Inheritance Laws and Divine Justice: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Numbers 36

✨ Executive Summary

Numbers 36 delves into a critical issue: ensuring the integrity of tribal inheritances in Israel, especially concerning the daughters of Zelophehad who had previously won the right to inherit land (Numbers 27). This chapter reveals God’s intricate concern for both justice and order within the community. The issue raised is that if these daughters marry outside their tribe, their inheritance would be transferred to another tribe, disrupting the divinely ordained land distribution. God’s solution, communicated through Moses, mandates that these daughters marry within their own tribal clan. This narrative, far from being a dry legalistic passage, offers profound insights into God’s character as a provider, a guarantor of justice, and a preserver of communal harmony. This passage highlights the importance of honoring God’s established order while also addressing complex societal needs. Reflecting on Inheritance Laws and Divine Justice in Numbers 36, we discover timeless principles of faithfulness, obedience, and the intricate balance between individual rights and communal well-being, applicable to our modern spiritual journey.

Numbers 36 grapples with a significant question arising from the earlier decision to grant the daughters of Zelophehad the right to inherit land. The chapter explores the potential disruption to the tribal land allocation, which God himself had ordained. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh rightly point out that if these daughters marry outside the tribe, their inheritance would transfer to the husband’s tribe, effectively diminishing Manasseh’s territory. God’s response, as conveyed through Moses, is remarkably nuanced. He affirms the daughters’ right to inherit but stipulates that they must marry within their own tribe. This ensures the land remains within the ancestral lineage. This chapter is not merely about legal regulations, but about preserving the integrity of God’s promises and the structure of the Israelite community, teaching us valuable lessons on stewardship and faithfulness.

📜 Commentary: Numbers 36 Verse by Verse

Verse 1: The Concern Raised

KJV: And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

NKJV: Now the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Joseph, came near and spoke before Moses and before the leaders, the chief fathers of the children of Israel;

The chapter opens with the leaders of Gilead, a branch of the tribe of Manasseh, approaching Moses and the other leaders. Their concern highlights the importance of lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. This concern is not born out of malice but a desire to protect the divinely ordained land allocation. The act of “coming near” signifies respect and the seriousness of the matter. This serves as a reminder that addressing concerns within the community should be done respectfully and with a sincere desire for resolution. Consider how we approach issues in our own communities – do we do so with the same reverence and respect?

Spiritual Application: We must approach God, and those in authority within our community, with humility and respect when seeking guidance or raising concerns. This verse underscores the importance of addressing potential problems before they escalate, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs.

Verse 2: The Dilemma Explained

KJV: And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.

NKJV: And they said: “The Lord commanded my lord Moses to give the land as an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel, and my lord was commanded by the Lord to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters.

The leaders acknowledge that God commanded the land to be divided by lot, and that Moses was specifically instructed to grant Zelophehad’s daughters their inheritance. They are not questioning the righteousness of either command, but rather pointing out a potential conflict between them. The phrase “The LORD commanded my lord” reinforces the idea that all authority ultimately comes from God. This acknowledgment demonstrates a commitment to God’s law and a desire to ensure that it is implemented properly. This is not simple legalism; it’s a striving for obedience and adherence to God’s will in all things. We must strive to understand God’s will in totality, not merely cherry-pick commands that suit our immediate needs.

Spiritual Application: We are called to recognize God’s hand in every aspect of our lives. Recognizing that all blessings, including our talents and possessions, are ultimately from Him cultivates humility and gratitude. This verse urges us to see beyond immediate gains and consider the long-term implications of our decisions.

Verse 3: The Potential Transfer of Inheritance

KJV: And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance.

NKJV: But if they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then their inheritance will be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and will be added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry; so it will be taken from the lot of our inheritance.

Herein lies the crux of the issue. The leaders express concern that if Zelophehad’s daughters marry men from other tribes, their inherited land will effectively transfer to those other tribes. This would disrupt the original allotment determined by lot, potentially leading to imbalance and injustice. The phrase “taken from the inheritance of our fathers” emphasizes the importance of preserving the ancestral land and maintaining tribal identity. This concern reflects a deep-seated belief in the sanctity of God’s original plan for the distribution of the land. The verb “taken” is quite decisive, underscoring the finality of transferring property from one family to another. We see even within the Old Testament, echoes of a familial spirit, of preserving one’s heritage.

