Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 27

Zelophehad did not have any sons, which allowed for changes to the inheritance laws. They would later refine these laws more (compare 36:1–13).

the entrance of the Tent of Meeting: This was the most important public place, where leaders made important decisions. Joshua 17:4 specifically mentions Eleazar, Joshua, and the Hebrew leaders. But it does not mention Moses. These women asked for an exception to the existing law and presented their case to the highest tribal authorities.

Zelophehad had not joined Korah’s rebellion (16:1–50).If he had taken part in that rebellion, he may have lost his property rights because of his sin (see 15:30; compare 1 Kings 21:7–16).

Israelite society was patriarchal and patrilineal. This means that family ancestry and property were passed down through the male line. Normally, sons inherited their father’s land.

Zelophehad had no sons. His daughters wanted their father’s land to remain in their family. They asked for property rights equal to those given to sons. Their request was reasonable and based on a desire to preserve their family’s inheritance.

Moses brought their case before the Lord. The Lord accepted the women’s request.

God then established their case as a general rule. This new rule helped preserve property within families when there were no sons to inherit it.

Israel needed a leader when they entered the land of Canaan. Joshua was chosen to follow Moses.

this mountan of the Abarim range: This was probably Mount Nebo (Deuteronomy 32:49). From this mountain, Moses looked over the promised land shortly before he died (Deuteronomy 34:1).

Israel was about to begin a long battle for Canaan. Moses did not want them to struggle without a leader or become lost like sheep without a shepherd (compare 1 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 34:5; Matthew 9:36).

• Joshua was well prepared to become Israel’s leader. He had already led Israel in battle (compare Exodus 17:8–16). He had also served as Moses’s assistant for many years (Numbers 11:28; compare Exodus 33:11).

  Joshua was one of the two faithful spies who knew the people of Israel well (Numbers 13–14). The Spirit of God was with Joshua (compare 11:25–29). His close relationship with God gave him wisdom for the work ahead (for example, Deuteronomy 34:9).

• lay your hands on him: This act symbolized transferring authority from an elder leader to his assistant (compare Numbers 8:10–14). Moses did this publicly so that no one would question Joshua's leadership.

Joshua received only part of the authority Moses had. Moses had spoken with God face to face (12:6–8; Deuteronomy 34:10–12). Joshua did not have that same direct access to God’s revelation.

Instead, Joshua had to seek guidance through Eleazar the priest on important matters (Numbers 27:21; compare Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8). Eleazar used the priestly means of seeking God’s will.

From this time on, Israel separated military leadership from spiritual leadership. Joshua led the army, while the priest guided the people in spiritual matters.