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 of the Israelites comes
The phrase "And when the Jubilee of the Israelites comes" refers to the Year of Jubilee, a significant event in the Hebrew calendar occurring every 50th year, as outlined in Leviticus 25. The Hebrew word for Jubilee, "yovel," signifies a time of liberation and restoration. Historically, the Jubilee was a time when debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was returned to its original owners. This concept underscores God's desire for justice, mercy, and equality among His people. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people, ensuring that no family would permanently lose their inheritance.

their inheritance will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry
The phrase "their inheritance will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry" addresses the concern of land inheritance when daughters marry outside their tribe. In ancient Israel, land was a crucial aspect of identity and sustenance, and it was vital to maintain tribal boundaries as originally allocated by God. This provision ensured that land would not permanently transfer from one tribe to another through marriage, preserving the distinctiveness and heritage of each tribe. It reflects the importance of maintaining the God-given order and structure within the community of Israel.

so their inheritance will be taken away from the tribe of our fathers
The phrase "so their inheritance will be taken away from the tribe of our fathers" highlights the potential loss of tribal land due to inter-tribal marriages. The concern here is the dilution of tribal identity and the potential weakening of a tribe's economic and social standing. In the broader biblical narrative, this reflects the importance of heritage and the continuity of God's promises to each tribe. It underscores the need for careful stewardship of God's gifts and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the community as a whole. This provision was a safeguard to ensure that the blessings and responsibilities given by God to each tribe were preserved for future generations.

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.