Spiritual Application: This verse highlights the importance of stewardship and preserving our spiritual inheritance. Just as the Israelites were concerned about protecting their physical land, we must be diligent in guarding our faith and passing it on to future generations. We must ask ourselves, are we actively cultivating our faith and ensuring it remains strong for the generations to come?

Verse 4: The Impact on the Jubilee

KJV: And when the jubile of the children of Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be added unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of our tribe.

NKJV: And when the Jubilee of the children of Israel comes, then their inheritance will be added to the inheritance of the tribe into which they marry; so their inheritance will be taken from the inheritance of our tribe.

The Jubilee year was a time of restoration, when land that had been sold was returned to its original owner. However, if the daughters of Zelophehad were married outside their tribe, the land would not revert to their father’s tribe during the Jubilee, further solidifying the transfer of inheritance. This verse emphasizes the long-term consequences of their potential marriages. The Jubilee year, intended as a reset and a rebalancing, would be powerless to correct this specific imbalance. It’s a stark reminder that some decisions can have lasting effects, even beyond periods of restoration. This shows us the importance of acting wisely with foresight and consideration for the future.

Spiritual Application: Consider the long-term implications of our choices. Just as the inheritance was permanently affected by these marriages, our actions can have lasting consequences on our spiritual lives and the lives of those around us. We must seek discernment and wisdom to ensure our decisions align with God’s will.

Verse 5: God’s Instruction Through Moses

KJV: And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.

NKJV: Then Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the Lord, saying: “The tribe of the sons of Joseph speaks what is right.

Moses, acting as God’s mediator, confirms that the tribe of Joseph (of which Manasseh was a part) had raised a valid concern. This acknowledgment is significant because it validates the importance of their concerns. God isn’t dismissing their worries as trivial or selfish. He recognizes the legitimacy of their concerns and provides a solution. This also underscores the importance of listening to the concerns of others within the community. It’s a reminder that leadership involves not only giving direction but also listening and responding to the needs and concerns of those being led. The implication is that the leaders are not speaking for themselves but for the benefit of the whole community.

Spiritual Application: We are called to be discerning and to raise concerns when we see potential issues within our communities. Just as the tribe of Joseph spoke out to protect their inheritance, we must be willing to stand up for what is right and just. This requires courage, discernment, and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.

Verse 6-9: The Law Enacted

KJV: This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers.

NKJV: This is what the Lord commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, ‘Let them marry whom they think best, but they may marry only within the family of their father’s tribe.’ So the inheritance of the children of Israel shall not change hands from tribe to tribe, for every one of the children of Israel shall keep the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. And every daughter possessing an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel shall be wife to one of the family of her father’s tribe, that every one of the children of Israel may possess the inheritance of his fathers.

God allows the daughters of Zelophehad freedom of choice in marriage, but with the crucial restriction that they must marry within their own tribe. This seemingly restrictive measure is actually a safeguard to ensure the preservation of the divinely ordained tribal boundaries. The phrase “Let them marry to whom they think best” highlights the importance of individual choice, while the caveat “only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry” emphasizes the importance of communal responsibility. This reveals a beautiful balance between individual freedom and communal well-being. This restriction, while seemingly limiting, ensures the overall stability and order of the community. This reflects the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on community harmony and obedience to divinely established order.

St. Athanasius in *De Incarnatione*, emphasizes the importance of divine order and its preservation: “Τάξις γάρ ἐστι θεία, καὶ οὐ δεῖ τὴν τάξιν ταράττεσθαι.” Translation: “For order is divine, and the order must not be disturbed.” This is a potent commentary on the imperative for maintaining God’s order in all aspects of life, including inheritance and societal structures.

Spiritual Application: We are called to exercise our freedom responsibly, recognizing that our choices have consequences for ourselves and our community. We must seek wisdom and discernment to ensure that our decisions align with God’s will and promote the common good. This may require us to make sacrifices and prioritize the needs of the community over our own desires.

Verse 10-12: Obedience Demonstrated

KJV: Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad: For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father’s brothers’ sons: And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.

NKJV: Just as the Lord commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad; for Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to the sons of their father’s brothers. They were married into the families of the children of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father’s family.

The daughters of Zelophehad demonstrate remarkable obedience to God’s command, marrying within their own tribe. This obedience is not portrayed as begrudging or forced, but rather as a willing acceptance of God’s will. This act of obedience serves as a powerful example of submission to divine authority. The emphasis on their willingness to obey is significant. It highlights the importance of a willing and joyful obedience, rather than a reluctant compliance. The outcome is that their inheritance remained secure within the tribe, fulfilling the purpose of God’s command.

