Numbers 36
BSB1 Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them, 2 saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. 3 But if they marry any of the men from the other tribes of Israel, their inheritance will be withdrawn from the portion of our fathers and added to the tribe into which they marry. So our allotted inheritance would be taken away. 4 And when the Jubilee for the Israelites comes, their inheritance will be added to the tribe into which they marry and taken away from the tribe of our fathers." 5 So at the word of the LORD, Moses commanded the Israelites: “The tribe of the sons of Joseph speaks correctly. 6 This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father. 7 No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. 8 Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. 9 No inheritance may be transferred from one tribe to another, for each tribe of Israel must retain its inheritance." 10 So the daughters of Zelophehad did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 11 Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to cousins on their father’s side. 12 They married within the clans of the descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father’s clan. 13 These are the commandments and ordinances that the LORD gave the Israelites through Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.
Study Notes — Numbers 36
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Numbers 36
- Themes from Numbers 36
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Numbers 36
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the introduction of the problem, as the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh express their concern to Moses about the potential loss of their tribe's inheritance if the daughters of Zelophehad marry outside their tribe. Moses then seeks God's guidance, and God provides a solution, instructing that the daughters of Zelophehad should marry within their own tribe to preserve their inheritance. The chapter concludes with a statement of the law that is to be followed in such cases, emphasizing that every daughter who inherits a portion of land must marry someone from her father's tribe. This solution ensures that the tribal inheritances are preserved and that the land is distributed according to God's original plan, as outlined in Numbers 36:1-13.
Context for the Chapter
Numbers 36 is the final chapter of the book of Numbers, and it provides a conclusion to the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The chapter is set in the context of the Israelites' preparation to enter the Promised Land, and it highlights the importance of following God's instructions and preserving the tribes. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, as it looks forward to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and the establishment of the Israelites in the Promised Land.
Heart Application
As believers, we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives by seeking to follow God's instructions and preserve the spiritual inheritance we have received from Him. We can also learn from the example of the daughters of Zelophehad, who were faithful stewards of their physical inheritance and were able to pass it on to their descendants.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Numbers 36 is about a problem that arose regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh were concerned that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would be lost. God provided a solution, instructing that the daughters should marry within their own tribe to preserve their inheritance, as seen in Numbers 36:6. This chapter teaches us about the importance of following God's instructions and preserving our spiritual inheritance.
Voices from the Church
“The law which is here given is a proof of the carefulness of God in providing for the preservation of the tribes, and for the distribution of the land according to His original plan.”
— John Calvin
“The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is a beautiful illustration of the way in which God provides for His people and preserves their inheritance.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Problem (Numbers 36:1-4) — The chapter introduces the problem of the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad and the concern of the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh.
- God's Solution to the Problem (Numbers 36:5-9) — God provides a solution to the problem, instructing that the daughters of Zelophehad should marry within their own tribe to preserve their inheritance.
- The Law Regarding Inheritance (Numbers 36:10-12) — The chapter concludes with a statement of the law that is to be followed in such cases, emphasizing that every daughter who inherits a portion of land must marry someone from her father's tribe.
- Conclusion (Numbers 36:13) — The chapter concludes with a statement of the completion of God's instructions to the Israelites.
- Summary of the Chapter — The chapter provides a conclusion to the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and highlights the importance of following God's instructions and preserving the tribes.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Following God's Instructions
- This chapter teaches us about the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the way Moses seeks God's guidance and the daughters of Zelophehad are told to marry within their own tribe.
- The Preservation of the Tribes
- The chapter highlights the importance of preserving the tribes and the distribution of the land, as seen in the solution provided by God to the problem posed by the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh.
- The Role of Women in the Old Testament
- The chapter provides an interesting insight into the role of women in the Old Testament, as seen in the way the daughters of Zelophehad are able to inherit land and are given instructions regarding their marriage.
- The Concept of Inheritance
- The chapter teaches us about the concept of inheritance, both physical and spiritual, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Lessons from Numbers 36
- The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance — The chapter teaches us about the importance of seeking God's guidance in all areas of life, as seen in the way Moses seeks God's guidance regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad.
- The Value of Preserving Our Spiritual Inheritance — The chapter highlights the importance of preserving our spiritual inheritance, just as the daughters of Zelophehad were to preserve their physical inheritance.
- The Role of Women in the Church — The chapter provides an interesting insight into the role of women in the Old Testament, and we can learn from their example of faithfulness and obedience to God's instructions.
- The Importance of Following God's Instructions — The chapter teaches us about the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the way the daughters of Zelophehad are told to marry within their own tribe.
- The Concept of Inheritance — The chapter teaches us about the concept of inheritance, both physical and spiritual, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Themes from Numbers 36
- The Importance of Following God's Instructions — The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the way Moses seeks God's guidance and the daughters of Zelophehad are told to marry within their own tribe.
- The Preservation of the Tribes — The chapter highlights the importance of preserving the tribes and the distribution of the land, as seen in the solution provided by God to the problem posed by the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh.
