Numbers 36:5

KJV

¶ And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} commanded {H6680} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} according to the word {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, The tribe {H4294} of the sons {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} hath said {H1696} well.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe gave this order to the people of Isra'el, in keeping with the word of ADONAI : "The tribe of the descendants of Yosef is right in what it says.

Berean Standard Bible

So at the word of the LORD, Moses commanded the Israelites: “The tribe of the sons of Joseph speaks correctly.

American Standard Version

And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of Jehovah, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph speaketh right.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 36:5 records Moses' authoritative declaration, directly from the LORD, affirming the validity of the concern raised by the tribal leaders of Manasseh regarding the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters. This verse is a crucial moment in the legislative process for Israel's land distribution, demonstrating God's dynamic and meticulous care in balancing individual justice with the preservation of tribal boundaries and identity, ensuring the long-term integrity of the Promised Land's allocation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the divine response and resolution to a specific legal dilemma presented in the preceding verses. It directly follows the petition from the heads of the clans of Gilead, who were descendants of Manasseh (Numbers 36:1-4). Their concern arose from an earlier ruling in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1-11 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Inheritance"), where God had granted Zelophehad's daughters the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of male heirs. While this ruling addressed an issue of individual justice, the Manasseh elders, with keen foresight, recognized a potential long-term problem: if these heiresses married outside their tribe, their inherited land would permanently transfer to the husband's tribe, thereby diminishing Manasseh's designated territory, especially as it would circumvent the spirit of the Jubilee year. Numbers 36:5 is the LORD's direct validation of this concern, setting the stage for the specific marital decree that follows in [Numbers 36:6-9](/numbers/36-6-9 "Numbers 36:6-9 - Marriage Laws for Heiresses").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was structured around patriarchal lineage, with land inheritance typically passing from father to son. Land was far more than mere property; it was the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises, the basis of tribal identity, economic stability, and a permanent dwelling in the Promised Land. The meticulous system of tribal land allocation, detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land East of the Jordan"), was designed to ensure each tribe and family maintained its perpetual share. The institution of the Jubilee year, as outlined in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), was a unique divine provision to prevent permanent land alienation, ensuring that all land reverted to its original tribal and family owners every fifty years. The Manasseh elders' concern in Numbers 36:1-4 was rooted in this profound cultural understanding, highlighting their apprehension that the new law for female inheritance, if not carefully managed, could inadvertently undermine the foundational principles of tribal land tenure and the integrity of the Jubilee, thereby diminishing their tribal inheritance.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 36:5 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Wisdom and Guidance** in the establishment of Israel's laws. The explicit statement "according to the word of the LORD" emphasizes that this resolution was not a human compromise but a divinely inspired and ratified command, showcasing God's meticulous involvement in the detailed societal structure and land distribution of His people. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical importance of the **Preservation of Tribal Inheritance** and **Land Tenure**. Land was inextricably linked to Israel's identity, their covenant blessings, and their very existence as a nation in the Promised Land. The concern of the Manasseh elders, divinely affirmed, demonstrates God's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tribal boundaries He established (cf. [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Land")). Finally, this passage beautifully illustrates the principle of **Balancing Justice and Order**. God had previously established individual justice by granting Zelophehad's daughters the right to inherit (cf. [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - Inheritance for Daughters")). Here, He provides a solution that upholds that individual right while simultaneously safeguarding the communal order and stability of the tribal land system, ensuring fairness to the individual without undermining the structural integrity of the nation's land distribution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This verb (H6680) signifies a strong, authoritative directive, often from a superior to a subordinate, or, as here, from God through His mediator to humanity. When Moses "commanded" according to the word of the LORD, it underscores that this was not a mere suggestion or piece of advice, but a binding divine decree. It highlights Moses' crucial role as the faithful intermediary of God's will to the children of Israel, emphasizing the absolute authority and imperative nature of the subsequent instruction. This command sets a precedent for future generations.