Numbers 27:9

If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers.

Study Bible

If he has no daughter
In the context of ancient Israelite society, inheritance laws were crucial for maintaining family lineage and property within the tribe. The absence of a daughter in this scenario highlights the patriarchal structure of the society, where male heirs were typically prioritized. This reflects the broader cultural norms of the ancient Near East, where lineage and inheritance were often passed through male descendants. The mention of a daughter here is significant because it follows the case of Zelophehad's daughters (Numbers 27:1-8), who successfully petitioned for the right to inherit their father's property, setting a precedent for female inheritance rights in specific circumstances.

give his inheritance to his brothers
This directive ensures that the inheritance remains within the immediate family, preserving the tribal allotment as originally distributed among the Israelites. The brothers of the deceased would be the next closest male relatives, maintaining the property within the same paternal line. This practice underscores the importance of family and tribal continuity in Israelite culture. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of family responsibility and care, as seen in other passages such as Ruth 4:1-10, where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer to preserve the family line of Elimelech. This principle of keeping inheritance within the family can be seen as a type of Christ, who as our kinsman-redeemer, restores and preserves our spiritual inheritance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who is receiving God's instructions regarding inheritance laws.

2. Israelites
The people of God, to whom these laws are being given as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. Zelophehad's Daughters
The context of this verse is part of a larger account where the daughters of Zelophehad petition Moses for their father's inheritance, as he had no sons.

4. Inheritance Laws
The specific legal instructions given by God to Moses concerning the distribution of property among the Israelites.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and settle, necessitating clear inheritance laws.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Fairness
The inheritance laws reflect God's concern for justice and fairness, ensuring that property remains within the family even when there are no male heirs.

Value of Family and Community
The instructions emphasize the importance of family and community in God's plan, as inheritance is meant to sustain and support the family unit.

Adaptability of God's Law
The case of Zelophehad's daughters shows that God's laws are adaptable to ensure justice, highlighting the importance of seeking God's guidance in unique situations.

Spiritual Inheritance
As believers, our ultimate inheritance is spiritual, found in Christ, and is available to all, regardless of gender or lineage.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inheritance law in Numbers 27:9 reflect God's character of justice and fairness?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of family and community support found in this passage to our modern lives?

3. How does the account of Zelophehad's daughters challenge or affirm our understanding of gender roles within the biblical context?

4. What parallels can we draw between the physical inheritance laws in Numbers and our spiritual inheritance in Christ as described in the New Testament?

5. How can we ensure that our own practices and policies reflect the adaptability and justice seen in God's instructions to Moses?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 48
The blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh by Jacob, which sets a precedent for inheritance and the importance of family lineage.

Joshua 17
The fulfillment of the inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad, showing the application of the law given in Numbers.

Galatians 3
The discussion of inheritance in Christ, which transcends gender and lineage, reflecting the spiritual equality of all believers.