Bible Commentaries
Numbers 36

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The subject, relative to Zelophehad's daughters, is resumed. To prevent the inconvenience which might result from the inheritance of daughters, the LORD appoints a remedy in determining that the daughters of such tribes as possessed the inheritance of their fathers, should marry, in the elder branches of their own tribes.

Verses 1-3

This family was more immediately interested in the decision of the point they came to question Moses upon; because it was this tribe which had at present no father, or elder of the house; and the inheritance was now in the person of Zelophehad's daughters. See Numbers 27:0 .

Verse 4

The Jubilee year was the year of release, when every man's inheritance of land was to be restored to its original owner. See Leviticus 25:10 .

Verses 5-13

Although in every point of view, politically and nationally considered, this law seems good, yet certainly it had a much higher significance, in the prospect of gospel mercies. JESUS is the Head of the tribe of his people. With him must all alliance be made, and with his people in him. The spiritual law of the gospel is now to this purpose: let the people marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of JESUS. Or, as the apostle says, be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 .

Verse 13

REFLECTIONS

BEHOLD! my soul, in the perusal of this Chapter, how graciously the LORD watches over his people, in all their concerns. And is he less attentive now? Is his arm shortened, or his ear grown heavy? Must not the people of GOD be very dear to GOD, and doth he not watch over them for good, to guide them in all their ways, and to keep them, lest any hurt them, night and day.

Let the people of GOD learn from this Chapter how suitable and proper it must be, like the daughters of Israel, to be united only to their own tribes. And ought not every true believer in JESUS to be very attentive in the near and tender relations of life, to be united only to such as are united to the LORD? If JESUS cements the union between souls, certainly those united to him will form the truest union with each other, for they that are joined to the LORD are one spirit.