Numbers 36:6

KJV

This [is] the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the thing {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} doth command {H6680} concerning the daughters {H1323} of Zelophehad {H6765}, saying {H559}, Let them marry {H802} to whom they think {H5869} best {H2896}; only to the family {H4940} of the tribe {H4294} of their father {H1} shall they marry {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI has ordered concerning the daughters of Tz'lof'chad: 'Let them be married to whomever they think best, but they must marry only into a family from their father's tribe.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father.

American Standard Version

This is the thing which Jehovah doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them be married to whom they think best; only into the family of the tribe of their father shall they be married.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 36:6 delivers a crucial divine decree specifically addressing the marriage stipulations for the daughters of Zelophehad, whose earlier petition had secured them an unprecedented land inheritance. This command from the Lord grants these daughters the freedom to choose their husbands, yet it imposes a vital restriction: they must marry within the family and tribe of their father. This intricate regulation is designed to meticulously safeguard the integrity of tribal land allocations within Israel, ensuring that the inheritance granted to them remains perpetually within the ancestral lineage of the tribe of Manasseh, thereby preventing the dilution or transfer of tribal patrimony across tribal boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 36:6 serves as the definitive divine resolution to a complex legal and social dilemma concerning land inheritance within the Israelite tribal system. The narrative trajectory leading to this verse begins in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Zelophehad's Daughters' Petition"), where Zelophehad's five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—courageously approach Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the tribal leaders. Their father had died without male heirs, and they boldly petitioned for a land inheritance, challenging the prevailing patriarchal norm that land passed only through sons. The Lord, speaking through Moses, affirmed their petition, establishing a groundbreaking legal precedent that daughters could indeed inherit land in the absence of male heirs, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - Lord's Ruling on Daughters' Inheritance"). However, this progressive ruling inadvertently created a new concern for the tribal heads of Manasseh, Zelophehad's tribe. As expressed in [Numbers 36:1-3](/numbers/36-1-4 "Numbers 36:1-4 - Tribal Leaders' Concern and Moses' Response"), they feared that if these daughters married men from other Israelite tribes, their inherited land would transfer to their husbands' tribes, thereby diminishing Manasseh's allotted portion, particularly in the Jubilee year when land was meant to revert to its original tribal ownership. Numbers 36:6 is God's direct, comprehensive, and equitable response, meticulously crafted to uphold both the daughters' divinely affirmed right to inherit and the sacred, divinely ordained integrity of tribal land boundaries.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, akin to many cultures in the ancient Near East, was profoundly patriarchal, with land inheritance typically flowing exclusively through the male line. Land was far more than mere property; it was inextricably linked to tribal identity, covenant promises, and the very fabric of Israelite societal structure. Each tribe received a specific and sacred allocation of land in Canaan, as meticulously detailed in books like [Joshua](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Division of the Land"). This division was understood as a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing Israel's permanent dwelling in the Promised Land. The concept of the Jubilee year, outlined in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), further underscored the inviolability of tribal land, mandating that all land revert to its original family ownership every fifty years. This prevented permanent alienation of land and ensured the preservation of tribal patrimony. The concern voiced by the Manassite leaders was therefore not trivial; it directly impacted the foundational principles of their tribal identity, economic stability, and adherence to God's intended order for the land's distribution. The divine command in Numbers 36:6 vividly demonstrates God's active engagement with the practicalities of Israelite life, providing specific legal guidance that skillfully navigates complex social issues within the overarching framework of His broader covenantal purposes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes pervasive within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the **preservation of inheritance**, highlighting God's meticulous care for the integrity of tribal land boundaries, which were paramount for maintaining the divine order and the distinct identity of each lineage in Israel. Secondly, it powerfully showcases **divine wisdom and justice**, as God provides a perfectly balanced solution that respects the individual rights of Zelophehad's daughters to choose their spouses while simultaneously safeguarding the communal and tribal inheritance. This demonstrates God's profound concern for order, equity, and fairness in all societal structures, as seen throughout the Mosaic Law. Thirdly, the explicit phrase "This is the thing which the LORD doth command" unequivocally emphasizes **God's sovereignty in law**, affirming that this specific ruling, like all foundational laws of Israel, originates directly from God. This highlights His ultimate authority over every aspect of Israelite life, including marriage and property, and the binding nature of His decrees. Finally, the command beautifully illustrates the biblical principle of **balancing freedom and responsibility**, granting the daughters the freedom to marry "to whom they think best," yet bounding this liberty with the responsibility to preserve their tribal heritage, thereby modeling a form of responsible liberty within God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word refers to a "word," "matter," or "deed." In this context, it signifies the authoritative pronouncement or decree issued by the LORD. Its use immediately elevates the ensuing instruction from a mere suggestion or human legal decision to a direct, binding, and divinely ordained mandate. It underscores that the resolution to this complex inheritance issue is not a human compromise but a divine "thing" or command.
