Numbers 36:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} my lord {H113} to give {H5414} the land {H776} for an inheritance {H5159} by lot {H1486} to the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: and my lord {H113} was commanded {H6680} by the LORD {H3068} to give {H5414} the inheritance {H5159} of Zelophehad {H6765} our brother {H251} unto his daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "ADONAI ordered my lord to give by lot the land to be inherited by the people of Isra'el, and my lord was ordered by ADONAI to give the inheritance of our kinsman Tz'lof'chad to his daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 36:2 presents a crucial legal appeal from the heads of the Gileadite families, descendants of Machir, son of Manasseh, to Moses and the Israelite leaders. They articulate a potential conflict between two divine commands: the general instruction to distribute the promised land by lot among the tribes and the specific ruling that Zelophehad's daughters, lacking male heirs, should receive their father's inheritance. The core of their concern is the preservation of tribal land boundaries and identity, fearing that if these daughters married outside their ancestral tribe, their inherited land would be transferred, thereby diminishing Manasseh's allotted portion, especially upon the Year of Jubilee.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the opening statement of the final chapter of the book of Numbers, serving as a direct continuation and resolution to the legal precedent established in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters"). In that earlier passage, Zelophehad's daughters petitioned Moses for an inheritance, as their father had died without sons. The LORD intervened, commanding that they indeed receive an inheritance among their father's relatives, thus expanding the scope of Israelite inheritance law. Numbers 36:2 picks up on this ruling, but from the perspective of the tribal leaders, who foresee a potential problem with the long-term integrity of their tribal land allocation, especially in light of the impending entry into the Promised Land and the subsequent distribution of territories detailed later in [Joshua](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Land Distribution by Lot"). The immediate narrative flow sets up a tension between individual rights and communal stability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was largely patriarchal, with inheritance typically passing through the male line to ensure the continuity of family and tribal identity. Land was not merely property but a sacred trust, a perpetual inheritance from God, and a fundamental component of tribal identity and economic stability. The system of land distribution "by lot" (as mentioned in the verse) was understood not as random chance but as a divinely guided process, ensuring God's sovereign allocation of territory to each tribe and family (cf. [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")). The concept of the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), outlined in Leviticus 25, was designed to prevent permanent alienation of family land, ensuring that all land reverted to its original tribal and family owners every fifty years. The Gileadite leaders' concern in Numbers 36:2 is rooted in this cultural understanding: if Zelophehad's daughters married outside their tribe, their inherited land would effectively be transferred to another tribe upon the Jubilee, thereby permanently diminishing their own tribal inheritance and violating the divine intent for tribal boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 36:2 highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Law**, emphasizing that both the general principles of land distribution and specific legal rulings originate from the LORD, mediated through Moses. The leaders explicitly state, "The LORD commanded my lord," affirming the divine foundation of Israelite jurisprudence. Secondly, the verse is central to the theme of **Inheritance and Land as a Covenantal Gift**. Land was the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, and its proper allocation and preservation were crucial for Israel's identity as God's people in the Promised Land (cf. [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")). Thirdly, it illuminates the critical importance of **Tribal Integrity and Identity**. The leaders' petition reveals a deep concern for maintaining the distinct boundaries and inheritances of each tribe, recognizing that the loss of land represented a loss of tribal strength and a potential disruption to the divinely ordained social and economic order. This concern for the preservation of tribal allocations directly leads to the divine solution presented later in [Numbers 36:6](/numbers/36-6 "Numbers 36:6 - The Lord's Command Regarding Marriage for Zelophehad's Daughters").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tzivvah'_):** The verb צִוָּה (_tzivvah_), meaning "to command" or "to order," is repeated twice in this single verse, highlighting the divine origin and authority behind both the general land distribution and the specific ruling for Zelophehad's daughters. This repetition underscores the leaders' appeal to Moses' (and by extension, God's) prior directives, framing their current concern within the established legal framework of divine revelation. It emphasizes that Israelite law was not arbitrary but rooted in God's authoritative word.
* **My lord (Hebrew, _adonai'_):** The term אֲדֹנִי (_adonai_), meaning "my lord," is used here to address Moses, acknowledging his supreme authority as God's chosen leader and mediator of the covenant. The leaders' respectful address signifies their submission to Moses' leadership and, crucially, their understanding that Moses' commands are ultimately derived from the LORD. This phrase reinforces the chain of authority: God commands Moses, and Moses commands the people, making the legal system divinely sanctioned.
* **By lot (Hebrew, _b'goral'_):** The phrase בְּגוֹרָל (_b'goral_), "by lot," refers to the method of land distribution. In ancient Israel, casting lots was not seen as a game of chance but as a means by which God revealed His will (cf. [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast into the Lap")). This signifies that the allocation of land to each tribe and family was understood as a direct, sovereign act of God, ensuring fairness and preventing human manipulation. The leaders' reference to this method underscores the divine, unalterable nature of the land distribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said":** This refers to the heads of the families of Gilead, the descendants of Machir, son of Manasseh (as stated in Numbers 36:1). Their collective voice represents the tribal leadership, acting on behalf of their entire clan to protect their inherited portion. Their approach is formal and respectful, indicating a legitimate legal petition.
* **"The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel":** This clause articulates the general divine directive for the distribution of the Promised Land. It establishes the foundational principle that the land was to be divided among all the tribes of Israel, with each portion determined by divine guidance through the casting of lots. This command forms the basis of their understanding of how tribal inheritances were to be established and maintained.
* **"and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters":** This second clause introduces the specific divine ruling from [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - The Lord's Command for Zelophehad's Daughters"). It acknowledges that Moses, acting under direct divine instruction, had specifically granted Zelophehad's daughters the right to inherit their father's land, despite the absence of male heirs. The juxtaposition of this specific command with the general one highlights the legal dilemma the tribal leaders are presenting: how to reconcile the individual right of inheritance with the broader principle of preserving tribal land integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** of the phrase "The LORD commanded my lord" (or "my lord was commanded by the LORD") serves to emphasize the divine authority behind both the general law of land distribution and the specific ruling concerning Zelophehad's daughters. This repetition underscores the weight and immutability of God's decrees. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the presentation of two seemingly conflicting divine commands within a single sentence: the general rule of land distribution by lot to the tribes versus the specific exception for Zelophehad's daughters. This sets up the central tension of the chapter, necessitating a divine resolution that honors both principles. The language itself is **Legal Language**, characterized by precise terms like "commanded," "inheritance," and "lot," reflecting the formal nature of the appeal and the meticulousness of the Mosaic Law. This formal address to Moses also functions as a **Petition** or **Appeal**, demonstrating the Israelite legal system's provision for addressing complex situations and seeking divine guidance through their appointed leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 36:2 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous concern for justice, order, and the well-being of His covenant people. It reveals a divine jurisprudence that is both comprehensive and adaptable, capable of addressing unique circumstances while upholding foundational principles. God's willingness to modify or clarify existing laws, as seen in the case of Zelophehad's daughters, demonstrates His compassion and equity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable (women without male family support) receive their rightful inheritance. At the same time, His subsequent ruling in this chapter, which limits the daughters' marriage choices, shows His commitment to the long-term stability and integrity of the tribal system, which was vital for the fulfillment of His promises regarding the land. This tension between individual rights and communal good is a recurring theme in biblical law, revealing God's holistic approach to His people's flourishing.

