Numbers 27:11

11 If he has no uncles, give his property to the nearest relative in his family, and that relative will take possession of it. This will be a rule for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses."

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 has no daughters, give his property to his brothers.

10 If he has no brothers, give his property to his uncles on his father's side of the family.

11 If he has no uncles, give his property to the nearest relative in his family, and that relative will take possession of it. This will be a rule for the Israelites, as the LORD commanded Moses."

12 The LORD said to Moses, "Go up into the Abarim Mountains, and take a look at the land I will give the Israelites.

13 After you see it, you, too, will join your ancestors [in death], as your brother Aaron did.