What is the meaning of Joshua 17:4? They approached Eleazar the priest “ They approached ” signals confidence that God’s ordained channels would act justly. By coming first to Eleazar—the high priest who bore the Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21)—they acknowledged God’s authority in the distribution of the land. • Eleazar’s priestly role ensured the request was heard in the presence of the LORD (Numbers 34:17). • The daughters of Zelophehad had previously stood before Moses and Eleazar with the same petition (Numbers 27:2-7). • Their approach pictures the believer’s privilege of drawing near to God’s throne for mercy and justice (Hebrews 4:16). Joshua son of Nun Joshua, the military leader and successor of Moses, was also charged with parceling out the inheritance (Joshua 1:6; Numbers 27:18-19). • His presence confirms that the distribution of Canaan combined spiritual oversight (Eleazar) with practical leadership (Joshua). • Joshua’s obedience in all matters of the Law had already been recorded (Joshua 11:15), foreshadowing his faithful response here. and the leaders The tribal heads witnessed the proceedings, guaranteeing transparency and unity (Deuteronomy 31:28; Joshua 14:1). • Land allotments affected every family; public accountability prevented later disputes (Joshua 21:1-3). • Their involvement shows that biblical justice is communal, not merely individual. and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” The daughters of Zelophehad appealed to the explicit word of God spoken through Moses (Numbers 27:6-7). • They stood on divine promise, not personal preference. • Their statement underscores that God’s commands do not expire with changing circumstances (Psalm 119:89). • It also highlights the equality of all God’s children in receiving covenant blessings (Galatians 3:28 points forward to this principle). So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. Joshua’s immediate compliance demonstrates that God’s word is the final authority. • The allotment fulfilled Numbers 36:1-12, balancing tribal boundaries with individual rights. • By granting land “among their father’s brothers,” Joshua safeguarded family heritage, echoing the Jubilee principle of Leviticus 25:10. • Obedience brought tangible blessing: the daughters received cities within Manasseh (Joshua 17:5-6). • The narrative affirms that leaders must act “in keeping with the command of the LORD,” not personal inclination (Joshua 8:34-35). summary Joshua 17:4 showcases how faithful petition, grounded in God’s unchanging word, moves righteous leaders to obey. Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads together honor a divine decree first issued through Moses. The daughters’ inheritance proves that God keeps every promise and that His people must administer justice exactly as He commands. |
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