Numbers 36:2

saying, "When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters.

Study Bible

saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot,

The leaders of Manasseh acknowledged that Moses had acted under the LORD’s authority in assigning the Promised Land. The casting of lots placed the distribution beyond human favoritism and affirmed God’s sovereign direction, while fulfilling His covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants.

Num 26:55-56 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot;…
Jos 14:2 Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine tribes…

He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters.

Zelophehad’s daughters had received their father’s portion because he died without sons, preserving his name and inheritance within Manasseh. Their case demonstrated God’s justice toward vulnerable family members, while the concern that follows in the chapter protects the tribal inheritance from being permanently transferred to another tribe through marriage.

Num 27:1-11 Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher…
Jos 17:3-6 But Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters.…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zelophehad's Daughters
The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are central figures in this passage. They approached Moses to secure their inheritance rights, as their father had no sons.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who was responsible for implementing God's laws and commands, including the distribution of the land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel who provided the laws and commands regarding inheritance and land distribution.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were receiving their inheritance in the Promised Land.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which was being divided among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Fairness
God's laws ensure justice and fairness, even in inheritance matters. The case of Zelophehad's daughters shows God's concern for equity and the rights of individuals, regardless of gender.

The Importance of Advocacy
The daughters of Zelophehad serve as an example of advocating for one's rights within the framework of God's law. Their respectful approach to Moses demonstrates the importance of seeking justice through proper channels.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the daughters of Zelophehad were granted an inheritance, believers in Christ are assured of their spiritual inheritance. This passage can remind us of the eternal inheritance we have through faith in Jesus.

Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' adherence to God's command regarding the daughters' inheritance underscores the importance of obedience to God's Word. It challenges us to faithfully follow God's instructions in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Zelophehad's daughters challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice and fairness?

2. In what ways can we advocate for justice and fairness in our communities, following the example of Zelophehad's daughters?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in Numbers 36:2 relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ as described in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's commands in this passage, and how can we apply this to our daily walk with God?

5. How does the resolution of the daughters' request in Numbers 36:2 encourage us to trust in God's provision and timing for our needs?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 27:1-11
This passage provides the background to Numbers 36:2, where the daughters of Zelophehad first approached Moses to request their inheritance rights.

Joshua 17:3-6
This passage recounts the fulfillment of the daughters' request, showing the practical application of God's command regarding inheritance.

Galatians 3:28
This New Testament verse highlights the principle of equality in Christ, which can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the daughters' right to inheritance.