Numbers 27:9

KJV

And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if he have no daughter {H1323}, then ye shall give {H5414} his inheritance {H5159} unto his brethren {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If he doesn't have a daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers.

American Standard Version

And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:9 presents a further clarification in the divine law of inheritance, building upon the groundbreaking case of Zelophehad's daughters. This verse addresses the specific contingency where a man dies without sons (the primary heirs) and also without daughters. In such a scenario, God's meticulous legal framework dictates that the deceased's inheritance, particularly the crucial tribal land allotment in the Promised Land, is to be transferred to his brothers, ensuring the preservation of family lineage and tribal integrity within Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 27:9 is an integral part of a larger legal narrative that begins with the petition of Zelophehad's daughters in [Numbers 27:1-5](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-5 - The Petition of Zelophehad's Daughters"). Their father, Zelophehad, died in the wilderness without male heirs, prompting his five daughters to approach Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the congregation's leaders. They argued that their father's name and his portion of the tribal land should not be lost simply because he had no sons. Moses brought their case before the Lord, and God affirmed their plea, establishing a new legal precedent in [Numbers 27:6-8](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-8 - God's Affirmation of the Daughters' Plea"), allowing daughters to inherit when there were no sons. Verse 9 then extends this new law, systematically covering the next contingency: if there are no sons *and* no daughters, the inheritance passes to the deceased's brothers. This demonstrates the systematic and comprehensive nature of God's law, anticipating various family structures to ensure justice and the perpetual preservation of tribal land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many in the ancient Near East, was patriarchal, with inheritance typically passing through the male line to sons. The primary purpose of inheritance, especially land, was to maintain the family's name and its portion within the tribal territory, which was seen as a divine gift and an enduring covenant promise. The land was not merely property but a foundational element of Israelite identity and a tangible expression of God's faithfulness. The concept of `nachalah` (inheritance, often referring to land) was intrinsically linked to the covenant and the future settlement in Canaan. The unique aspect of the Zelophehad case, and the subsequent laws in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Inheritance Laws") and [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Marriage and Inheritance Laws"), is God's willingness to adapt traditional norms to ensure justice and the preservation of family lines, particularly the land inheritance, which was seen as belonging to God ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). This divine intervention highlights a compassionate and just God who transcends human custom for righteous outcomes.

* **Key Themes:** The passage in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Inheritance Laws") and specifically verse 9 contribute to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Divine Justice and Compassion** are profoundly evident; God listens to the specific pleas of individuals and modifies existing customs to ensure fair outcomes, demonstrating His attentiveness to the needs of His people. Secondly, the **Preservation of Family and Land** is a core concern. These inheritance laws were designed to ensure that each tribal family maintained its allotted portion of the Promised Land, preventing its dissolution and maintaining the social and economic order crucial for the nascent nation. Thirdly, the passage showcases **Systematic Legislation**; the Mosaic Law is presented as comprehensive, anticipating various scenarios and providing clear guidelines for succession, vital for the orderly establishment of the Israelite nation. Finally, the case of Zelophehad's daughters established a foundational **Legal Precedent**, which would continue to be clarified and reinforced, as seen in later chapters like [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Marriage and Inheritance within the Tribe"), concerning marriage within the tribe to maintain land within family lines.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **inheritance (נַחֲלָה, _naḥălāh_):** This Hebrew term is far richer than a mere legal possession. It denotes an enduring, generational legacy, most significantly tied to the land of Canaan. It represents the divinely allotted portion that passes down through generations, crucial for the identity, stability, and covenantal relationship of Israelite families and tribes with God. It signifies a permanent, inalienable possession, reflecting God's faithfulness in providing for His people.
* **brethren (אֶחָיו, _’eḥāyw_):** This term refers to the deceased man's brothers, indicating a shift in the line of succession from the immediate nuclear family to the broader paternal lineage within the clan. This ensures that the `nachalah` (inheritance) remains within the original family unit and tribe, preventing its fragmentation or transfer to another tribal line, thereby preserving the divinely ordained tribal boundaries and social order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if he have no daughter":** This clause directly follows the preceding legal precedent established in [Numbers 27:8](/numbers/27-8 "Numbers 27:8 - Inheritance to Daughters"), which stipulated that if a man dies without sons, his daughters shall inherit. Therefore, this phrase implies that the prior condition of "no son" has already been met, and now, additionally, there are no daughters. It addresses the next level of contingency in the inheritance hierarchy, ensuring that the law covers all potential family structures and leaves no gap in the legal framework for land distribution.
* **"then ye shall give his inheritance":** This is a direct, authoritative command from God, mediated through Moses to the leaders responsible for the distribution of land in Israel. The imperative "ye shall give" underscores the divine origin and binding nature of this legal provision. It highlights that the allocation of land is not left to human discretion or custom alone but is governed by God's explicit will, ensuring justice and order in the nascent nation.
* **"unto his brethren":** This specifies the next rightful heirs in the absence of sons and daughters. The inheritance passes to the deceased's brothers, meaning his paternal uncles or male cousins within the same immediate family line. This ensures that the `nachalah` (ancestral land) remains within the broader family unit and the designated tribe, thereby maintaining the integrity of the tribal land allotments and the family's name within its designated territory in Canaan.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:9, as part of the broader legal corpus, primarily employs **Casuistic Law**, which is characterized by an "if...then" structure (e.g., "And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give..."). This legal form addresses specific cases and provides clear, prescriptive rulings, demonstrating the practical and detailed nature of Mosaic legislation designed to govern the daily lives and societal structures of Israel. The verse also exhibits **Logical Progression** in its legal reasoning, systematically moving through different familial scenarios (sons, daughters, then brothers) to establish a comprehensive and equitable system of inheritance. Furthermore, the implied **Divine Fiat** is present; though not explicitly stated as "Thus says the Lord," the command "ye shall give" carries the full weight of divine authority, underscoring God's active role in establishing justice and order within His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:9, along with the entire inheritance narrative, profoundly reveals God's character as a God of meticulous justice, order, and compassion. His willingness to hear the specific plea of Zelophehad's daughters and to establish a new legal precedent, then systematically extend it to cover all contingencies, demonstrates His deep concern for the well-being and equitable treatment of all His people, even those who might be disadvantaged by traditional patriarchal norms. This passage underscores that God's law is not rigid or arbitrary but is designed to promote fairness, preserve identity, and ensure the stability of the community, reflecting His wisdom in establishing a just society. The preservation of land was not just an economic matter but a theological one, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and the enduring legacy He intended for His people.

