Chapter Outline
The inheritance of the daughters of (1–4)
Zelophehad.
The daughters of Zelophehad are to marry (5–12)
in their own tribe.
Conclusion. (13)Verses 1–4
The heads of the tribe of Manasseh represent the evil which might follow, if the daughters of
Zelophehad should marry into any other tribes. They sought to preserve the Divine appointment
of inheritances, and that contests and quarrels should not rise among those who should come
afterwards. It is the wisdom and duty of those who have estates in the world, to settle them, and to
dispose of them, so that no strife and contention may arise. (Nu 36:5-12)
Verses 5–12
Those who consult the oracles of God, concerning the making of their heavenly inheritance
sure, shall not only be directed what to do, but their inquiries shall be graciously accepted. God
would not have one tribe enriched at the expense of another. Each tribe was to keep to its own
inheritance. The daughters of Zelophehad submitted to this appointment. How could they fail to
marry well, when God himself directed them? Let the people of God learn how suitable and proper
it is, like the daughters of Israel, to be united only to their own people. Ought not every true believer
Israel, to be united only to their own people. 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?
All our intentions and inclinations ought to be subjected to the will of God, when that is made
known to us, and especially in contracting marriage. Although the word of God allows affection
and preference in this important relation, it does not sanction that foolish, ungovernable, and
idolatrous passion, which cares not what may be the end; but in defiance of authority, determines
upon self-gratification. All such conduct, however disguised, is against common sense, the interests
of society, the happiness of the marriage relation, and, what is still more evil, against the religion
of Christ.
Verse 13
These are the judgments the Lord commanded in the plains of Moab. Most of them related to
the settlement in Canaan, into which the Israelites were now entering. Whatever new condition
God, by his providence, brings us into, we must beg him to teach us the duties of it, and to enable
us to do them, that we may do the work of the day in its day, the duty of a place in its place.