Numbers 36:10

Numbers 36:10 (KJV) states, "Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad:" This verse succinctly concludes a significant narrative arc concerning inheritance laws in ancient Israel, highlighting a profound act of obedience.

Context

This verse marks the culmination of a unique legal case involving the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, had died in the wilderness without sons, leaving no male heirs to inherit his portion of the promised land of Canaan. Facing the prospect of their family name and inheritance being lost, they boldly approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, requesting their father's inheritance among his brethren. This initial appeal is detailed in Numbers 27:1-11, where the LORD unequivocally ruled in their favor, setting a precedent for female inheritance when there were no male heirs.

However, this ruling presented a new challenge for the tribal leaders of Manasseh, Zelophehad's tribe. They feared that if these daughters married outside their own tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, thus diminishing Manasseh's allocated land. To address this, the LORD issued a further command through Moses, found in Numbers 36:6-9: the daughters of Zelophehad were permitted to marry, but only to men within their own tribe and clan. Numbers 36:10 confirms their faithful adherence to this specific divine instruction.

Key Themes

• Obedience to Divine Command: The verse powerfully emphasizes the daughters' complete and immediate obedience. They did "even as the LORD commanded Moses," demonstrating a profound respect for God's authority and His word.
• Faithfulness and Trust: Their actions reflect a deep trust in God's wisdom and provision. They accepted the terms of their inheritance, understanding that God's commands, even if restrictive, were for the greater good and preservation of the tribal structure.
• Preservation of Inheritance and Tribal Identity: This narrative underscores the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries and family inheritances in Israel. God's law ensured that land remained within its designated tribal allocation, vital for the social, economic, and spiritual identity of each tribe as they settled in Canaan.
• God's Meticulous Care for His People: The entire episode illustrates God's attentiveness to the specific needs and concerns of His people. He provided clear, equitable, and detailed laws to ensure justice, order, and the long-term well-being of the Israelite community.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad" is straightforward yet impactful. The Hebrew word for "commanded" (צוה, tsavah) denotes a direct, authoritative instruction, highlighting the divine origin of the law. "So did" (עשו, asu) signifies their precise and immediate execution of that command, leaving no room for deviation. This simple declaration powerfully conveys their compliance with the divine will.

Practical Application

The obedience of Zelophehad's daughters serves as a timeless example for believers today. It reminds us of:

• The Importance of Obedience: God's commands are not arbitrary but are for our good and the well-being of the community. True blessing often flows from faithful adherence to His word, even when it requires personal adjustment (Deuteronomy 5:32).
• Trusting God's Providence: Just as God meticulously provided for the daughters' inheritance and the tribe's integrity, He continues to orchestrate details in our lives. We can trust His wisdom even when His ways seem complex or require specific actions from us.
• Upholding God's Order: The narrative shows God's concern for structure and order within His people. Our actions have ripple effects, and living in accordance with God's principles contributes to the health and stability of our families, communities, and the broader church.