs and traditions. This incident serves as a powerful testament to God's commitment to maintaining family lines and ensuring that no one is unjustly disinherited from the blessings of the Promised Land, which symbolized their identity and future in Him.

* [Deuteronomy 10:18](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Justice for the Vulnerable") - "He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing."
* [Psalm 68:5](/psalms/68-5 "Psalm 68:5 - God, Father of the Fatherless and Defender of Widows") - "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless") - "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine ruling concerning Zelophehad's daughters offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to cultivate a heart for justice, mirroring God's own character. We are encouraged to speak up for the marginalized, the overlooked, and those whose rights may be diminished by societal norms or rigid interpretations of tradition. The story reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the equitable treatment of all people, regardless of their social standing or traditional roles. It challenges us to examine our own communities and institutions for areas where justice might be lacking and to advocate for fair and compassionate solutions. Furthermore, this narrative fosters a profound trust in God's wisdom, which transcends human limitations and provides clarity even in complex situations. When faced with dilemmas or seeking righteous paths, we are invited to bring our petitions before the Lord, confident that He listens and will guide us toward what is truly "right" in His eyes, ensuring that His kingdom principles of equity and love prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like Zelophehad's daughters, need to challenge existing norms or traditions in our communities or churches to uphold a deeper principle of justice or equity?**
* **How does God's immediate and affirmative response to the daughters' petition encourage us to bring our own concerns and pleas for justice before Him?**
* **What specific groups or individuals in our society today might be "disinherited" or overlooked by existing systems, and how can we advocate for their "inheritance" or rightful place?**
* **How does the adaptability of God's law, as seen in this passage, inform our understanding of biblical interpretation and its application to contemporary ethical challenges?**

### FAQ

**Who were Zelophehad's daughters, and why was their case so significant?**

Answer: Zelophehad's daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, from the tribe of Manasseh. Their case was significant because their father had died without male heirs, which, according to prevailing customs, meant his family line would lose its portion of the Promised Land. They boldly approached Moses, Eleazar, and the tribal leaders, petitioning for their father's inheritance to be passed to them instead. Their petition highlighted a gap in the existing inheritance laws and challenged the patriarchal norm, leading to a direct divine ruling from God in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Decree on Female Inheritance") that established a new legal precedent for female inheritance in the absence of sons. This ruling ensured that no family line would be unjustly disinherited and underscored God's commitment to justice and the preservation of family identity within the covenant community.

**Why was land inheritance so crucial for the Israelites?**

Answer: Land inheritance was profoundly crucial for the Israelites for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it was the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would possess the land of Canaan (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). It represented God's faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people. Secondly, land was the primary source of livelihood and economic security in an agrarian society. Thirdly, it was inextricably linked to tribal and familial identity; each family's portion of land was their permanent legacy, ensuring the continuity of their name and place within the nation of Israel. Losing one's inheritance meant the potential erasure of one's family line from the historical and spiritual record of the covenant people. The laws surrounding inheritance, including the one established in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Decree on Female Inheritance"), were designed to preserve this vital connection to the land and the covenant.

**Did this ruling apply to all women, or were there further regulations?**

Answer: The ruling in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Decree on Female Inheritance") established the principle that daughters could inherit in the absence of sons. However, a further regulation was introduced in [Numbers chapter 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Further Regulations for Female Inheritance") to address a potential complication arising from this new law. If a daughter inherited land and then married someone from another tribe, her inheritance would effectively transfer to that new tribe, potentially diminishing the original tribe's allotted portion. To prevent this, [Numbers 36:6-9](/numbers/36-6 "Numbers 36:6-9 - Regulation for Daughters' Marriage") stipulated that daughters who inherited land must marry within their own tribe and clan. This ensured that the land remained within the original tribal inheritance, balancing the rights of the daughters with the preservation of tribal land boundaries and the integrity of the original land distribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Zelophehad's daughters and God's just decree in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Decree on Female Inheritance") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as these daughters sought to preserve their father's name and secure their earthly inheritance, Christ came to secure for us an eternal, imperishable inheritance (as promised in [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The earthly land of Canaan, though a precious gift, was but a shadow of the heavenly kingdom and the spiritual inheritance we receive through Christ (as described in [Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). God's attentiveness to the plea of the vulnerable daughters foreshadows Christ's ministry, where He consistently championed the marginalized, the outcast, and those overlooked by society's norms (see [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission to the Oppressed")). Through His redemptive work, Christ, the ultimate "Son" and heir, ensures that all who believe in Him, whether male or female, Jew or Gentile, are adopted into God's family and become co-heirs with Him (as proclaimed in [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ") and [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - No Male or Female in Christ")). He secures for us not merely a plot of land, but eternal life and a place in the new heavens and new earth (revealed in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")), ensuring that our spiritual "name" and inheritance in God's eternal family will never be blotted out.

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

Jeremiah 49:11

Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve [them] alive; and let thy widows trust in me.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Numbers 36:1

¶ And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

Numbers 36:2

And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.

Joshua 17:4

And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.

Psalms 68:5

A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation.