Numbers 36:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the chief {H7218} fathers {H1} of the families {H4940} of the children {H1121} of Gilead {H1568}, the son {H1121} of Machir {H4353}, the son {H1121} of Manasseh {H4519}, of the families {H4940} of the sons {H1121} of Joseph {H3130}, came near {H7126}, and spake {H1696} before {H6440} Moses {H4872}, and before {H6440} the princes {H5387}, the chief {H7218} fathers {H1} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of the clans of the family of the descendants of Gil'ad, the son of Machir, the son of M'nasheh, of the families of the descendants of Yosef, approached and addressed Moshe and the leaders, the heads of the clans of the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them,

American Standard Version

And the heads of the fathers’housesof the family 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 heads of the fathers’ houses of the children of Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 36:1 initiates the final legal clarification in the book of Numbers, detailing the formal approach of the leading elders from the families of Gilead (of the tribe of Manasseh, a descendant of Joseph) to Moses and the other Israelite princes. This verse sets the stage for a crucial discussion regarding the inheritance of land by daughters, specifically addressing how to uphold the previous divine ruling in Numbers 27 while simultaneously preserving the integrity of tribal land allotments within the Promised Land, ensuring that inherited land would not transfer between tribes through marriage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 36:1 immediately follows the detailed instructions for land distribution by lot and the establishment of cities of refuge in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities of Refuge and Levites' Portion"). This verse directly addresses a specific legal loophole or potential issue arising from the ruling in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Daughters of Zelophehad"), where the daughters of Zelophehad were granted the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of male heirs. The concern of the Gileadite leaders is that if these inheriting daughters married outside their ancestral tribe, the land would eventually pass to another tribe, thereby disrupting the divinely ordained tribal boundaries and allotments that were meticulously planned for the settlement of Canaan. Thus, Numbers 36 serves as a vital addendum, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the land inheritance system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in the narrative, the Israelites are poised on the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. The meticulous division of land among the twelve tribes was not merely an administrative task but a foundational act for their national and religious identity. Land inheritance was tied to tribal lineage and was considered a permanent, inalienable possession, reflecting God's faithfulness in providing for His people. The patriarchal society of ancient Israel typically saw land passing through the male line, making the ruling for Zelophehad's daughters revolutionary. The concern raised by the Gileadite leaders highlights the deep cultural significance of maintaining tribal boundaries and the potential for social and economic disruption if land were to freely transfer between tribes, undermining the very structure of their society as envisioned by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Law and its Application**, demonstrating that God's laws, while perfect, often require careful interpretation and practical application to unforeseen circumstances, showing a dynamic and responsive legal system. Secondly, the **Preservation of Tribal Inheritance and Identity** is paramount; the land was a sacred trust, a tangible sign of God's covenant, and its integrity was crucial for the future stability of Israel. Thirdly, it highlights **Leadership and Governance** in Israel, showcasing Moses and the princes as authoritative figures responsible for adjudicating complex legal matters and seeking divine counsel. Finally, the chapter, initiated by this verse, ultimately aims to achieve a **Balance between Individual Rights and Communal Stability**, ensuring that the progressive right of women to inherit did not inadvertently undermine the broader communal structure of land ownership and tribal unity, a principle vital for the long-term well-being of the nation as they prepared to inhabit the land promised to Abraham in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chief fathers (Hebrew, _ro'shei 'avot'_):** This term refers to the heads of the ancestral houses or leading families within a tribe. These individuals were not merely biological patriarchs but held significant social, legal, and administrative authority. Their collective presence indicates a formal, weighty petition on behalf of their entire clan and tribe, emphasizing the communal nature of the concern they were bringing before Moses and the princes.
* **Came near (Hebrew, _qarab'_):** While literally meaning "to draw near," in this context, it denotes a formal approach, often used for presenting a petition or engaging in a legal proceeding. It signifies respect for the authority of Moses and the princes, and the seriousness of the matter at hand, indicating that this was not a casual inquiry but a deliberate and official appeal.
* **Princes (Hebrew, _nesi'im'_):** These were the tribal chiefs or leaders, distinct from the "chief fathers" who represented specific family lines. The princes were the highest-ranking representatives of each tribe, often involved in national decisions, military leadership, and judicial matters. Their presence alongside Moses underscores the national importance of the issue being raised, as it affected the land distribution for all of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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,"**: This lengthy opening clause meticulously identifies the petitioners, establishing their legitimacy and tribal lineage. By tracing their descent through Gilead, Machir, Manasseh, and ultimately Joseph, the text emphasizes their direct connection to a major tribal line. This genealogical precision underscores the deep concern for tribal integrity and the preservation of their specific ancestral land allotment, which was threatened by the implications of the inheritance ruling for daughters. Their "coming near" signifies a formal, respectful, and authoritative approach to the leadership.
* **"and spake before Moses,"**: This part highlights Moses's central role as the primary mediator of God's law and the ultimate judicial authority in Israel. The petitioners bring their complex legal dilemma directly to him, trusting in his wisdom and his unique relationship with God to provide a definitive ruling.
* **"and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:"**: The inclusion of "the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel" demonstrates that this was not a private consultation but a public, communal matter brought before the assembled leadership of the entire nation. This formal setting ensures that the subsequent ruling would have national authority and be binding on all tribes, reflecting the collective responsibility of Israel's leaders in upholding divine law and ensuring justice and order within the community.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 36:1 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The most prominent is **Genealogical Detail**, which is meticulously laid out ("Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph"). This detailed lineage serves not just to identify the petitioners but to establish their legitimate claim and the gravity of their concern regarding tribal inheritance. It underscores the importance of lineage and land in Israelite society. The **Formal Language** used, such as "came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes," signals a solemn and official legal proceeding rather than a casual inquiry, emphasizing the structured governance of Israel. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "chief fathers" (once for the petitioners and again for the national leadership) highlights the hierarchical structure of Israelite society and the collective responsibility of its leaders in addressing communal concerns.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 36:1, though an introductory verse, is profoundly theological in its implications. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for His people's well-being, not just spiritually but also in their physical settlement and social structure. The concern over land inheritance reflects the divine promise of the land as a perpetual possession, a tangible sign of the covenant. The process of seeking clarification from Moses and the princes illustrates the practical application of divine law in real-life situations, emphasizing that God's wisdom is sufficient for every complex challenge. It also reveals the importance of communal responsibility, where leaders act not for personal gain but for the long-term stability and integrity of the entire nation, ensuring that justice is balanced with the preservation of God's ordained order.

