What role does Moses play in resolving the inheritance issue in Numbers 36:2? Setting the Stage • Numbers 36 opens with leaders from the tribe of Manasseh reminding Moses of two divine directives: – “The LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance by lot to the Israelites.” – “My lord was also commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters.” (Numbers 36:2) • These men are concerned that, if Zelophehad’s daughters marry outside their tribe, the land assigned to Manasseh could transfer to another tribe at Jubilee. • Into this tension steps Moses, tasked with holding together God’s unchanging word and the practical life of the community. How Moses Addresses the Problem • He listens carefully to the tribal leaders—modeling Exodus 18:15-16, where he “makes known the statutes of God and His laws.” • He immediately seeks and receives a fresh word from the LORD (Numbers 36:5). Moses does not invent a solution; he relays God’s answer verbatim. • He issues a binding ordinance: the daughters may marry “whomever they think best” but only within their father’s tribal clan (Numbers 36:6-7). • By doing so, Moses safeguards two parallel truths: – Individual justice to Zelophehad’s daughters (Numbers 27:7). – Corporate integrity of tribal inheritances (Leviticus 25:23-28). Moses as Mediator between God and Israel • Serves as God’s authorized spokesman—“The LORD has commanded” (Numbers 36:5). • Upholds earlier revelation without compromise; he never pits one command against another. • Brings divine clarity that unites the community instead of allowing inter-tribal friction. • Acts as a type of the ultimate Mediator—“Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant” (Hebrews 3:5), prefiguring Christ, “the one Mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5). Guardian of Tribal Boundaries • Ensures the land promise to Abraham’s descendants remains intact by tribe (Genesis 17:8). • Prevents long-term economic inequity; no tribe gains permanent advantage at another’s expense. • Reinforces the principle that inheritance is both a family blessing and a covenant stewardship (Deuteronomy 19:14). Key Takeaways • Moses resolves the crisis by submitting wholly to God’s revealed will, not human ingenuity. • His role highlights the harmony of God’s justice (for Zelophehad’s daughters) and God’s covenant order (for Israel’s tribes). • Every believer can trust that God’s word, when followed without alteration, brings both personal blessing and communal peace. |
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