Numbers 27:1 - Meaning and Application

Mention is made of the case of Zelophehad’s daughters in the chapter before, verse 33. It seems, from the careful attention given to it, that this was an unusual case. At that time, it did not seem to happen anywhere in Israel that a man had no sons, only daughters. Their case comes up again in Numbers 36:1-13 on another point, and, according to the ruling made there, they later received their inheritance (Joshua 17:3-4). It is reasonable to think that their character also gave weight to their cause and helped make their case so notable.

Here we have, first, their case stated by themselves and their petition brought before the highest court of law in Israel. That court was made up of Moses as ruler, the princes as leaders, and the congregation, or the elders of the people chosen to represent them, as the common people (Numbers 27:2). This honored body sat near the entrance of the tabernacle, so that in hard cases they could ask God for guidance. These young women brought their appeal to them, because magistrates should defend the fatherless (Psalm 82:3). We are not told that they had any advocate speaking for them, but they handled their own case well. They could do so more easily because their cause was clear, honest, and spoke for itself.

Notice what they asked for. They wanted a share in the land of Canaan among their father’s brothers (Numbers 27:4). God had told Moses, and Moses had faithfully told the people, that the land of Canaan would be divided among those who were counted in the census (Numbers 26:53). These daughters knew that they were not numbered, so by that rule they could expect no inheritance. Their father’s family would be treated as if it had ended, even though he had daughters. They thought this was unfair, so they asked to be treated as heirs in their father’s place and to receive his inheritance. If they had had a brother, they would not have gone to Moses, as one man went to Jesus asking for an inheritance share with his brother (Luke 12:13). But since they had no brother, they asked for a possession.

In this request they showed strong faith in God’s power and promise about giving Canaan to Israel. Though the land was still unconquered and fully in the hands of the native peoples, they asked for their share as if it already belonged to them. See Psalm 60:6-7, where God says in his holiness that Gilead and Manasseh are his. They also showed a deep desire for a place and a name in the land of promise, which pointed forward to heaven. If, as some think, they were also looking toward that greater inheritance and laying hold on eternal life, then they were truly wise women. Their example should stir us to make every effort to be sure of our right to the heavenly inheritance, where, under the covenant of grace, there is no difference between male and female (Galatians 3:28).

They also showed true respect for their father. His name was precious to them now that he was gone, and they were concerned that his family name should not disappear. Children owe a debt to the memory of their parents, as the fifth commandment teaches: Honor your father and your mother.

Second, their plea rested on this point, that their father had not died under any public charge that would have dishonored him or caused him to lose his estate. He had died in his own sin (Numbers 27:3). He had not joined any revolt against Moses, especially not Korah’s rebellion, nor had he been involved in the sins of others. He was guilty only of the common sinfulness of mankind, and for that he was answerable to God alone. He had not placed himself under any legal judgment before Moses and the princes. No one had ever proved anything against him that would block his children’s claim. It is a comfort to parents, when they come to die, if they must suffer for their own sin, but are not aware of any guilt that would bring harm on their children.

Second, their case is settled by God’s own answer. Moses did not dare give the judgment himself, because, although their claim seemed fair and reasonable, his direct instructions said to divide the land among those who were numbered, and those numbered were only males. So he brought the matter before the Lord and waited for God’s decision (Numbers 27:5). God himself gave the ruling. He takes notice not only of nations, but also of private families, and he orders their affairs according to his own wise purpose.

The petition is granted (Numbers 27:7). “They speak right, give them a possession.” Those who seek an inheritance in the land of promise will receive what they ask for, and other blessings will be given along with it. God approves and honors claims like this. The matter is also settled for future cases. Zelophehad’s daughters were thinking not only of their own comfort and their family’s good name, but also of the honor and good of their sex. So, for this case, a general law was made, that if a man had no son, his estate should pass to his daughters (Numbers 27:8). It would go to all of them together, not just the oldest, but in equal shares.

Further instructions are given for inheritances in Numbers 27:9-11. If a man had no children at all, his estate would go to his brothers. If he had no brothers, it would go to his father’s brothers, and if there were none of those, then to his nearest relative. Our own law agrees exactly with these rules. Some Jewish teachers wanted to say that if a man had no children, his estate should go to his father if he was still alive, before going to his brothers, but the law does not say that. Our common law also clearly says that property cannot go up the family line. So if a man bought land outright and died without children while his father was still alive, his father could not inherit it. This shows how God makes heirs, and we must accept his ordering.