1 Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
2 They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chiefs, and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying,
3 Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died for his own sin. And he had no sons.
4 Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father’s brothers.”
5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord.
6 And the Lord said to Moses:
7 The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them.
8 And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter.
9 And if he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers.
10 and if he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers.
11 And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. And it shall be for the people of Israel a statute and rule, as the Lord commanded Moses.’”
12 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel.
13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was,
14 for when the congregation quarreled in the wilderness of Zin, you rebelled against my command to treat me as holy before their eyes at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)
15 Moses spoke to the Lord, saying,
16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation”
17 who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”
18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
19 And set him before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and commission him in their sight.
20 You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.
21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the Lord. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, the whole congregation.
22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation,
23 And he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord directed through Moses.
The True Meaning of Numbers 27
The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. This chapter focuses on the issue of inheritance and the role of women in the ancient Israelite society. The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses and the community with a request to inherit their father’s land, as he had no sons. This event highlights the evolving nature of the Israelite legal system and the growing recognition of the rights of women, which is further reinforced by the Lord’s response to this situation.
The chapter also touches on the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, as the Lord instructs Moses to appoint Joshua as his successor. This foreshadows the pivotal role Joshua will play in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, as described in the Book of Joshua.
Throughout this passage, we see the hand of God guiding the Israelites, providing them with laws and instructions to ensure a just and orderly society. The chapter serves as a testament to the ongoing divine providence that accompanies the Israelites on their journey towards the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Numbers 27:1-11
The account of the daughters of Zelophehad unfolds a significant event in Numbers 27:1-11. The section begins with the daughters approaching Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting. These women – Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah – were from the tribe of Manasseh, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They had a legitimate concern regarding inheritance rights. Their father had died in the wilderness for his own sin, and he had no sons to inherit his property, which was a real dilemma under the customary laws of inheritance at that time.
Moses, being the leader who sought God’s guidance in all matters, took the case before the Lord. The Lord’s response to Moses was a just one: He instructed that the plea of the daughters of Zelophehad was right, and they were to be granted their father’s inheritance among their father’s brothers. This was a groundbreaking decision because it allowed women to inherit land, countering the prevailing customs of that time.
This event carries timeless messages and principles still relevant today. It demonstrates God’s justice and fairness, showing that He cares about the rights and concerns of all individuals, regardless of their gender. It challenges societal norms that may be unjust or discriminatory. The daughters of Zelophehad stood up for what they believed was right, and God honored their faith and courage. This story encourages individuals to speak up against injustices and trust that God sees and hears their cries for fairness.
Furthermore, this account aligns with other biblical teachings that emphasize God’s concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God champions the cause of the vulnerable, whether it be the widows, orphans, foreigners, or women. For example, in Psalm 68:5, it says that God is “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.” This theme underscores the consistent character of God as a protector and advocate for those who are often overlooked or mistreated by society.
The daughters of Zelophehad serve as inspirational figures for believers today, especially for those who may feel marginalized or disregarded. Their story reminds us of the importance of seeking justice, standing up for what is right, and trusting in God’s wisdom and fairness. Just as the Lord listened to the plea of these women and granted them their inheritance, we can rest assured that God is attentive to our cries for justice and righteousness.
Numbers 27:12-14
Numbers 27:12-14 reads, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go up this mountain in the Abarim Range and see the land I have given the Israelites. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes.’ (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin. God instructs Moses to go up Mount Nebo in the Abarim Range and see the land that He has promised to the Israelites. This is a profound moment as God reveals to Moses the fulfillment of the promise made to the Israelites to inherit the land of Canaan. However, there is a bittersweet aspect to this revelation as God also informs Moses that, like his brother Aaron, he will not enter the Promised Land. This decision was made because of an incident where Moses and Aaron failed to honor God by obeying His command when the people rebelled and water was brought from the rock at Meribah.
This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience and honoring God’s commands. Despite all that Moses had done for the Israelites and leading them out of Egypt, even he was not above God’s judgment when he disobeyed. It serves as a reminder that even great leaders are accountable to God and disobedience carries consequences. This is a timeless message that applies to believers today, emphasizing the need for obedience and humility before God.
Moses’ story arc throughout the Bible is one of immense faith, leadership, and closeness to God. From his call at the burning bush to leading the Israelites through the wilderness, Moses exemplified obedience and dedication to God’s will. However, even Moses, the great prophet, was not exempt from making mistakes. The incident at Meribah serves as a reminder that obedience is key in our relationship with God, and even those closest to Him must follow His commands. Moses ascends Mount Nebo and views the Promised Land before his passing, fulfilling God’s command in Deuteronomy 34:1-5. This moment symbolizes the end of Moses’ earthly journey and the completion of his leadership over the Israelites. It also underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, even if they may not always align with our own desires or plans.
Numbers 27:15-23
The passage in Numbers 27:15-23 addresses Moses’ concern about the Israelites having a leader to succeed him and lead them into the promised land after his death. Let’s break down this section into important components for a deeper analysis. Moses expresses his worry to God about the need for a leader to guide the Israelites in verse 15. This shows Moses’ humility and concern for the people he has led for so long. Despite all he has done for them, Moses understands the importance of having a leader to continue his work and ensure the nation’s well-being.
God responds to Moses in verse 16-17 by instructing him to appoint Joshua, the son of Nun, to succeed him as the leader of the Israelites. Joshua was a trusted and faithful companion of Moses, having accompanied him to Mount Sinai and witnessing the giving of the Ten Commandments. He had also been chosen as one of the twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan. Through these experiences, Joshua had proven himself as a capable and faithful servant of God. God outlines the process by which Moses is to publicly commission Joshua as his successor before Eleazar, the priest, and the entire community in verse 18-21. This public declaration not only solidifies Joshua’s authority but also assures the Israelites that God is still guiding and providing for them, even after Moses’ passing. It highlights the importance of orderly succession and leadership transition within the community of believers.
Lastly, in verse 22-23, Moses does as God commanded, laying his hands on Joshua to ordain and commission him before the people. This act symbolizes the transfer of authority and serves as a blessing from Moses to Joshua in his new role. Moses’ obedience to God’s instructions demonstrates his faith and trust in God’s plan for the Israelites, even if it means stepping aside to make way for a new leader.
This passage conveys timeless messages about the importance of leadership, succession planning, and obedience to God’s will. It showcases the qualities of a good leader – humility, faithfulness, and trust in God. It also emphasizes the continuity of God’s promises and guidance throughout generations, reassuring believers that God is always faithful to His people. The story of Joshua’s appointment as the leader of the Israelites serves as a powerful example of God’s provision and sovereignty in ensuring the fulfillment of His plans for His chosen people.
After Numbers 27
The Lord had spoken to Moses, instructing him to appoint Joshua as the new leader to guide the Israelites into the Promised Land. Moses followed the Lord’s command, laying his hands upon Joshua and commissioning him before the entire congregation. With this transition of leadership, a new chapter was about to unfold, one that would test the faith and resilience of God’s chosen people. We shall witness the challenges that lie ahead and the unwavering trust the Israelites must place in their new shepherd, Joshua, to lead them to the land flowing with milk and honey as we turn the page.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.