Numbers 36:1-13
Gileadites <01568> [Gilead.]
commanded ... lord .................. commanded .... Lord <03068 06680> [The Lord commanded.]
To one division of the tribe of Manasseh, a portion had been assigned eastward of Jordan; but Zelophehad was of that division, to which an inheritance was afterwards allotted west of Jordan; yet, expecting the promised land, the elders of the Manassites now propose a difficulty, upon the adjudged case of Zelophehad's daughters. (ch. 27:1-11.) If the females should inherit, in defect of male issue, and should intermarry with other tribes they would diminish the interest, and weaken the influence of their own tribes, and give occasion to future confusion, and perhaps contention. The Manassites therefore referred the case to Moses; and he, by the authority of God, annexed a clause, which would effectually keep the tribes and inheritances distinct, as long as it was observed. Heiresses were not allowed to marry out of their own tribe, though within those bounds they might consult their own inclinations.
give ..................... give <05414> [to give.]
taken .......................... taken <01639> [whereunto they are received. Heb. unto whom they shall be.]
saying <01696> [hath said well.]
marry ......... marry <0802> [marry. Heb. be wives. only to the family.]
one <0376> [for every one.]
That is, he shall not endeavour to obtain any part of the inheritance of another tribe by marrying an heiress.
inheritance .................... retain .... heritage <01692 05159> [keep himself. Heb. cleave]
daughter <01323> [every daughter.]
families ................... family <04940> [into the families. Heb. to some that were of the families.]
commandments <04687> [the commandments.]
plains ... Moab <06160 04124> [in the plains of Moab.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS. Thus terminates the book of Numbers; a book containing a series of the most astonishing providences and events. Every where and in every circumstance God appears; and yet there is no circumstance or occasion which does not justify those signal displays of his grace and mercy; and in every relation we perceive the consistency of the divine intentions, and the propriety of those laws which he established.