* [Numbers 27:8](/numbers/27-8 "Numbers 27:8 - Inheritance to Daughters")
* [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Inheritance Within the Tribe")
* [Deuteronomy 21:15-17](/deuteronomy/21-15 "Deuteronomy 21:15-17 - Inheritance Rights of the Firstborn")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:9, situated within the broader narrative of Zelophehad's daughters, offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives, attentive to specific situations, and committed to justice. The willingness of God to modify traditional norms for a more equitable outcome challenges us to consider where our own customs or traditions might inadvertently create injustice and how we can seek divine wisdom to address them. The emphasis on preserving a legacy, whether it be family name, land, or spiritual heritage, calls us to be wise stewards of what God has entrusted to us, ensuring that our actions contribute to the well-being and flourishing of future generations. It also encourages us to boldly and respectfully advocate for justice, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people, providing guidance even in complex matters.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's detailed provision for inheritance in Numbers 27 challenge our understanding of divine justice and care in seemingly minor legal matters?**
* **In what ways can we, like Zelophehad's daughters, respectfully advocate for justice and fairness in our communities or spheres of influence today?**
* **How does the principle of preserving a "legacy" (spiritual, relational, or otherwise) apply to our lives as believers, and what steps can we take to ensure a godly inheritance for those who follow us?**

### FAQ

**Question?** Why was preserving the "inheritance" (land) so important in ancient Israel?

Answer: Preserving the land inheritance (`nachalah`) was paramount in ancient Israel for several interconnected reasons. Theologically, the land of Canaan was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")), making it a sacred trust and a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness. Each tribe and family's allotted portion was considered permanent and inalienable, reflecting God's ultimate ownership ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")) and preventing the perpetual impoverishment of families. Practically, land provided economic stability, sustenance, and a fixed identity for each family within their tribal boundaries. Losing one's land meant losing one's place in the community, economic security, and even one's name or legacy in Israel. The meticulous laws ensured social order, prevented land accumulation by a few, and maintained the distinct identity of each tribe as they settled in the Promised Land.

**Question?** How does this law relate to modern inheritance practices?

Answer: While the specific legal mechanisms and cultural context of Numbers 27:9 differ significantly from modern inheritance practices, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. The passage underscores the importance of clear, just, and comprehensive legal frameworks for the transfer of assets and property, ensuring fairness and preventing disputes. It highlights the divine concern for providing for dependents and ensuring the continuity of family well-being, even beyond immediate heirs. For believers, it prompts reflection on wise stewardship of resources, the importance of leaving a godly legacy (spiritual, relational, and material), and the responsibility to plan for the future of our families and communities in an orderly and equitable manner. It also reminds us that all earthly possessions are ultimately on loan from God, and our ultimate inheritance is spiritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous attention to earthly inheritance in Numbers 27:9, ensuring the preservation of family lineage and tribal land, beautifully foreshadows the far greater spiritual inheritance secured for believers in Christ. Just as the `nachalah` in Israel was a divinely promised and secured possession, so too is our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus Christ has become the ultimate Heir, and by faith in Him, we are adopted into God's family, becoming "heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). This inheritance is not a physical plot of land but an eternal, incorruptible, and undefiled spiritual reality, "kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Incorruptible Inheritance")). Christ, as the Mediator of a new covenant ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")), has opened the way for all, regardless of earthly lineage or gender, to receive this divine legacy. The careful progression of inheritance laws in Numbers 27 points to God's perfect plan to ensure that His people receive their promised portion, culminating in the glorious spiritual "rest" and eternal life found in Christ, the true and lasting inheritance ([Hebrews 4](/hebrews/4 "Hebrews 4 - The Promise of Rest")). Our ultimate belonging and security are not found in an earthly territory but in our union with Him, through whom we are "chosen... having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory" ([Ephesians 1:11-12](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-12 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

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.