“And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and provides a historical account of the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the edge of the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a concern regarding their father’s inheritance.
The case of the daughters of Zelophehad: Zelophehad was from the tribe of Manasseh, and he had no sons but only daughters. Under the traditional laws of inheritance, land and possessions were typically passed down from father to son. However, Zelophehad’s daughters argued that their father’s name should not be cut off from his inheritance solely because he had no sons.
The principle of fairness and justice: The request of the daughters of Zelophehad reflects a desire for fairness and justice. They recognized the importance of their father’s lineage and inheritance and appealed to the leadership to secure their portion of the land.
God’s response: Upon hearing the plea of the daughters, God instructed Moses to grant them their father’s inheritance. God affirms their claim and states that if a man has no sons, his inheritance should pass to his daughters. In the absence of daughters, the inheritance would go to the man’s brothers.
A broader application: The case of the daughters of Zelophehad illustrates God’s concern for justice and fairness in matters of inheritance. It challenges the traditional norms of male-only inheritance and highlights the value and rights of women in the society. This principle transcends the immediate context and underscores the equitable treatment of individuals in the distribution of resources and opportunities.
Lessons for today: Numbers 27:10 teaches us important lessons about justice, equality, and the value of every individual. It reminds us that God is concerned with fairness and does not discriminate based on gender or other external factors. It encourages us to consider how we can promote justice and equality in our own communities, valuing the contributions and rights of all people.
Jesus and inheritance: In the New Testament, Jesus brings a new understanding of inheritance, focusing on eternal inheritance in the kingdom of God. As believers in Christ, we become heirs of God’s promises and recipients of the inheritance of eternal life through faith in Him. This inheritance is not based on our gender, background, or earthly possessions, but on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
As with any Bible study, it is beneficial to read the surrounding verses and explore further commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the context and implications of the passage.