* **command (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** From H6680, this verb means "to constitute," "to enjoin," or "to give a charge." Its application here emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the instruction given to Moses. It highlights God's active involvement in establishing detailed legal and social structures for Israel, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over their lives and institutions. This word reinforces that the resolution is a non-negotiable directive from the supreme Lawgiver.
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, this term denotes a "family," "circle of relatives," or "clan." In conjunction with "tribe" and "father," it precisely defines the permissible social unit for marriage. This stipulation ensures that the land inheritance remains within the specific ancestral lineage and clan of Zelophehad, preventing its transfer to another tribe through marriage and thereby preserving the divinely ordained land distribution and tribal identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the subsequent instruction. The phrase "the LORD doth command" (YHWH tsâvâh) explicitly states that the following directive is not a human legislative decision but a direct revelation from God. It highlights God's engagement with the specific legal and social challenges faced by Israel, demonstrating His meticulous care for the details of their communal life and His role as the ultimate lawgiver. The specific mention of "the daughters of Zelophehad" immediately links this command to their unique case of land inheritance, which had already set a new precedent for female heirs.
* **"Let them marry to whom they think best;"**: This segment grants the daughters a significant degree of personal autonomy and freedom in choosing their spouses. It acknowledges their individual agency and preference within the divine framework. This freedom is particularly notable within a patriarchal society where marriages were often arranged by family elders. It indicates that while God establishes overarching boundaries, He also values individual choice and consent, allowing for personal preference within the broader divine will. This clause beautifully illustrates a balance between individual liberty and communal responsibility.
* **"only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry."**: This crucial qualifying clause imposes the specific restriction that directly addresses the tribal leaders' concerns. The phrase "family of the tribe of their father" precisely defines the permissible pool of potential spouses: men from within their own clan and tribal division (Manasseh). This stipulation ensures that the land inheritance, which was granted to them as female heirs, would remain perpetually within the ancestral tribal boundaries, preventing its transfer to another tribe through marriage. This preserves the integrity of the divinely ordained land distribution and the distinct identity of each tribe, especially in light of the Jubilee laws designed to prevent permanent land alienation.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 36:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message and underscore its profound significance. The most prominent is **Divine Decree**, signaled by the explicit declaration, "This [is] the thing which the LORD doth command." This phrase functions as a solemn legal formula, imbuing the subsequent instruction with absolute divine authority and binding force, leaving no doubt as to its origin or necessity within the Israelite legal system. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Legal Precedent**, not merely for the immediate case of the daughters of Zelophehad, but for similar future cases of female inheritance within the tribal system, demonstrating the adaptability, justice, and comprehensive nature inherent in God's law. The structure of the command itself, offering a degree of freedom ("Let them marry to whom they think best") followed by a precise, non-negotiable limitation ("only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry"), showcases a profound **Balancing Act** or **Divine Compromise**. This rhetorical strategy highlights God's perfect wisdom in reconciling individual rights with communal well-being and the preservation of tribal identity. Finally, the precise and somewhat repetitive phrasing of "family of the tribe of their father" serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the critical nature of the restriction and ensuring its clear understanding and strict adherence among the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 36:6 offers profound insight into God's character as a meticulous, just, and wise Lawgiver who cares deeply for the order and well-being of His people. It reveals a God who is not only concerned with grand theological principles but also with the practicalities of daily life, including property rights, family structures, and tribal integrity. The divine command demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to upholding both individual rights (the daughters' freedom to choose their spouses) and communal integrity (the preservation of tribal land boundaries). This delicate balance reflects God's perfect wisdom, ensuring that justice is served while the foundational structures of Israelite society, particularly the divinely ordained land distribution, are maintained. The emphasis on preserving tribal inheritance speaks to a broader theological principle of stewardship—that all possessions, especially the Promised Land, are ultimately God's, entrusted to His people for faithful management. This concern for lineage and inheritance, particularly in the context of the Promised Land, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance promised to God's people in Christ.

