Numbers 27:8-18

8 "Then tell the People of Israel, If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter.
9 If he has no daughter, give it to his brothers.
10 If he has no brothers, give it to his father's brothers.
11 If his father had no brothers, give it to the nearest relative so that the inheritance stays in the family. This is the standard procedure for the People of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses." Joshua
12 God said to Moses, "Climb up into the Abarim Mountains and look over at the land that I am giving to the People of Israel.
13 When you've had a good look you'll be joined to your ancestors in the grave - yes, you also along with Aaron your brother.
14 This goes back to the day when the congregation quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin and you didn't honor me in holy reverence before them in the matter of the waters, the Waters of Meribah (Quarreling) at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin."
15 Moses responded to God:
16 "Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set a man over this community
17 to lead them, to show the way ahead and bring them back home so God's community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."
18 God said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun - the Spirit is in him! - and place your hand on him.

Numbers 27:8-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 27

This chapter relates, that, upon a petition of the daughters of Zelophehad, the affair of inheritances was settled; and it is directed that, in case of want of male issue, inheritances should pass to females, and in failure of them to the next of kin, whether father's brethren or any near kinsman, Nu 27:1-11, also an order to Moses to go up to the Mount Abarim, and take a view of the good land, and die; with the reason of it, Nu 27:12-14, upon which Moses desires a successor of him might be appointed, Nu 27:15-17, in answer to which Joshua is nominated, and being presented before the high priest and the people, was invested with his office, by imposition of hands, and had his charge given him, Nu 27:18-23.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.