Numbers 36:6

This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad:
The LORD's command here is a direct response to a specific situation involving the daughters of Zelophehad, who were from the tribe of Manasseh. This highlights God's concern for justice and fairness within the Israelite community. The daughters had previously approached Moses to claim their inheritance rights, as their father had no sons (Numbers 27:1-11). This command underscores the importance of maintaining tribal inheritance and the continuity of family lineage, which was crucial in Israelite society. It also reflects God's willingness to address and adapt to unique circumstances within His covenant community.

They may marry anyone they please,
This phrase indicates a level of autonomy and choice given to the daughters, which was significant in a patriarchal society. It shows a balance between individual freedom and communal responsibility. The allowance for them to choose their husbands suggests a respect for personal agency, which is consistent with the biblical theme of free will. This freedom, however, is not without boundaries, as seen in the subsequent condition.

provided they marry within a clan of the tribe of their father.
The stipulation to marry within their father's clan ensures that the inheritance remains within the tribe of Manasseh. This was crucial for maintaining the tribal boundaries and inheritance laws established by God (Numbers 36:7-9). It reflects the broader biblical principle of preserving the integrity and identity of the Israelite tribes. This requirement also points to the importance of community and family ties in ancient Israel. Theologically, it can be seen as a type of the Church, where believers are called to maintain unity and purity within the body of Christ. This command also prefigures the New Testament teaching on being "equally yoked" with fellow believers (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Daughters of Zelophehad
These were five sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—who approached Moses to claim their inheritance rights after their father died without a male heir.

2. Zelophehad
A member of the tribe of Manasseh, who died without sons, prompting a legal question about inheritance rights for his daughters.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who brought their case before the LORD and received the commandment regarding their marriage and inheritance.

4. The LORD
God, who provided the commandment to Moses regarding the daughters' right to marry within their father's tribe to preserve tribal inheritance.

5. The Tribe of Manasseh
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, specifically involved in this inheritance issue, as the daughters were required to marry within this tribe.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Fairness
God’s commandment regarding the daughters of Zelophehad demonstrates His concern for justice and fairness, ensuring that inheritance rights are preserved even when cultural norms are challenged.

Preservation of Tribal Identity
The requirement for the daughters to marry within their father's tribe highlights the importance of maintaining tribal identity and heritage, which was crucial for the Israelites.

Obedience to God's Commands
The daughters' willingness to follow God's command serves as an example of obedience and trust in God's provision and wisdom.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
This passage underscores the significant role women can play in God's plan, as the daughters' actions led to a change in inheritance laws for future generations.

Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
While the daughters were given the freedom to choose their husbands, they were also given the responsibility to marry within their tribe, illustrating the balance between personal freedom and communal responsibility.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the daughters of Zelophehad challenge or affirm your understanding of justice and fairness in God's law?

2. In what ways does the requirement for the daughters to marry within their tribe reflect the importance of community and heritage in your own life?

3. How can the obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad inspire you to trust and follow God's commands, even when they challenge cultural norms?

4. What lessons can we learn from this passage about the role of women in God's plan, and how can these lessons be applied in today's context?

5. How does the balance between freedom and responsibility in this passage relate to the choices you face in your own life, particularly in areas where personal desires and communal obligations intersect?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 27:1-11
This passage provides the background to Numbers 36:6, where the daughters of Zelophehad first bring their case to Moses, and God affirms their right to inherit.

Joshua 17:3-6
This passage recounts the fulfillment of the daughters' inheritance rights, showing the practical application of God's command.

1 Corinthians 7:39
This New Testament verse discusses the freedom of a widow to remarry, but "only in the Lord," which parallels the principle of marrying within the faith community.