Numbers 36:4

And when the Jubilee for the Israelites comes, their inheritance will be added to the tribe into which they marry and taken away from the tribe of our fathers."

Study Bible

And when the Jubilee for the Israelites comes
The Jubilee, occurring every 50 years, was a time of liberation and restoration in Israel. It was a year when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original family owners (Leviticus 25:8-13). This concept underscores God's desire for economic and social balance among His people. The Jubilee reflects God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people, ensuring that no family would permanently lose their inheritance. It also foreshadows the ultimate liberation and restoration found in Christ, who proclaimed the "year of the Lord's favor" (Luke 4:18-19).

their inheritance will be added to the tribe into which they marry
This phrase addresses the concern of land inheritance when daughters marry outside their tribe. In the context of Numbers 36, the daughters of Zelophehad were granted the right to inherit their father's land, but if they married men from other tribes, their inheritance would transfer to their husbands' tribes. This provision was to prevent the permanent loss of tribal land, maintaining the integrity of the tribal allotments given by God. It highlights the importance of land as a divine gift and a symbol of God's covenant with Israel.

and taken away from the tribe of our fathers.
The concern here is the potential diminishment of a tribe's inheritance if land is transferred through marriage. This reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where land and inheritance were typically passed through male lineage. The preservation of tribal boundaries was crucial for maintaining the identity and stability of each tribe. This regulation ensured that the land remained within the original tribal allotments, as established by God through Moses and Joshua (Joshua 13-21). It also emphasizes the importance of family and tribal heritage in God's covenantal promises to Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Daughters of Zelophehad
These women were the daughters of Zelophehad, who had no sons. They approached Moses to secure their inheritance rights, which led to a significant legal precedent in Israel regarding inheritance laws for women.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws and judgments. He played a crucial role in addressing the concerns of the daughters of Zelophehad.

3. The Tribe of Manasseh
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, to which the daughters of Zelophehad belonged. The issue of inheritance was particularly relevant to this tribe as it pertained to maintaining tribal boundaries and possessions.

4. The Jubilee Year
A significant event in Israelite society occurring every 50 years, during which land was returned to its original owners, and debts were forgiven. It was a time of restoration and freedom.

5. The Inheritance Laws
These laws were established to ensure that land remained within the original tribes, preserving the tribal allotments given by God.

Teaching Points

Preservation of God's Order
The inheritance laws were designed to maintain the order and structure established by God for the tribes of Israel. This teaches us the importance of respecting God's design and order in our lives.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
The case of the daughters of Zelophehad highlights the value and role of women in God's plan. It reminds us that God sees and values each individual, regardless of gender.

The Principle of Restoration
The Jubilee year symbolizes restoration and freedom. As believers, we are called to live in the freedom Christ provides and to seek restoration in our relationships and communities.

Faithful Stewardship
The emphasis on maintaining tribal inheritances teaches us about faithful stewardship of the resources and responsibilities God has entrusted to us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the case of the daughters of Zelophehad challenge or affirm your understanding of gender roles in biblical times?

2. In what ways can the principle of the Jubilee year be applied to modern Christian living, particularly in terms of forgiveness and restoration?

3. How does the preservation of tribal inheritances in Numbers 36:4 relate to the concept of stewardship in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad about advocating for justice and fairness within our communities?

5. How can the principles found in Numbers 36:4 guide us in making decisions that honor God's order and design in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
This chapter provides detailed instructions about the Jubilee year, emphasizing the restoration of property and freedom. It connects to Numbers 36:4 by highlighting the importance of maintaining tribal inheritances.

Joshua 17
This passage recounts the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh, including the daughters of Zelophehad, illustrating the practical application of the inheritance laws.

Galatians 3:28
While not directly related to inheritance laws, this verse speaks to the equality of all believers in Christ, which can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the legal rights granted to the daughters of Zelophehad.