“And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and primarily focuses on the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness after their liberation from Egypt. In this specific chapter, the heads of the families from the tribe of Manasseh approach Moses and the leaders of Israel with a concern about inheritance. They express their worry that if women from their tribe marry outside their tribe, the land they inherit will be transferred to another tribe during the Jubilee year.
Meaning and Significance:
- Protecting Tribal Inheritance: The passage highlights the importance of preserving tribal inheritance. In ancient Israelite society, the land was divided among the tribes and within each tribe among the families. This system ensured that each family had a portion of the Promised Land as their permanent possession. The concern raised by the tribe of Manasseh was valid, as intermarriage could lead to the transfer of land outside the tribe, thereby affecting the tribe’s identity and inheritance.
- The Jubilee Year: The verse mentions the “jubile” or Jubilee year. The Jubilee was a special year that occurred every fifty years in Israel. During the Jubilee, land that had been sold or transferred outside of its original family or tribe would be returned to its original owners. The Jubilee year was a way to restore equality and ensure that families and tribes maintained their ancestral inheritances.
- Stabilizing Land Ownership: By addressing the concerns of the tribe of Manasseh, Moses established a guideline to prevent the permanent transfer of land outside the tribe. This ensured the stability of land ownership and helped maintain the integrity of each tribe’s inheritance. It was a way to prevent the land from being dispersed and losing its significance as a source of identity, heritage, and livelihood for each family.
- The Principle of Preservation: This passage reflects the principle of preserving God’s covenantal promises and the significance of maintaining the inheritance within the designated tribes. It highlights the importance of protecting God’s plan and ensuring the continuity of the Promised Land for future generations.
Application:
- The study of Numbers 36:4 encourages believers today to consider the importance of preserving their spiritual inheritance and identity. Here are a few applications:
- Protecting Spiritual Heritage: Just as the Israelites were concerned about preserving their physical inheritance, we should be mindful of protecting our spiritual heritage. This includes passing down our faith, values, and teachings to the next generation.
- Upholding God’s Promises: The passage reminds us to honor and uphold the promises and commands of God. Just as the Israelites were called to honor the division of the land, we are called to honor God’s instructions for our lives, recognizing that His plans are for our good.
- Valuing Community and Unity: The concern raised by the tribe of Manasseh emphasizes the importance of unity within the community. As believers, we should strive to maintain unity within the body of Christ, supporting and encouraging one another in our spiritual journey.
- Reflecting on Jubilee: The mention of the Jubilee year invites reflection on God’s redemptive work. We can be grateful for the ultimate Jubilee found in Jesus Christ, who restores and redeems us from sin, setting us free from its bondage.
Remember, while this study provides insights into the passage, it is always valuable to consult commentaries, study guides, and seek guidance from knowledgeable spiritual leaders to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
