Numbers-Chapter-27
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Remember the following truth from our
beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO
THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL
YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Numbers
Chapter 27 addresses the rights of the individual, as exemplified by the
daughters of Zelophehad, and the importance of
leadership transition. It begins with a legal inquiry regarding inheritance
that leads to a profound evolution in Torah law. The chapter concludes with the
transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the need for a “Righteous”
successor.
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Let us read Numbers
Chapter 27, verses 1 to 23: (JPS-1917 version of
the Torah). Below this chapter you will find my commentary for this study.
1 “Then drew near
the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of
Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the
names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood
before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and
before the princes and all the congregation, at the door of the tent of
meeting, saying: 3 ‘Our father died in the
wilderness, and he was not among the company of them that gathered themselves
together against יְהוָה - the LORD in the company of Korah, but he
died in his own sin; and he had no sons. 4 Why
should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he
had no son? Give unto us a possession among the brethren of our father.' 5 And Moses brought their cause before יְהוָה - the LORD. 6 And יְהוָה - the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying: 7 'The daughters of Zelophehad speak
right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their
father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass
unto them. 8 And thou shalt speak unto the
children of
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Below is my Commentary
on Numbers Chapter 25:
Verse 1: The daughters of Zelophehad approach the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, tracing
their lineage back to Manasseh, son of Joseph. By linking themselves to Joseph,
they signify that their request is motivated by a deep desire to have a
physical stake in the ancestral inheritance.
Verse 2: The sisters present their
case publicly before Moses, Eleazar the Priest, the
leaders, and the entire community. This act of petition demonstrates their
confidence in the fairness of the covenantal law and their courage.
Verse 3: They clarify that their
father was not part of Korah’s rebellion, for which
he would have been punished, but that he died for his own standard, sin,
leaving no sons to carry his name.
Verse 4: They ask why their
father’s name should be “done away with” simply because he lacked a male heir.
Their appeal is not merely for property, but for the preservation of a name and
a legacy within the tribe.
Verse 5: Moses does not immediately
rule on this case. In an act of humility and legal integrity, he brings their case
before the Eternal to seek Divine guidance.
Verse 6-7: The Divine response
validates the daughters’ request, stating that they “speak right”. They are
granted a portion of their father’s inheritance directly.
Verse 8: This judgment establishes
a general law for the nation: when a man dies without a son, his inheritance
passes to his daughter, ensuring that the Land stays within the family.
Verse 9-11: The law is expanded to
include brothers, paternal uncles, and the nearest kinsman to ensure that no
part of the
Verse 12: The focus then shifts to Moses.
He is instructed to climb
Verse 13: Moses is told he will be “gathered
unto his people”, just as Aaron was. This phrase implies a peaceful transition
to the afterlife, marking the successful completion of his mission.
Verse 14: The restriction is
explained: it was because of his actions at the Waters of Meribah,
where the Divine sanctity was not upheld in front of the people.
Verse 15-16: Instead of focusing on
his own life, Moses prays for the community. He asks the “אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) of the spirits of
all flesh” to appoint a leader, showing that his primary concern remains the
well-being of the people.
Verse 17: Moses specifies the
necessary qualities of a leader: one who will "”go out before them” and “come
in before them”. He seeks a leader who will lead by example, so the
congregation is not like “sheep which have no shepherd”
Verse 18: Joshua, the son of Nun, is
chosen, described as a man “in whom is spirit,”,
suggesting he possesses both the intellectual capability and the empathy
required to lead the nation.
Verse 19: Moses is ordered to set Joshua
before Eleazar and the entire community to officially
commission him in their sight. This public ceremony ensures a smooth transfer
of authority.
Verse 20: Moses is commanded to
transfer “some of his honour” to Joshua, providing
him with the authority necessary to lead the people.
Verse 21: A new system of guidance
is established, where Joshua will consult with Eleazar
the Priest, who will use the Urim before the Eternal
to seek direction for the nation.
Verse 22: Moses carries out the
instructions as given. He presents Joshua before the High Priest and the
assembled community, showing his selfless dedication to the people.
Verse 23: Moses lays his hands upon Joshua
and commissions him, symbolizing the transfer of leadership and the beginning
of Joshua’s era.
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My Closing Message:
Numbers
27 emphasizes the importance of community, individual legacy, and the
continuity of leadership. The daughters of Zelophehad
show us the importance of fighting for one’s place in the nation’s history. The
transition from Moses to Joshua illustrates that true leadership is defined by
preparing the next generation. May we follow their example of devotion to our
heritage and community?
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