* [Numbers 27:7](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - Lord's Ruling on Daughters' Inheritance") - Establishes the initial divine precedent for daughters inheriting land in the absence of male heirs.
* [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee and Land Reversion") - Outlines the Jubilee law, which ensures land reverts to its ancestral family, providing the underlying theological and practical reason for the concern addressed in Numbers 36.
* [Joshua 14:1-5](/joshua/14-1-5 "Joshua 14:1-5 - Division of the Land of Canaan by Lot") - Describes the actual division of the land by lot among the tribes, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining tribal boundaries as part of God's covenant faithfulness.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 36:6, while rooted in a specific ancient Israelite legal dilemma, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our personal decisions, especially significant ones like marriage, career, or major financial choices, have ripple effects that extend far beyond ourselves, impacting our families, communities, and even our spiritual heritage. The divine wisdom displayed in balancing individual freedom with communal responsibility encourages us to seek God's guidance in all our choices, considering not only our personal desires but also how our actions align with biblical principles and contribute to the flourishing of God's people and the advancement of His kingdom. We are called to be wise stewards of all that God has entrusted to us—our relationships, our resources, our gifts, and our spiritual inheritance—ensuring that our choices honor Him and contribute to the greater good. This verse also offers profound reassurance of God's meticulous care for the details of our lives, demonstrating that He is concerned with practical justice, order, and the well-being of His people, inviting us to bring every aspect of our lives under His wise and loving authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do my personal choices, especially in significant life decisions, impact my family, my spiritual community, and the broader purposes of God?**
* **How can I better balance my individual desires and freedoms with my responsibilities to my spiritual community and the overarching will of God?**
* **What "inheritance" (spiritual truths, relational connections, material resources, unique talents) has God entrusted to me, and how am I faithfully stewarding it for His glory and the good of others?**
* **How does God's detailed concern for ancient Israel's land laws encourage me to trust Him with the practical details and complexities of my own life and circumstances today?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the land to stay within the tribe?**

Answer: The preservation of land within tribal boundaries was critically important for several interconnected reasons in ancient Israel. First, it was fundamental to their national and covenantal identity. The land of Canaan was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")) and was distributed by divine lot to each tribe ([Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Division of the Land")). This distribution was not merely economic; it was deeply theological, representing their permanent dwelling as God's people in the Promised Land. Second, it ensured economic stability and prevented the accumulation of land by a few, thereby safeguarding against extreme poverty and social stratification within the tribes. The Jubilee system ([Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee")) reinforced this by ensuring land reverted to its original family every 50 years, preventing permanent alienation. Third, it maintained tribal distinctiveness and lineage, which was crucial for the future identification of the Messiah's tribe and family. The concern in Numbers 36:6 directly addresses this, preventing the dilution or transfer of a tribe's patrimony through marriage, thereby preserving the divinely ordained social and economic order.

**Did this rule apply to all Israelite women, or just the daughters of Zelophehad?**

Answer: The rule as explicitly stated in Numbers 36:6 was specifically given "concerning the daughters of Zelophehad" due to their unique and precedent-setting situation of inheriting land in the absence of male heirs. Their case was exceptional, prompting a divine ruling that balanced individual rights with tribal integrity. However, the underlying principle—the preservation of tribal land integrity—would have implicitly influenced marriage considerations for other Israelite women who might inherit land under similar circumstances. While not a universal command for *all* Israelite women to marry strictly within their tribe, it established a legal precedent and a clear divine preference for maintaining tribal land boundaries. For women who did not inherit land, the choice of spouse was likely less restricted by tribal affiliation, though cultural norms, family preferences, and practical considerations would still play a significant role in marriage arrangements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 36:6, with its meticulous focus on preserving an earthly inheritance within a specific lineage and tribal boundary, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ. The divine care taken to ensure the integrity of tribal land in Israel serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the far greater, imperishable spiritual inheritance secured for all believers in Christ. Just as the daughters of Zelophehad received a physical inheritance, believers in Christ are granted an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Imperishable Inheritance")). This spiritual inheritance is not tied to earthly lineage, tribal boundaries, or geographical location but is universally available to all who are united "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). Jesus, as the ultimate heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ as Heir of All Things")), has, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, brought us into His spiritual family, making us "fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")). The earthly tribal system, with its emphasis on preserving a physical heritage and identity, points to the spiritual family of God, the Church, where believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")) are united as co-heirs of God's eternal kingdom. The divine wisdom in balancing individual freedom with communal good in Numbers 36:6 is perfectly embodied in Christ, who grants us true freedom from sin and death while uniting us into His body, ensuring our eternal spiritual inheritance is secured and preserved in Him forever.

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 36:12

[And] they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.

2 Corinthians 6:14

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Genesis 24:3

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Genesis 24:57

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

Genesis 24:58

And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.