In this chapter we have the explanation as to the mention of Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh in the previous chapter. The daughters of Zelophehad who were from the family of Joseph (v1-5) came before Moses, Eleazar and all the leaders and congregation by the doorway of the tabernacle. They explained that their father was not in the rebellion of Korah but had died and had no sons. They asked for a possession. It was usual for inheritance to be passed from father to son and they were concerned that their inheritance would go to someone else. They would normally receive a dowry on marriage so they would not be penniless. Moses took their request before the Lord and rightly sought His will and direction.
Their request obviously met with the Lord’s approval (v6-11) and gave direction to Moses to make this a law allowing daughters to inherit where there were no sons. Chapter 36 gives additional rules should they marry.
Moses had been told by the Lord in chapter 20 that he would die before entering the land and now the Lord prepares him for that (v12-14). The Lord reminds Moses of the reason, namely his disobedience at the waters of Meribah, at Kadesh in the wilderness. The Lord told Moses to go up the Mount Abarim and see the land. Moses does not complain (v15-17), he submits to the Lord’s will, however, his only concern is for the people and their need of a leader to replace him and describes them as sheep needing a shepherd. This term continued down through the ages to this present day – sheep needing a shepherd. Jesus was prophesied as such shepherd in Micah 5:2-4 and displayed as such in the New Testament, this even continued afterwards through pastors and teachers to this very day. Jesus being The Good Shepherd.
The Lord answers Moses’ request and tells him to take Joshua and inaugurate him as the next leader (v18-23). He assures Moses of Joshua’s suitability – ‘a man in whom is the Spirit’ and his authority- ‘at his word they shall go out and come in’. Moses was instructed to lay his hand on Joshua as sign from the Lord that he was the man to lead them.
