41: Zelophehad’s Daughters & Leadership Change (Num 27)

This generation will enter the land of Canaan. The following chapters explain the life in the land. 

Read Numbers 27:1 - 23

Zelophehad’s daughters came to Moses and asked for their father’s inheritance to come to them, for he didn't have a son. What was their reason?

 

What was Moses' request when the LORD said that Moses would only see the land?

 

What was the qualification of the leader? (hint: v16, 18, 21)

 

Answers and Meditation

 

They didn’t want their father’s name to be lost among the Israelites.

Not having the inheritance called by your name means you don't belong to Israel. Anyone who belongs to Christ has their inheritance (calling, ministry, or role), just as each body member has its function.

In OT theology, being cut off from the Israelites means failure to inherit the future blessing of the Lord, which is no salvation. Thus, when they addressed that their father had not participated in Korah’s rebellion, though he died for his own sin in the wilderness, they asked their father would not be excluded from Israel when the Lord will restore or bless in the future.

Also, the Lord commanded the Israelites to keep the family’s inheritance in the family.

 

Appoint a leader for them.

When he heard he would not lead the people into the land, Moses cared about the Israelites.

 

A man of the Spirit

‘the God of the spirits (breath) of all humankind” (16). This reminds us of how God created man.

“a man of whom is the Spirit.” (18)

The leader should be filled with the Spirit because he will do God’s command and lead God’s people. Moses wanted a leader, as described in verse 17. The Lord assigned Joshua, who will do as described in verse 21.

Though Moses will die, Joshua will lead the people. In fact, the Lord is their shepherd. Joshua and Eleazer are the shepherd's rod and staff.

Note that the relationship between Joshua and Eleazar will not be the same as between Moses and Aaron. Moses received God's words directly and delivered them to Aaron. But, now, Eleazar will seek God’s counsel for Joshua through Urim. And Joshua will lead the people accordingly.

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