Numbers 36:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Numbers 36:2
2 And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.
Chapter Context
Numbers 36 is a mixed narrative and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, discipleship. Written during Israel's wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The wilderness journey occurred between Egypt's dominance and the Canaanite tribal systems.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Numbers and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Numbers 36:2
2 And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.
Analysis
The reference to God's command that land be given by lot establishes the divine origin of land distribution. The leaders' concern isn't with overturning earlier decisions but with preserving the system's integrity. They acknowledge both the LORD's command to give the daughters inheritance and the principle that tribal allocations are permanent. This demonstrates that God's commands don't contradict but must be harmonized through wisdom. The Reformed hermeneutical principle that Scripture interprets Scripture and doesn't contradict itself is illustrated.
Historical Context
The combination of lot (determining location) and inheritance law (determining transmission) created Israel's land system. The lot established tribal boundaries as permanent, divinely ordained, and not subject to change. If daughters marrying outside their tribe transferred land permanently, it would violate the lot's divine determination of tribal boundaries.
Reflection
- How do we harmonize seemingly competing biblical principles through wisdom?
- What does the appeal to divine command teach about grounding arguments in Scripture?
- In what ways should Christians resolve tensions between valid principles?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Numbers 33:54