Numbers 27:11

11 But if he have no uncles by the father, the inheritance shall be given to them that are the next akin. And this shall be to the children of Israel sacred by a perpetual law, as the Lord hath 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 have no daughter, his brethren shall succeed him.

10 And if he have no brethren, you shall give the inheritance to his father’s brethren.

11 But if he have no uncles by the father, the inheritance shall be given to them that are the next akin. And this shall be to the children of Israel sacred by a perpetual law, as the Lord hath commanded Moses.

12 The Lord also said to Moses: Go up into this mountain Abarim, and view from thence the land which I will give to the children of Israel.

13 And when thou shalt have seen it, thou also shalt go to thy people, as thy brother Aaron is gone: