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Numbers 27

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 27 of 36

1 And the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the family of Manasseh, the son of Joseph came. And these are his daughters' names: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

2 And they stood before Moses and Eleazar the priest, and before the rulers and all the congregation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

3 Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not among the company who met together against Jehovah in the company of Korah, but he died for his own sins, and had no son.

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Chapter Summary

The daughters of Zelophehad petition for inheritance rights since their father died without sons. God establishes the law of inheritance for daughters and other family members. Moses is told he will die soon and asks God to appoint a successor. Joshua is chosen and publicly commissioned.

Key Hebrew Words

נַחֲלָה inheritance H5159 · TWOT 1342a
אֲחֻזָּה possession H272 · TWOT 64a
חֻקָּה statute H2708 · TWOT 728b
סָמַךְ lay on (hands) H5564 · TWOT 1514
רֹעֶה shepherd H7462 · TWOT 2185
צָוָה command, charge H6680 · TWOT 1887

People & Context

Moses

Leader who brings the daughters' cause before Jehovah and commissions Joshua before he dies

Joshua

Son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, chosen and commissioned as Moses' successor

Eleazar

Priest before whom the daughters stand and who inquires for Joshua by the Urim

Mahlah

Eldest of Zelophehad's five daughters who petition for their father's inheritance

Zelophehad

Manassite who died sonless in the wilderness, whose daughters seek his inheritance

Aaron

Moses' brother, recalled as one already gathered to his people on Mount Hor

Timeline

Zelophehad's Daughters Petition for Inheritance

The five daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses, pointing out that their father died without sons, and petition for his land inheritance so his name is not lost. God declares their request just and establishes a law allowing daughters to inherit their father's property if he has no sons.

Numbers 27:1-11
Joshua Appointed as Moses' Successor

God tells Moses to view the promised land from Mount Abarim before he dies, prompting Moses to ask for a new shepherd for Israel. God commands Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, placing him before Eleazar the priest and the congregation to formally commission him.

Numbers 27:12-23

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