“This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the first five books of the Bible. It recounts the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the Lord gives a commandment regarding the inheritance of land within the tribes of Israel.
Explanation: The background to this verse can be found in Numbers 27:1-11. Zelophehad was an Israelite who had five daughters but no sons. When he died, his daughters, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, approached Moses and the leaders of the community to inquire about their inheritance. They argued that if their father had a son, he would have inherited the land, but since he had only daughters, they believed they should inherit in his place.
Moses brought their case before the Lord, and God affirmed that the daughters of Zelophehad were correct in their claim. He commanded that they should indeed inherit their father’s portion of the land, establishing a precedent for women to inherit property when there were no male heirs. This was a significant step in promoting gender equality and ensuring the welfare of women within the Israelite community.
However, in Numbers 36:6, an additional stipulation is added. While the daughters of Zelophehad were allowed to inherit their father’s land, they were to marry within their own tribe. This requirement was put in place to ensure that the tribal land would not pass from one tribe to another through marriage. The land inheritance was intended to remain within the tribe to maintain the integrity and boundaries of each tribal territory.
Significance: The commandment in Numbers 36:6 reflects God’s concern for preserving the inheritance and tribal identity among the Israelites. It balanced the rights of the daughters of Zelophehad to inherit their father’s land with the need to safeguard the tribal divisions of Israel. This commandment ensured that the land would stay within the tribe and could not be transferred to another tribe through marriage.
Additionally, this passage highlights God’s concern for justice and fairness. It shows His recognition of the rights and contributions of women, granting them the right to inherit property when there were no male heirs. This was a departure from the customary practices of the time and demonstrated God’s care for the vulnerable and marginalized.
Application: The principle we can draw from this passage is the importance of upholding justice and fairness, as well as considering the well-being of marginalized individuals within our communities. It is crucial to recognize and address inequalities and to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and rights.
Furthermore, this passage reminds us of the importance of preserving the integrity of our heritage and identity. Just as the Israelites were encouraged to maintain their tribal boundaries, we should also strive to preserve and honor our cultural, familial, and spiritual heritage.
Finally, Numbers 36:6 underscores the value of considering the broader implications and consequences of our actions. The commandment regarding marriage within the tribe aimed to protect the stability and order of the Israelite community. Likewise, we should be mindful of how our choices and decisions impact others and seek to promote unity and harmony within our own communities.
Overall, Numbers 36:6 highlights God’s concern for justice, equality, and the well-being of His people. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our heritage and considering the broader impact of our choices, all while upholding fairness and promoting unity within our communities.
