Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryNumbers 36

Numbers 36:1: The Law of Inheritance This section describes how the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh came to Moses with a concern about the new law allowing the daughters of Zelophehad to inherit land. They trusted God’s promise that they would soon receive their inheritance in Canaan. Their main worry was about what would happen if these daughters married men from other tribes. They wanted to make sure that the land would stay within their tribe, so that God’s plan for each tribe’s inheritance would not be changed. This situation teaches us the importance of seeking wise advice and working together to solve problems fairly.

v. 2: The leaders of Manasseh explained that God had commanded the inheritance of Zelophehad to go to his daughters (v. 2 ). They did not complain about this law, because they knew it could help their own families in the future. Instead, they agreed with God’s decision and wanted to follow it.

v. 3: The leaders brought up a possible problem. If the daughters of Zelophehad married men from other tribes, their land would become part of those other tribes (v. 3 ). This could weaken the tribe of Manasseh and go against God’s plan for dividing the land by tribes. They also wanted to prevent future arguments over land ownership.

Numbers 36:5: The Law of Inheritance – Final Settlement In this passage, God gives a clear answer to the problem raised by the tribe of Manasseh about inheritance. He agrees with their concern and gives a rule to make sure land stays within the correct tribe. The daughters of Zelophehad are allowed to inherit, but they must marry within their own tribe. This ruling shows that God cares about fairness and about keeping order among His people. It also shows God welcomes questions and will give guidance when His people ask.v. 5: God tells Moses that the tribe of Joseph (Manasseh) spoke well in their request (v. 5 ). He commands that the daughters of Zelophehad can choose whom to marry, but only from their own clan. This way, the inheritance will not pass to another tribe. God’s plan for dividing the land was wise and should not be changed by people.

v. 7: The law says that inheritances must not move from tribe to tribe (v. 7 ). This prevents confusion and keeps each tribe strong and united. God does not want one tribe to become rich while another becomes poor because of changing land ownership.

v. 8: This new law was not just for the daughters of Zelophehad, but for anyone in the future who inherited land as a woman (v. 8 ). Heiresses could only keep their family’s land if they married within their own tribe.

v. 10-12: The daughters of Zelophehad obeyed God’s command. They married their cousins from their father’s side (v. 10-12 ). This shows cousin marriages are not wrong in themselves, but it was only required here because of the special rule about keeping land in the family.

v. 13: The book ends by reminding us that these are the commands God gave Israel in the plains of Moab (v. 13 ). Most of these rules were to help them live in Canaan. Whenever God brings us into new situations, we should ask Him to teach us what to do so we can obey Him in everything.