Numbers 27:6

Analysis & Commentary

God's response—'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right'—vindicates their claim and establishes case law. The Hebrew ken dovrot (rightly speak) affirms the justice of their petition. God's subsequent command to give them inheritance demonstrates divine commitment to justice even when existing law did not explicitly address the situation. This shows that God's law is not arbitrary but flows from His just character. Where law was silent, justice demanded provision for these women. New Testament parallel: the gospel extends to Gentiles whom law did not explicitly address, because grace flows from God's character (Acts 15).

Historical Context

This became landmark case law, establishing female inheritance rights in ancient Israel—a remarkable provision in the ancient Near East where women typically had few property rights. The legislation benefited not just these five women but countless daughters throughout Israel's history who would lack brothers. God's law protected the vulnerable and ensured no family line disappeared from the promised land.

Questions for Reflection

• How does God's law protect the vulnerable even when specific statutes don't explicitly address their situation?
• What does divine vindication of a just claim teach about approaching God with legitimate needs?
• How does God's character ensure justice even where law seems silent?