* [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters")
* [Joshua 13:1-7](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1-7 - Unconquered Land and Initial Allotments")
* [Leviticus 25:23-24](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23-24 - The Land Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 36:1 invites us to reflect on the nature of divine law, wise governance, and the stewardship of inheritance. Just as the Gileadite leaders meticulously sought to preserve their ancestral land, we are called to be diligent stewards of the spiritual and material inheritances God has entrusted to us. This includes safeguarding the integrity of our faith, protecting the spiritual heritage passed down through generations, and ensuring that our actions today do not inadvertently undermine the long-term well-being of the community or future generations. The verse also models the importance of seeking wise counsel and communal discernment when faced with complex issues, demonstrating that even good laws may require thoughtful application to prevent unintended consequences. It reminds us that true leadership involves foresight, a deep understanding of principles, and a commitment to balancing individual rights with the greater good of the community, always seeking God's wisdom in the process.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concern for land inheritance in Numbers 36:1 relate to our modern understanding of stewardship and legacy?**
* **In what ways can we, like the Gileadite leaders, proactively identify potential issues or unintended consequences of current decisions, especially within our communities or churches?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the role of leadership in interpreting and applying foundational principles to new situations?**
* **How can we balance individual rights and freedoms with the collective well-being and stability of our community or family, seeking God's wisdom in the process?**

### FAQ
**Why is the genealogical detail in Numbers 36:1 so extensive?**

Answer: The extensive genealogical detail ("Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph") is crucial for several reasons. First, it establishes the legitimate identity and authority of the petitioners, showing they are not just random individuals but the recognized "chief fathers" representing a specific, significant tribal lineage. Second, it highlights the very issue at stake: the preservation of tribal boundaries and land inheritance. Land was allotted by tribe and clan, and the precise lineage underscored their right to their specific portion and their concern that this portion might be lost to another tribe. This detail emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's plan for Israel's settlement and the importance of maintaining that order, as outlined in [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Distribution by Lot").

**What was the specific problem the Gileadite leaders were trying to solve?**

Answer: The specific problem stemmed from the earlier ruling in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Daughters of Zelophehad"), which allowed daughters to inherit land if there were no male heirs. While a just and progressive ruling, the Gileadite leaders foresaw a potential long-term issue: if these inheriting daughters married men from *other* tribes, their inherited land would eventually pass to their children, who would belong to their father's tribe. Over generations, this could lead to significant portions of one tribe's land being absorbed into another, thereby disrupting the divinely ordained tribal boundaries and allotments in the Promised Land. They sought a clarification or amendment to prevent this unintended transfer of tribal land.

**How does this ancient legal concern relate to modern concepts of inheritance or property rights?**

Answer: While the specific context of tribal land allotments is unique to ancient Israel, the underlying principles resonate today. Numbers 36:1 highlights the importance of thoughtful governance that considers the long-term implications of laws and policies. It also underscores the value of preserving one's heritage, whether it's family property, cultural traditions, or spiritual legacies. Furthermore, it models the process of seeking wisdom and adapting principles to new situations, ensuring that justice and order are maintained. Just as the Israelites sought to protect their physical inheritance, believers today are called to steward their spiritual inheritance in Christ, ensuring its integrity for future generations, as encouraged in [2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guard the Good Deposit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 36:1, with its meticulous concern for the preservation of tribal inheritance and the integrity of the land, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The earthly inheritance of land in Canaan, a physical promise to Abraham's descendants, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Imperishable Inheritance")). Just as the "chief fathers" sought to prevent the dilution or loss of their tribal portion, Christ secures our spiritual inheritance, ensuring that it can never be lost or transferred outside of Him. He is the ultimate Law-giver and Law-fulfiller, perfectly balancing justice with grace, and His work on the cross ensures that the "boundaries" of our spiritual blessings are eternally secure. Furthermore, the concern for tribal unity and the prevention of inter-tribal land transfer points to the unity of the church, the new Israel, where in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but all are one body, sharing in the same glorious inheritance ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through Him, our true and eternal inheritance is not a piece of land, but fellowship with God and participation in His kingdom, a secure possession guaranteed by the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")).

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

Numbers 27:1

¶ Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these [are] the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

1 Chronicles 7:14

The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bare: ([but] his concubine the Aramitess bare Machir the father of Gilead:

1 Chronicles 7:16

And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a son, and she called his name Peresh; and the name of his brother [was] Sheresh; and his sons [were] Ulam and Rakem.

Joshua 17:2

There was also [a lot] for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these [were] the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

Joshua 17:3

But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these [are] the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 26:29

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

Numbers 26:33

And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad [were] Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.