Numbers 27:2
the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said,
So they approached
The Hebrew root for "approached" is "qarab," which means to come near or draw close. This action signifies a bold and intentional move by the daughters of Zelophehad, demonstrating their courage and faith. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, women typically did not approach leaders with legal matters, making this act particularly significant. Their approach is a testament to their belief in the justice and fairness of God's law, and it sets a precedent for seeking God's will in matters of inheritance and justice.

the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting" was the sacred place where God communicated with Moses and the Israelites. It was a symbol of God's presence among His people. Approaching the entrance signifies a desire to seek divine guidance and judgment. The Tent of Meeting was central to the community's spiritual life, and coming to its entrance underscores the seriousness and sanctity of their request. It reflects the belief that God is the ultimate authority in resolving disputes and guiding His people.

stood before Moses
Moses, as the leader of Israel, was the mediator between God and the people. Standing before him indicates respect for his God-given authority and a recognition of his role in interpreting and applying God's law. This phrase highlights the importance of leadership and the responsibility of leaders to listen to and address the concerns of those they lead. It also emphasizes the orderly process of bringing matters before the community's appointed leaders.

Eleazar the priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, served as the high priest after Aaron's death. His presence signifies the involvement of the priesthood in legal and spiritual matters. The priesthood was responsible for maintaining the holiness of the community and ensuring that God's laws were upheld. Including Eleazar in this assembly underscores the need for spiritual discernment and the application of God's law in communal decisions.

the leaders
The leaders, or "nasi" in Hebrew, were the heads of the tribes and clans of Israel. Their inclusion in this assembly represents the collective leadership of the nation. It highlights the importance of communal decision-making and the role of leaders in representing the interests of their people. This phrase underscores the need for a collaborative approach to governance and the importance of involving multiple voices in the decision-making process.

and the entire congregation
The entire congregation refers to the assembly of the people of Israel. This inclusion signifies transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. It reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where important matters were addressed publicly and with the involvement of the whole community. This phrase emphasizes the democratic aspect of Israel's governance, where the voices of all members were considered in matters of justice and inheritance.

and said
The act of speaking, "amar" in Hebrew, is significant as it represents the daughters' articulation of their case. It highlights the power of words and the importance of voicing one's concerns and seeking justice. This phrase sets the stage for the daughters' plea, which challenges existing norms and seeks a righteous resolution. It underscores the biblical principle that God hears the cries of His people and is attentive to their needs and concerns.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.

2. Eleazar the Priest
The son of Aaron, serving as the high priest after Aaron's death, responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel.

3. The Leaders
The heads of the tribes of Israel, who were responsible for governance and decision-making among the people.

4. The Whole Congregation
The assembly of the Israelites, representing the entire community of God's people.

5. The Tent of Meeting
The sacred place where God communicated with Moses and where important decisions and judgments were made.
Teaching Points
Approaching God with Boldness
The daughters of Zelophehad approached the leaders with confidence. Believers today are encouraged to approach God with boldness in prayer and supplication.

The Importance of Community
The presence of the whole congregation signifies the importance of community in decision-making and spiritual matters. Christians are called to engage with their faith community for support and guidance.

Leadership and Responsibility
The involvement of Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders highlights the importance of godly leadership. Christians in leadership roles should seek wisdom and guidance from God in their responsibilities.

Respect for Sacred Spaces
The Tent of Meeting was a place of divine encounter. Believers should respect and honor places of worship as spaces for encountering God.

Advocacy for Justice
The daughters' plea for their inheritance rights demonstrates the importance of advocating for justice and fairness, a principle that remains relevant for Christians today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the boldness of the daughters of Zelophehad in approaching Moses and the leaders inspire you in your prayer life?

2. In what ways can you contribute to your faith community, similar to how the congregation was involved in the decision-making process?

3. What qualities of leadership do you see in Moses and Eleazar that you can apply to your own life or leadership roles?

4. How can you show respect and reverence for the sacred spaces in your life, such as your church or personal prayer area?

5. What are some areas in your life or community where you can advocate for justice and fairness, following the example of the daughters of Zelophehad?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 18
Jethro's advice to Moses about sharing leadership responsibilities connects to the presence of leaders in Numbers 27:2, emphasizing the importance of shared governance.

Leviticus 10
The role of Eleazar as a priest is further explained, highlighting the continuity of priestly duties from Aaron to his son.

Deuteronomy 1
The appointment of leaders among the tribes is detailed, providing context for the leadership structure seen in Numbers 27:2.

Hebrews 4
The concept of approaching God with confidence, as the daughters of Zelophehad did, is echoed in the New Testament, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance.
A Rightful ClaimC. H. Mackintosh.Numbers 27:1-11
The Daughters of ZelophehadJ. Parker, D. D.Numbers 27:1-11
The Disabilities of SexD. Young Numbers 27:1-11
The Request of the Daughters of ZelophehadW. Jones.Numbers 27:1-11
Woman is the Conscience of the WorldR. S. Storrs, D. D.Numbers 27:1-11
Women's Rights -- a ParableSpurgeon, Charles HaddonNumbers 27:1-11
People
Aaron, Eleazar, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Joseph, Joshua, Korah, Machir, Mahlah, Manasseh, Milcah, Moses, Noah, Nun, Tirzah, Zelophehad
Places
Abarim, Jericho, Kadesh-barnea, Meribah, Zin
Topics
Assembly, Chiefs, Company, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Eleazar, Elea'zar, Entrance, Leaders, Meeting, Opening, Priest, Princes, Saying, Stand, Stood, Tabernacle, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Numbers 27:1-4

     5043   names, significance

Numbers 27:1-5

     5730   orphans

Numbers 27:1-7

     5707   male and female

Numbers 27:1-11

     5657   birthright
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
The First Blast of the Trumpet
The English Scholar's Library etc. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. The English Scholar's Library of Old and Modern Works. No. 2. The First Blast of the Trumpet &c. 1558. Edited by EDWARD ARBER, F.S.A., etc., LECTURER IN ENGLISH LITERATURE, ETC., UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON. SOUTHGATE, LONDON, N. 15 August 1878. No. 2. (All rights reserved.) CONTENTS. Bibliography vii-viii Introduction
John Knox—The First Blast of the Trumpet

Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought.
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Fifth Commandment
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
Numbers 27:2 NIV
Numbers 27:2 NLT
Numbers 27:2 ESV
Numbers 27:2 NASB
Numbers 27:2 KJV

Numbers 27:2 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Numbers 27:1
Top of Page
Top of Page