- The Role of Women in the Old Testament — The chapter provides an interesting insight into the role of women in the Old Testament, as seen in the way the daughters of Zelophehad are able to inherit land and are given instructions regarding their marriage.
- The Concept of Inheritance — The chapter teaches us about the concept of inheritance, both physical and spiritual, and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the example of the daughters of Zelophehad.
Questions for Meditation
- What problem arose regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, and how did God provide a solution?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of following God's instructions?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of preserving the tribes and the distribution of the land?
- What insight does the chapter provide into the role of women in the Old Testament?
- What does the chapter teach us about the concept of inheritance, both physical and spiritual?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Problem (Numbers 36:1-4)
| 36:1 | The chapter introduces the problem of the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad and the concern of the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh. |
| 36:2 | The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh express their concern to Moses about the potential loss of their tribe's inheritance if the daughters of Zelophehad marry outside their tribe. |
2. God's Solution to the Problem (Numbers 36:5-9)
| 36:5 | Moses seeks God's guidance regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad. |
| 36:6 | God provides a solution to the problem, instructing that the daughters of Zelophehad should marry within their own tribe to preserve their inheritance. |
3. The Law Regarding Inheritance (Numbers 36:10-12)
| 36:10 | The chapter concludes with a statement of the law that is to be followed in such cases, emphasizing that every daughter who inherits a portion of land must marry someone from her father's tribe. |
| 36:11 | The law is given to preserve the inheritance of the tribes and to maintain the integrity of the tribal system. |
4. Conclusion (Numbers 36:13)
| 36:13 | The chapter concludes with a statement of the completion of God's instructions to the Israelites. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What problem arose regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad?
The problem arose when the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh expressed their concern to Moses about the potential loss of their tribe's inheritance if the daughters of Zelophehad married outside their tribe, as seen in Numbers 36:1-4.
How did God provide a solution to the problem?
God provided a solution by instructing that the daughters of Zelophehad should marry within their own tribe to preserve their inheritance, as seen in Numbers 36:6.
What does the chapter teach us about the importance of following God's instructions?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the way Moses seeks God's guidance and the daughters of Zelophehad are told to marry within their own tribe, as seen in Numbers 36:5-9.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 36:1 → Genesis 49:16 | The concept of inheritance is seen in Genesis 49:16, where Jacob blesses his sons and assigns them their respective inheritances. |
| 2 | Numbers 36:6 → Deuteronomy 7:3 | The instruction to marry within one's own tribe is also seen in Deuteronomy 7:3, where the Israelites are warned against intermarrying with the surrounding nations. |
| 3 | Numbers 36:10 → Leviticus 25:10 | The concept of the Year of Jubilee is seen in Leviticus 25:10, where the Israelites are instructed to return to their ancestral lands and to release their slaves. |
| 4 | Numbers 36:13 → Deuteronomy 31:9 | The completion of God's instructions to the Israelites is also seen in Deuteronomy 31:9, where Moses gives the book of the law to the Levites to preserve for future generations. |
| 5 | Numbers 36:1 → Joshua 17:4 | The inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad is also seen in Joshua 17:4, where they are given a portion of land in the territory of Manasseh. |
| 6 | Numbers 36:6 → 1 Corinthians 7:39 | The instruction to marry within one's own tribe is also seen in 1 Corinthians 7:39, where believers are instructed to marry only in the Lord. |
| 7 | Numbers 36:10 → Ephesians 5:25-33 | The concept of preserving one's inheritance is also seen in Ephesians 5:25-33, where husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loves the church. |
| 8 | Numbers 36:13 → Revelation 21:7 | The completion of God's instructions to the Israelites is also seen in Revelation 21:7, where the overcomer is promised an inheritance in the new heaven and the new earth. |
Sermons on Numbers 36
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Numbers by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of knowing our spiritual pedigree as children of God, drawing parallels from the genealogical records of Israel. He encourages believers to fin |
|
Satan's Tools by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our Christian progress, emphasizing the dangers of despondency and murmuring which |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Numbers 36
In this chapter, we see the careful provision of God for the preservation of the tribes and the distribution of the land according to His original plan. The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is a beautiful illustration of the way in which God provides for His people and preserves their inheritance. The chapter teaches us about the importance of following God's instructions and preserving our spiritual inheritance, just as the daughters of Zelophehad were to preserve their physical inheritance. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The daughters of Zelophehad were not only obedient to the law, but also prudent and careful in the management of their inheritance, and God blessed them for it.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Following God's Instructions
The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the way Moses seeks God's guidance and the daughters of Zelophehad are told to marry within their own tribe.
The Preservation of the Tribes
The chapter highlights the importance of preserving the tribes and the distribution of the land, as seen in the solution provided by God to the problem posed by the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh.
The Role of Women in the Old Testament
The chapter provides an interesting insight into the role of women in the Old Testament, as seen in the way the daughters of Zelophehad are able to inherit land and are given instructions regarding their marriage.