Num 27 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 27:1-11: 27:1-11 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 ).

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.
Summary for Num 27:12-23: 27:12-23 ^j Israel would need leadership when they entered the land of Canaan. Joshua was commissioned to succeed Moses. 27:12 ^k The mountains east of the river probably included Mount Nebo (Deut 32:49 ^l), from which Moses viewed the Promised Land just before his death (Deut 34:1 ^m).
Summary for Num 27:15-17: 27:15-17 ⁿ Israel was on the threshold of a long battle for Canaan; Moses did not want them to flounder without a leader or lose their way like sheep without a shepherd (cp. 1 Kgs 22:17 ^o; Ezek 34:5 ^p; Matt 9:36 ^q).
Summary for Num 27:18-19: 27:18-19 ^r Joshua had a solid background for the role (cp. Exod 17:8-16 ^s). He had been Moses’ assistant for a long time (Num 11:28 ^t; cp. Exod 33:11 ^u). He was also one of the faithful spies (Num 13–14 ^v) who knew the people of Israel well. Joshua possessed the Spirit and recognized the special presence of God in his life (cp. 11:25-29 ^w). His relationship with God also gave him wisdom for the tasks ahead (e.g., Deut 34:9 ^x).

• lay your hands on him: This act symbolized the transfer of authority from an elder statesman to his assistant (cp. Num 8:10-14 ^y). Moses did this publicly so that Joshua’s leadership would be incontestable.
Summary for Num 27:20-21: 27:20-21 ^z Joshua assumed only some of Moses’ authority. Moses had face-to-face contact with God (12:6-8 ^aa; Deut 34:10-12 ^ab), but Joshua had only indirect access to revelation, since he had to consult with Eleazar the priest on important matters (Num 27:21 ^ac; cp. Exod 28:30 ^ad; Lev 8:8 ^ae). Israel would keep military and spiritual leadership separate hereafter.