1 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:
2 And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.
3 And if they be married to any of the sons of the [other] tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance.
4 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.
5 And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.
6 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.
7 So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.
8 And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.
9 Neither shall the inheritance remove from [one] tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance.
10 Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad:
11 For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father’s brothers’ sons:
12 [And] they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.
13 These [are] the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.
Summary of Numbers Chapter 36
Numbers Chapter 36 addresses the concerns of the daughters of Zelophehad regarding their inheritance and the implications of inter-tribal marriages. The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries and the integrity of land inheritance within the Israelite community.
Key Themes
- Inheritance Rights: The chapter reaffirms the rights of the daughters of Zelophehad to inherit their father’s land, which was a significant development in the context of ancient Israelite law.
- Tribal Integrity: It highlights the need to preserve the tribal structure and the implications of intermarriage on land ownership.
- Divine Guidance: The chapter illustrates the importance of seeking guidance from God in matters of inheritance and community structure.
Detailed Analysis
1. The Concern of the Heads of the Families
The chapter begins with the leaders of the clan of the descendants of Gilead, a descendant of Manasseh, presenting their concerns to Moses. They argue that if the daughters of Zelophehad marry outside their tribe, their inheritance will be transferred to another tribe, thus diminishing their tribe’s land.
2. Moses’ Response
Moses relays God’s command regarding the situation. He emphasizes that the daughters of Zelophehad must marry within their own tribe to ensure that their inheritance remains intact. This directive is crucial for maintaining the tribal allocations as established in earlier chapters.
3. The Importance of Tribal Identity
The chapter underscores the significance of tribal identity and the consequences of inter-tribal marriages. By marrying within their tribe, the daughters ensure that their father’s legacy and land remain within the family and tribe, thereby preserving the social and economic structure of Israel.
4. The Legal Framework Established
This chapter serves as a legal framework for inheritance laws in Israel. It sets a precedent for future generations regarding the importance of tribal boundaries and inheritance rights, reflecting God’s intention for the organization of the Israelite community.
5. Conclusion of the Chapter
The chapter concludes with the daughters of Zelophehad complying with the directive and marrying their cousins, thus securing their inheritance. This resolution highlights the balance between individual rights and communal responsibilities within the Israelite society.
Implications for Modern Readers
- Understanding of Gender Roles: The chapter reflects the evolving role of women in biblical society, where the daughters of Zelophehad assert their rights in a patriarchal system.
- Community and Identity: It prompts readers to consider the importance of community identity and the impact of personal choices on collective heritage.
- Legal Precedents: The chapter serves as a case study in how laws and regulations can adapt to specific circumstances while maintaining overarching principles.
Conclusion
Numbers Chapter 36 provides a critical insight into the complexities of inheritance, tribal identity, and the role of women in ancient Israel. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to divine instructions in maintaining the integrity of the community and its land distribution.
