Numbers 27:3-13

3 "Our father died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. He was not among the followers of Korah, who rebelled against the Lord; he died because of his own sin.

4 Just because he had no sons, why should our father's name disappear from Israel? Give us property among our father's relatives."

5 Moses presented their case to the Lord,

6 and the Lord said to him,

7 "What the daughters of Zelophehad request is right; give them property among their father's relatives. Let his inheritance pass on to them. ¹

8 Tell the people of Israel that whenever a man dies without leaving a son, his daughter is to inherit his property.

9 If he has no daughter, his brothers are to inherit it.

10 If he has no brothers, his father's brothers are to inherit it.

11 If he has no brothers or uncles, then his nearest relative is to inherit it and hold it as his own property. The people of Israel are to observe this as a legal requirement, just as I, the Lord, have commanded you."

12 The Lord said to Moses, "Go up the Abarim Mountains and look out over the land that I am giving to the Israelites. ²

13 After you have seen it, you will die, as your brother Aaron did,

Numbers 27:3-13 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.

Cross References

• 1. 27.7Numbers 36.2.
• 2. 27.12-14Deuteronomy 3.23-27; 32.48-52.