Numbers 27:1-11
Summary for Num 27:1-11: 27:1-11 a Zelophehad’s lack of male heirs created an opportunity to refine the inheritance laws, which would later be refined even further (cp. 36:1-13 b).27:2 c The entrance of the Tabernacle was the most important public place, where significant decisions were made. The reference to this event in Josh 17:4 d specifically mentions Eleazar, Joshua, and the Hebrew leaders, but omits Moses’ name. These women requested an exception to the law as it stood, and they brought their case to the highest tribal authorities.
Summary for Num 27:3-4: 27:3-4 e Zelophehad had not been part of Korah’s rebellion (16:1-50 f); if he had been, his property rights would apparently have been voided (see 15:30 g; cp. 1 Kgs 21:7-16 h). Israelite society was patriarchal and patrilineal, tracing ancestry and property through the male line. Zelophehad had no sons, but his daughters wanted his family property rights to continue. Zelophehad’s daughters thus made a reasonable appeal for property rights equal to those of males.
Summary for Num 27:5-11: 27:5-11 i Moses took their case before the Lord, who accepted the women’s appeal and established their case as a principle in order to preserve property within families.
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