Numbers 27:11

11 If his father have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Yisra'el a statute [and] ordinance, as the LORD commanded Moshe.

Numbers 27:11 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 27:11

And if his father have no brethren
Nor any descending from them:

then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him
of his family:
that is nearest of kin to him, though ever so remote; that is, of his father's family, not his mother's, which was no family:

and he shall possess it:
here the Jews have a saying, that an Israelite is never without heirs ^F25:

and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment;
a judicial law, that should ever remain firm, and sure, and unalterable:

as the Lord commanded Moses;
and therefore no man could dispose of his estate or inheritance by will, otherwise than is set forth by this command.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 Maimon. Hilchot Nechalot, c. 1. sect. 3.

Numbers 27:11 In-Context

9 If he have no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers.

10 If he have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father's brothers.

11 If his father have no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Yisra'el a statute [and] ordinance, as the LORD commanded Moshe.

12 The LORD said to Moshe, Go up into this mountain of `Avarimen, and see the land which I have given to the children of Yisra'el.

13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aharon your brother was gathered;