* [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "The Lord's Command Regarding Zelophehad's Daughters' Inheritance")
* [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Land Distribution by Lot")
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "The Land Belongs to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 36:2, while rooted in ancient Israelite inheritance law, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, justice, and meticulous attention to detail, even in matters of property and societal structure. For us, this translates into a call for responsible stewardship of all that God has entrusted to us—our resources, our relationships, and our spiritual gifts. Just as the tribal leaders sought to preserve the integrity of their inheritance for future generations, we are called to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, not just on ourselves but on our families, communities, and the broader body of Christ. It encourages us to seek divine wisdom when faced with complex ethical or communal dilemmas, trusting that God's principles provide the framework for true justice and flourishing. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of balancing individual rights with the collective good, recognizing that true freedom often involves responsible choices that contribute to the stability and health of the community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tension between individual rights and communal well-being in this passage resonate with challenges in our own society or church today?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of seeking divine wisdom (as Moses did) when facing complex decisions regarding resources, family, or community?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's character, particularly His justice and His care for the vulnerable?**
* **How does our understanding of "inheritance" as believers in Christ compare to the Israelite understanding of land inheritance?**

### FAQ

**Why was the issue of Zelophehad's daughters' inheritance so significant, leading to this further discussion?**

Answer: The issue was significant because it challenged the traditional patriarchal inheritance system, where land passed exclusively through male heirs. Zelophehad's daughters had no brothers, meaning their family line would lose its land inheritance, a critical component of tribal identity and economic stability in Israel. The initial divine ruling in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters") was a groundbreaking legal precedent, affirming the right of women to inherit in the absence of male heirs. However, this created a new dilemma: if these daughters married outside their tribe, their inherited land would eventually transfer to the husband's tribe, diminishing the portion allotted to their ancestral tribe (Manasseh) and potentially disrupting the divinely ordained tribal boundaries. This subsequent discussion in Numbers 36 was necessary to reconcile the individual right of inheritance with the broader principle of preserving tribal integrity and the perpetual nature of land ownership within the tribal system, especially in light of the [Year of Jubilee](/leviticus/25 "The Year of Jubilee").

**What was the ultimate resolution to the dilemma presented in Numbers 36:2?**

Answer: The ultimate resolution, given by the LORD through Moses in [Numbers 36:6-9](/numbers/36-6 "Numbers 36:6-9 - The Lord's Ruling on Zelophehad's Daughters' Marriage"), was that Zelophehad's daughters (and any other daughters who might inherit land in a similar situation) must marry within their own tribe, specifically within a family of their father's clan. This ensured that their inherited land would remain within the tribe of Manasseh, preserving the tribal boundaries and the integrity of the land distribution that was determined "by lot" (divine decree). The daughters complied, marrying their cousins (Numbers 36:10-12), thus demonstrating obedience to the divine command and resolving the potential conflict between individual inheritance rights and tribal land preservation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 36:2, with its focus on inheritance, land, and the meticulous preservation of God's promises to His people, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. While the Israelites sought to secure a physical inheritance in a promised land, believers in Christ receive a spiritual, eternal inheritance that transcends earthly boundaries. Just as the land was a gift from God to Israel, our ultimate inheritance is salvation and eternal life, secured not by lot or lineage, but by the finished work of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Sharing in the Inheritance of the Saints")). The concern for preserving tribal integrity foreshadows the unity of God's people in Christ, where distinctions of "Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female" are transcended, yet a new, unified identity in Christ is formed (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "Lord" (אֲדֹנִי) who perfectly fulfills God's commands and mediates the new covenant, ensuring that the true "inheritance" of His people—a heavenly dwelling and participation in His kingdom—is eternally secure (cf. [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant") and [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Through Christ, the meticulous justice and compassion of God, exemplified in the care for Zelophehad's daughters, are fully realized for all who believe, granting them an imperishable inheritance.

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.

Numbers 27:7

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.

Numbers 33:54

And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: [and] to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's [inheritance] shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit.

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.

Joshua 17:6

Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.

Numbers 26:55

Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.

Numbers 26:56

According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.