Numbers 36:8

Every daughter who possesses an inheritance from any Israelite tribe must marry within a clan of the tribe of her father, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers.

Study Bible

Every daughter
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity of the command, applying to all daughters within the tribes of Israel. In the Hebrew context, the word for "daughter" is "בַּת" (bat), which signifies not only a biological daughter but also a member of a family or community. This reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where family and tribal affiliations were paramount. The directive underscores the importance of maintaining tribal integrity and heritage, which was a critical aspect of Israelite identity and covenantal faithfulness.

who possesses an inheritance
The term "inheritance" in Hebrew is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which refers to a portion of land or property passed down through generations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, land was not merely a possession but a divine gift and a symbol of God's promise to His people. The inheritance was a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel, and maintaining it within the tribe was crucial for preserving the tribal boundaries and the fulfillment of God's promises.

in any Israelite tribe
This phrase highlights the tribal structure of Israel, where each tribe had its own allotted territory. The tribes were descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, and each had a unique role and identity within the nation. The tribal system was integral to the social, political, and religious life of Israel, and it was essential to maintain these divisions to ensure the stability and continuity of the nation as a whole.

must marry
The directive for daughters to marry within their tribe was not merely a social custom but a legal requirement to preserve the tribal inheritance. Marriage in ancient Israel was a covenantal relationship that extended beyond the individuals to their families and tribes. This command reflects the seriousness with which God viewed the preservation of His people's inheritance and the importance of obedience to His laws.

within a clan of the tribe of her father
The word "clan" in Hebrew is "מִשְׁפָּחָה" (mishpachah), which refers to a family group within a tribe. This specification further narrows the marriage requirement to ensure that the inheritance remains as close as possible to the original family line. It underscores the importance of family loyalty and the preservation of God's ordained order within the tribes of Israel.

so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers
This concluding phrase reiterates the purpose of the command: to ensure that the inheritance remains within the family and tribe. The phrase "inheritance of his fathers" emphasizes the continuity of God's promises through the generations. It reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where each generation is responsible for preserving and passing on the blessings and responsibilities given by God. This command serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God to His covenant and the importance of His people's faithfulness in return.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Daughters of Zelophehad
These women were the catalyst for the inheritance laws concerning daughters. Their case led to the establishment of rules ensuring that inheritance remained within the tribe.

2. Tribe of Manasseh
The tribe to which the daughters of Zelophehad belonged. This tribe's concern about losing land through marriage prompted the law in Numbers 36:8.

3. Moses
The leader of Israel who communicated God's laws to the people, including the inheritance laws.

4. Israelite Tribes
The twelve tribes of Israel, each with its own inheritance in the Promised Land. The law ensured that land remained within the original tribal allotments.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which was divided among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance.

Teaching Points

Preservation of Inheritance
The law in Numbers 36:8 emphasizes the importance of preserving family and tribal inheritance. This reflects God's desire for order and continuity within His people.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites were called to obey God's laws regarding inheritance. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our lives today.

Community and Family Responsibility
The law highlights the responsibility of individuals to their community and family. We are reminded to consider how our actions affect those around us.

God's Provision and Care
The inheritance laws show God's provision and care for His people, ensuring that each tribe retained its allotted portion. This reassures us of God's faithfulness in providing for our needs.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the law in Numbers 36:8 reflect God's concern for the preservation of family and tribal identity?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of preserving inheritance to our spiritual lives today?

3. How does the account of Ruth and Boaz in Ruth 4 illustrate the principles found in Numbers 36:8?

4. What are some modern-day challenges to maintaining family and community responsibilities, and how can we address them biblically?

5. How does understanding God's provision for the Israelites' inheritance encourage us to trust in His provision for our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Ruth 4
The account of Ruth and Boaz illustrates the concept of maintaining family inheritance through marriage within the clan, similar to the principles in Numbers 36:8.

Galatians 3
Discusses the spiritual inheritance of believers, emphasizing unity in Christ, which can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the physical inheritance laws.