Numbers 36:5
And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְנֵֽי
of the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֥י
according to the word
H6310
פִּ֥י
according to the word
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כֵּ֛ן
H3651
כֵּ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
מַטֵּ֥ה
The tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
The tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
11 of 14
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
בְנֵֽי
of the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
This ruling refined the earlier decision (Numbers 27) without overturning it. The daughters maintained inheritance rights but with a condition that protected tribal integrity. This balance demonstrated that God's justice considers both individual and corporate dimensions. The solution satisfied both concerns—family continuity and tribal stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does true freedom operate within the context of covenant responsibility?
- What does balancing individual rights with community needs teach about Christian liberty?
- In what ways should personal freedom be exercised with consideration for corporate impact?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses' command 'according to the word of the LORD' establishes that the solution comes from divine wisdom, not human compromise. The verdict that Zelophehad's daughters may marry whom they wish 'only to the family of the tribe of their father' balances their individual freedom with tribal integrity. They have both rights (to inherit, to choose husbands) and responsibilities (to preserve tribal boundaries). This teaches that biblical freedom is not absolute autonomy but liberty within the framework of covenant community. The Reformed understanding of liberty as freedom for righteousness, not license for selfishness, is illustrated.