Old Testament
Numbers 36:2
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They said, "The LORD commanded you, my lord, to distribute the land by lot as an inheritance to the people of Israel. You were also commanded by the LORD to give our brother Zelophehad's inheritance to his daughters.
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And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.
What Numbers 36:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh remind Moses of God's command regarding the distribution of land among the Israelites. They emphasize that the land should be allocated by lot, ensuring fairness and divine guidance in the process. Additionally, they highlight the specific case of Zelophehad, who had no sons, and therefore, his inheritance should be passed on to his daughters. This reflects God's concern for justice and the rights of women in inheritance matters, which was significant in a patriarchal society. The leaders are advocating for the fulfillment of God's command, showing their commitment to uphold His laws and ensure that all families receive their rightful inheritance. This verse illustrates the importance of adhering to divine instructions and the need for leaders to be mindful of God's principles in their decisions.
How to apply Numbers 36:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to uphold fairness and justice in our dealings with others. It reminds us to consider the needs of all individuals, including those who may be overlooked, and to ensure that our actions align with ethical principles and God's commands in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Keep studying Numbers 36:2
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 36:2 mean?
Numbers 36:2 discusses the distribution of land among the Israelites as commanded by God. The leaders of Manasseh remind Moses that the land should be allocated by lot and specifically mention that Zelophehad's inheritance should go to his daughters since he had no sons.
What is the significance of Zelophehad's daughters in Numbers 36:2?
Zelophehad's daughters are significant because they represent a shift in inheritance rights, allowing women to inherit property in a patriarchal society. This highlights God's concern for justice and fairness in inheritance matters.
How does Numbers 36:2 relate to justice?
Numbers 36:2 relates to justice by emphasizing the fair distribution of land and the inclusion of women in inheritance rights, ensuring that all families receive their rightful share according to God's commands.
What themes are present in Numbers 36:2?
The themes present in Numbers 36:2 include inheritance, divine command, justice, women's rights, leadership, and fairness, reflecting the importance of adhering to God's principles in decision-making.
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