# Overview Numbers Chapter 27 introduces a significant legal precedent in the inheritance laws of #Israel through the case of the daughters of #Zelophehad. These five sisters—#Mahlah, #Noah, #Hoglah, #Milcah, and #Tirzah—approach #Moses and #Eleazar the priest, along with the leaders of the congregation, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Their father, Zelophehad, had died without a male heir, and they petition for the right to inherit his land to ensure their father’s name is not lost among his clan. Moses brings their case before the LORD, who affirms their claim, establishing a new law permitting daughters to inherit if there are no sons, thus ensuring the equitable distribution of land within the tribes of Israel. The chapter then shifts focus to the leadership transition from Moses to #Joshua. The LORD informs Moses that he is to ascend Mount #Abarim to view the Promised Land before he dies, as he will not enter it due to his disobedience at the waters of #Meribah. In response, Moses, with a shepherd’s heart, pleads for the LORD to appoint a successor to lead the people so they will not be "like sheep without a shepherd." The LORD instructs Moses to lay his hands upon Joshua, a man filled with the spirit, commissioning him in the presence of Eleazar and the entire assembly. This act of ordination symbolizes the transfer of authority and ensures the continuity of leadership for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the land promised to their ancestors. ## Theological Insights Numbers 27 presents significant themes of divine justice, leadership, and inheritance among the people of #Israel, reflecting God's providential care and guidance for His covenant people. ### Divine Justice and Women's Rights The chapter begins with the daughters of #Zelophehad—#Mahlah, #Noah, #Hoglah, #Milcah, and #Tirzah—approaching #Moses and the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance rights (Numbers 27:1-5). This is a groundbreaking moment, as it highlights God's concern for justice and equity, even within the patriarchal structure of ancient #Israel. Their case leads to a divine ruling that sets a precedent for inheritance laws, affirming that women have a rightful claim to their father's inheritance if there are no male heirs (Numbers 27:6-11). This reflects God's commitment to justice and the protection of the vulnerable, echoing His earlier commands in the #Law to care for the orphan and widow (e.g., [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 10|Deuteronomy 10:18]]). ### Leadership Transition Following the resolution of the inheritance issue, the chapter shifts focus to the transition of leadership from #Moses to #Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23). God instructs Moses to ascend #MountAbarim to view the Promised Land, acknowledging that Moses will not enter it due to his disobedience at the waters of #Meribah (Numbers 27:12-14; see also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 20|Numbers 20:12]]). Moses' response is noteworthy for his concern for the people, as he requests God to appoint a new leader to shepherd Israel, so they will not be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:15-17). This reflects Moses' enduring pastoral heart and foreshadows the coming of the ultimate Shepherd, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] (see [[John/John Chapter 10|John 10]]). ### God's Sovereign Choice In appointing Joshua, God demonstrates His sovereign choice and preparation of leaders. Joshua is described as a man "in whom is the Spirit" (Numbers 27:18), indicating that spiritual leadership is dependent on God's Spirit, not merely human ability. The laying on of hands by Moses and the commission before Eleazar the priest and the congregation symbolizes the passing of authority and blessing, emphasizing the importance of godly succession in leadership. Overall, Numbers 27 underscores God's justice in inheritance laws, His provision for leadership, and His sovereign guidance over Israel's journey to the Promised Land. These themes continue to resonate in the broader biblical narrative, pointing to God's faithfulness and righteousness in His dealings with humanity. ## Thematic Connections ### Leadership Transition and Divine Appointment In Numbers 27, we witness the transition of leadership from #Moses to #Joshua, highlighting the theme of divine appointment in leadership. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God directly appoints leaders, such as with #David in [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 16]], underscoring the belief that leadership is orchestrated by God’s sovereign will. This appointment of Joshua serves as a precursor to the ultimate leader, [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who is seen as the fulfillment of the law and prophets, as referenced in the New Testament. ### Inheritance and the Promised Land The chapter also addresses the issue of inheritance rights for the daughters of #Zelophehad. This theme of inheritance is crucial throughout the Bible, especially concerning the #PromisedLand, reflecting the covenant promises given to #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]]. The decision to grant these women an inheritance prefigures the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, as seen in the New Testament with the inclusion of Gentiles ([[Acts/Acts Chapter 10]]). ### The Role of Intercession Moses’ role as an intercessor is highlighted as he seeks God’s guidance regarding the inheritance issue. This theme of intercession can be connected to other biblical figures like #Abraham ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 18]]) and [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 7|Hebrews 7]]), who intercede on behalf of others. Intercession is portrayed as a vital part of spiritual leadership and relationship with God. ### Obedience to God's Commands The obedience of Moses in laying his hands on Joshua as instructed by God emphasizes the importance of following divine commandments. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, with examples like #Abraham’s obedience in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 22]] and the call for obedience to God’s law in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 28]]. Such obedience is seen as integral to receiving God’s blessings and fulfilling His purposes. ### The Continuity of God’s Plan The seamless transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua signifies the continuity of God’s plan for Israel. This theme of continuity is seen throughout the Bible, from the promises made to Abraham to their fulfillment in Christ ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 1]]). It reassures believers of God’s faithfulness in carrying out His redemptive plan across generations. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Inheritance of the Land In Numbers 27, the case of the daughters of #Zelophehad introduces a significant aspect of the inheritance laws in #Israel. This situation foreshadows the broader theme of the #PromisedLand being allocated among the tribes of Israel. The concept of inheritance is prophetically significant as it anticipates the spiritual inheritance that believers receive through faith in #Christ. The inheritance of the land is an early picture of the eternal inheritance promised to the people of God, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 1|Ephesians 1:13-14]] and [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:3-4]], where believers are promised an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. ### Leadership and the Role of Joshua The appointment of #Joshua as #Moses' successor in this chapter is a prophetic precursor to the role of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] (whose Hebrew name is Yeshua, akin to Joshua) as the leader who will bring God's people into their promised rest. Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land prefigures Jesus leading believers into the fullness of the Kingdom of God. This connection is highlighted in the New Testament in passages such as [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:8-9]], where it speaks of a greater rest that Joshua could not provide but that Jesus fulfills. ### The Authority of God's Appointed Leader The laying of hands on Joshua symbolizes the transfer of authority and the empowering of God's chosen leader. This act of commissioning not only fulfills God's immediate plan for Israel's leadership transition but also points to the future empowerment of Jesus' apostles and the church through the Holy Spirit. This is seen in the New Testament when Jesus commissions His disciples, as in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1|Acts 1:8]], where the Holy Spirit empowers believers for the work of the Kingdom. ## Verses - **Numbers 27:1** - "One day a petition was presented by the daughters of #Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, was a descendant of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph." - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26]] regarding the genealogy of #Manasseh and #Joseph. - **Numbers 27:2** - "These women stood before #Moses, #Eleazar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the Tabernacle." - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 18]] for the role of #Moses as a leader and judge. - **Numbers 27:3** - "'Our father died in the wilderness,' they said. 'He was not among Korah’s followers, who rebelled against the Lord; he died because of his own sin. But he had no sons.'" - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 16]] for the rebellion of #Korah. - **Numbers 27:4** - "'Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives.'" - See also [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17]] for the inheritance of the daughters of #Zelophehad. - **Numbers 27:5** - "So Moses brought their case before the Lord." - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 18]] for #Moses seeking God's guidance in judgment. - **Numbers 27:6** - "And the Lord replied to Moses," - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3]] for God's communication with #Moses. - **Numbers 27:7** - "'The claim of the daughters of Zelophehad is legitimate. You must give them a grant of land along with their father’s relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father.'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 21]] for laws regarding inheritance. - **Numbers 27:8** - "And give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If a man dies and has no son, then give his inheritance to his daughters." - See also [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17]] for the implementation of this law. - **Numbers 27:9** - "And if he has no daughter either, transfer his inheritance to his brothers." - See also [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25]] for property laws. - **Numbers 27:10** - "If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers." - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 36]] for further details on inheritance laws. - **Numbers 27:11** - "But if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan. This is a legal requirement for the people of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses." - See also [[Ruth/Ruth Chapter 4]] for examples of inheritance within a clan. - **Numbers 27:12** - "One day the Lord said to Moses, 'Climb one of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel.'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 34]] for #Moses viewing the Promised Land. - **Numbers 27:13** - "After you have seen it, you will die like your brother #Aaron," - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 20]] for the death of #Aaron. - **Numbers 27:14** - "for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.' (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)" - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 20]] for the incident at Meribah. - **Numbers 27:15** - "Then Moses said to the Lord," - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 32]] for #Moses interceding for the people. - **Numbers 27:16** - "'O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community.'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]] for the appointment of a new leader. - **Numbers 27:17** - "'Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.'" - See also [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 17]] for the leadership role of a shepherd. - **Numbers 27:18** - "The Lord replied, 'Take #Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 34]] for the leadership of #Joshua. - **Numbers 27:19** - "'Present him to #Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people.'" - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]] for the role of #Eleazar the priest. - **Numbers 27:20** - "'Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him.'" - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 34]] for the transfer of authority. - **Numbers 27:21** - "'When direction from the Lord is needed, Joshua will stand before #Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the Lord—to determine his will. This is how #Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.'" - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 28]] for the use of Urim and Thummim. - **Numbers 27:22** - "So Moses did as the Lord commanded. He presented #Joshua to #Eleazar the priest and the whole community." - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 31]] for the commissioning of #Joshua. - **Numbers 27:23** - "Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the Lord had commanded through Moses." - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 34]] for the commissioning of #Joshua.