“And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and it recounts the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 36, the leaders of the clan of Gilead, a tribe of the descendants of Manasseh, approach Moses with a concern regarding the inheritance of land.
The concern of the chief fathers:The chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead express their concern about the potential impact of women inheriting property. They explain that if women from one tribe marry men from another tribe, the land inherited by the women would be transferred to the other tribe, and this could disrupt the tribal boundaries and inheritance rights that were established by God.
The principle of preserving inheritance:The Israelites held a strong belief in maintaining the integrity of their tribal inheritance. God had given specific instructions regarding the division of the Promised Land among the tribes, and it was crucial to ensure that the land stayed within each tribe’s possession to fulfill God’s plan. The chief fathers were concerned about the potential complications that intermarriage could create in the inheritance of land.
Seeking a solution:The leaders of the clan of Gilead bring their concern before Moses, who was the appointed leader of the Israelites. They also involve the princes, who were leaders of various tribes within Israel. By bringing the matter to Moses and the princes, they hope to find a solution that would address their concern while maintaining the integrity of tribal inheritance.
The importance of seeking wisdom and guidance:The actions of the chief fathers demonstrate the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from those appointed by God. They understood that Moses, as the chosen leader, was the one to approach with their concern. In seeking guidance from the appropriate authorities, they showed humility and a desire to uphold God’s plan.
This verse highlights the Israelites’ commitment to preserving their inheritance according to God’s instructions and their willingness to seek guidance from their appointed leaders. It serves as a reminder of the significance of maintaining God’s established order and seeking wisdom from those entrusted with leadership.