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term (H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the covenant name of God. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" is crucial as it explicitly attributes the ultimate source of the command to God Himself. It removes any doubt that the resolution to the land inheritance dilemma was a human invention or a political compromise. Instead, it was a divinely revealed and sanctioned solution, reinforcing God's active and sovereign involvement in the legal and social fabric of Israel, and validating the Manasseh elders' concern as being aligned with divine wisdom.
* **Said well (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** The root verb (H1696), _dâbar_, means "to speak" or "to arrange." In this context, "hath said well" (Hebrew, _ken dibberu_) conveys a powerful divine affirmation, literally meaning "they have spoken rightly" or "they have spoken truly." It signifies strong divine approval and validation of the Manasseh elders' concern and their implicit proposal. This endorsement indicates that their assessment of the potential problem regarding tribal land alienation was not only accurate but also in harmony with God's own principles for the preservation of tribal boundaries and the overall order of Israel. This divine endorsement elevates their human concern to a divinely sanctioned principle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses commanded the children of Israel":** This opening clause establishes Moses' divinely appointed role as the authoritative conveyor of God's will to His people. As the leader and prophet, his commands to the Israelites carried the full weight of divine authority, compelling obedience and adherence to the laws being laid down for their future life in the Promised Land. This highlights the hierarchical structure of divine revelation and human implementation.
* **"according to the word of the LORD, saying":** This vital phrase immediately clarifies the ultimate source of Moses' command. It explicitly states that the instruction is not Moses' personal opinion or legislative initiative, but a direct revelation from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This divine origin imbues the command with absolute authority, ensuring its perfect justice, wisdom, and binding nature, reinforcing the theological principle that Israel's laws were divinely ordained and thus immutable.
* **"The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.":** This is the core of the divine affirmation and the pivotal statement of the verse. God, speaking through Moses, validates the concern raised by the Manasseh elders (who belong to the tribe of Joseph through Manasseh). Their foresight regarding the potential alienation of tribal land through female inheritance is explicitly declared "right" or "well-spoken" in God's sight. This divine endorsement paves the way for the subsequent legal modification that requires heiresses to marry within their own tribe, thereby preserving the integrity of tribal land allocations and the divine order.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 36:5 primarily employs **Divine Mandate** and **Divine Affirmation** as key literary devices. The phrase "according to the word of the LORD" functions as a clear **Divine Mandate**, establishing the absolute authority and divine origin of the subsequent command. This formulaic expression is common throughout the Pentateuch, consistently underscoring that the laws and decrees given to Israel are not human constructs but divine revelations, ensuring their legitimacy and binding nature. Furthermore, the declaration "The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well" acts as a powerful **Divine Affirmation**. This direct divine endorsement of the Manasseh elders' concern elevates their human insight to a divinely approved principle. It serves to validate their wisdom and foresight, demonstrating God's responsiveness to the practical concerns of His people while meticulously ensuring the integrity of His established order. The verse also functions as a **Legal Precedent**, setting the stage for a new, divinely sanctioned legal ruling that modifies existing law to address unforeseen complications, showcasing the adaptive and just nature of God's law in practice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 36:5 profoundly illustrates God's character as both just and orderly, meticulously concerned with the well-being and structural integrity of His covenant people. It demonstrates that divine law is not static or rigidly applied without consideration for unforeseen circumstances, but can be elaborated upon through divine revelation to ensure both individual equity and communal stability. This episode highlights the sacredness of the land as a divine inheritance, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness, and the importance of maintaining tribal distinctions as part of Israel's identity and future in the Promised Land. The divine affirmation of the Manasseh elders' concern underscores that God values human wisdom and foresight when it aligns with His overarching purposes, providing a model for seeking divine guidance in resolving complex societal issues with both justice and foresight.