Spiritual Application: Obedience to God’s commands is not a burden but a pathway to blessing and fulfillment. Just as the daughters of Zelophehad were blessed for their obedience, we too will experience God’s favor when we align our lives with His will. This obedience should be a joyful expression of our love for God, not a forced or reluctant compliance.

Verse 13: Conclusion of the Commandments

KJV: These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

NKJV: These are the commandments and the judgments which the Lord commanded the children of Israel by the hand of Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, near Jericho.

The chapter concludes by emphasizing that these laws were given by God through Moses in the plains of Moab, near Jericho. This location is significant because it marks the final preparations for entering the Promised Land. The phrase “These are the commandments and the judgments” underscores the importance of both moral principles and legal regulations. These were not arbitrary rules but divinely ordained guidelines designed to govern every aspect of the Israelite community. The setting “in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho” reinforces the sense of anticipation and preparation for entering the Promised Land. It’s a reminder that God’s laws are intended to guide us as we journey towards our ultimate destination.

Spiritual Application: We are called to study and understand God’s commandments, applying them to our lives and allowing them to shape our character and conduct. As we prepare for our own “Promised Land” (eternal life with God), we must be diligent in obeying His commands and striving to live a life of holiness. You can get WordPress Hosting and create a website to share your faith and understanding.

💡 Key Reflections & Teachings

• Preservation of Divine Order: God is concerned with preserving the order He established, both in the physical world and in our spiritual lives.
• Balance of Individual Freedom and Communal Responsibility: We must exercise our freedom responsibly, considering the impact of our choices on our community.
• Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God’s commands is a pathway to blessing and fulfillment.
• Stewardship of Inheritance: We are called to be good stewards of our spiritual inheritance, passing it on to future generations.
• Discernment and Wisdom: We must seek wisdom and discernment to make decisions that align with God’s will.
• Addressing Concerns Respectfully: We should approach God and those in authority with humility and respect when seeking guidance.

❓ FAQ

Q: Why was it so important for the daughters of Zelophehad to marry within their tribe?

A: To prevent the transfer of land inheritance to other tribes, thus disrupting the divinely ordained land distribution. This ensured the integrity of the tribal structure and preserved the ancestral heritage.

Q: Does this law imply a limitation on freedom of choice in marriage?

A: While it placed a restriction, it also affirmed the daughters’ right to choose a spouse, provided it was within their tribe. It was a balance between individual freedom and communal responsibility.

Q: What is the spiritual significance of preserving one’s inheritance?

A: Spiritually, it symbolizes the importance of guarding and nurturing our faith, passing it on to future generations. It highlights the need to protect our spiritual heritage from being diluted or lost.

Q: How does this passage apply to modern Christians?

A: It teaches us to be mindful of the consequences of our choices, to seek wisdom and discernment in our decisions, and to prioritize the well-being of our community while exercising our freedom.

🕊️ Conclusion

Inheritance Laws and Divine Justice, as demonstrated in Numbers 36, may seem like an antiquated legal matter. However, digging deeper reveals profound spiritual truths. The narrative showcases God’s meticulous care for His people, demonstrating a desire to ensure both justice and order within their society. The daughters of Zelophehad, and the subsequent ruling, highlight the importance of balancing individual rights with communal responsibilities. This chapter also serves as a potent reminder of the significance of obedience. The willingness of the daughters to comply with God’s command reinforces the understanding that obedience, though sometimes challenging, ultimately leads to blessing. Furthermore, we are reminded of the importance of stewardship – of our time, talents, and resources. Like the Israelites protecting their inheritance, we must actively safeguard and nurture our spiritual heritage, passing it on with faithfulness. As we strive to navigate the complexities of modern life, may we seek wisdom from above, prioritize the needs of our community, and willingly submit to God’s divine plan, embracing the blessing of obedience.

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Numbers 36, Zelophehad, inheritance laws, divine justice, tribal inheritance, Coptic Orthodox, biblical commentary, Old Testament, Moses, land distribution

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Explore Numbers 36, “Inheritance Laws and Divine Justice,” with a Coptic Orthodox commentary. Understand the spiritual implications of tribal inheritance and God’s divine order.