* [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1-11 "The Daughters of Zelophehad's Inheritance")
* [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "The Jubilee Proclamation")
* [Joshua 13:6](/joshua/13-6 "Division of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 36:5 offers profound insights for our contemporary lives, reminding us that true wisdom often involves balancing competing goods—individual rights with communal well-being, and immediate needs with long-term stability. The divine affirmation of the Manasseh elders' concern encourages us to bring our practical dilemmas and anxieties before God, trusting that His wisdom can provide solutions that are both equitable and maintain the integrity of established order. It challenges us to think beyond immediate gratification, considering the generational impact of our decisions, especially concerning stewardship of resources, family legacies, and community health. This passage calls us to seek divine guidance in navigating complex ethical and social issues, striving for solutions that reflect God's justice, order, and meticulous care for all, recognizing that God's principles are designed for our flourishing in every dimension of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage inform our understanding of God's character in balancing individual justice with communal order?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you see a tension between individual rights and the greater good, and how might you seek divine wisdom to navigate these complexities?**
* **What does the emphasis on preserving tribal inheritance teach us about the importance of legacy, stewardship, and generational faithfulness in our own contexts today?**

### FAQ

**Why was land inheritance so crucial for the Israelites, as highlighted in this passage?**

Answer: Land inheritance was foundational to the Israelites for several profound reasons. Firstly, it represented the direct fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the promise of a land where their descendants would dwell and become a great nation (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abram")). Secondly, land provided essential economic sustenance and security, ensuring each family and tribe had a means of livelihood and a place to belong. Thirdly, it was inextricably linked to their identity and tribal structure; the land was divided by lot among the tribes, and maintaining these boundaries was essential for preserving their distinct identities, preventing social upheaval, and fulfilling their national destiny. Finally, the land was a tangible symbol of their relationship with God, a sacred trust to be stewarded, and a place where God's presence would dwell among them. The concern in Numbers 36:5 highlights that the integrity of these land allocations was paramount to their national, social, and spiritual well-being.

**What was the "Jubilee year" and how did it relate to the Manasseh elders' concern?**

Answer: The Jubilee year, described in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), was a unique Israelite institution occurring every 50th year. Its primary purpose was to prevent the permanent alienation of land from its original tribal and family owners. During the Jubilee, all land that had been sold or transferred would revert to its original owner or their family, and all Israelite slaves would be set free. This ensured a periodic reset, maintaining social and economic equity and preventing the accumulation of land by a few. The Manasseh elders' concern in Numbers 36:1-4 was that if Zelophehad's daughters married men from other tribes, their inherited land would effectively transfer permanently to that other tribe, even if it reverted to the daughters in the Jubilee. This would diminish Manasseh's *permanent* tribal allocation, undermining the spirit and intention of the Jubilee, which aimed to keep land within its original tribal inheritance. The divine ruling in Numbers 36:5-9 directly addresses this by ensuring that heiresses marry within their own tribe, thereby preserving the integrity of tribal land boundaries across generations.

**How does this verse demonstrate God's character and His approach to law?**

Answer: Numbers 36:5 powerfully demonstrates God's character as a God of **justice**, **order**, and **meticulous care**. His justice is evident in His initial ruling granting Zelophehad's daughters the right to inherit, upholding individual fairness and recognizing their unique circumstances. His order is seen in His concern for the preservation of tribal boundaries and the overall stability and integrity of the nation, which were crucial for Israel's identity and future in the Promised Land. The fact that He affirms the Manasseh elders' concern ("hath said well") shows His responsiveness and willingness to address practical complexities and unforeseen implications within His divine law. This isn't a sign of imperfect law, but rather of a living God who provides wisdom for the nuanced application of His principles in dynamic situations. It highlights that God's law is not merely a set of rigid, unyielding rules, but a comprehensive framework for flourishing, designed with profound wisdom and foresight to ensure the holistic well-being of His people in all its dimensions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 36:5, with its focus on preserving an earthly inheritance and maintaining tribal identity, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ. Just as the land was a tangible promise and a secure possession for Israel, believers are promised an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" through Christ ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous care God showed in preserving tribal boundaries foreshadows the secure and eternal nature of the spiritual inheritance we receive through Christ, which cannot be lost or alienated by any external force or internal failing. Furthermore, the concern for tribal identity and belonging in the Old Testament points to the ultimate unity and new identity found in Christ, where believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are united into one new spiritual family, the church, transcending earthly distinctions ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")). Christ Himself is the ultimate "good word" spoken by God, the perfect revelation of divine wisdom and justice, who fulfills all the Law's requirements and secures for us an eternal dwelling in the "heavenly country" ([Hebrews 11:16](/hebrews/11-16 "Hebrews 11:16 - A Heavenly Country")), the true and ultimate Promised Land. Through Him, we become "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving an inheritance far surpassing any earthly land or tribal allocation, an inheritance of eternal life and communion with God Himself.

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 27:7

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.

Deuteronomy 5:28

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.