Numbers 27

Zelophehad’s Daughters Speak Up for Their Inheritance

1 The daughters of Zelophehad (from the tribe of Manasseh, son of Joseph) came forward. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

2 They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole community at the entrance of the Tabernacle.

3 They said, “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not part of Korah’s rebellion, he just died for his own sins. But he had no sons.”

4 “Why should our father’s name disappear just because he did not have a son, Give us land among our father’s relatives!”

5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord.

6 And the Lord said to Moses.

7 “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. They must be given land as their inheritance among their father’s relatives.”

8 “Tell the Israelites: If a man dies and has no son, give his inheritance to his daughters.”

9 “If he has no daughters, give it to his brothers.”

10 “If he has no brothers, give it to his father’s brothers.”

11 “If his father had no brothers, give it to the closest relative in his family. This is a permanent law for Israel.”

God Tells Moses He Will Not Enter the Promised Land

12 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go up to the mountain of Abarim and look at the land I am giving to Israel.”

13 “After you see it, you will die like your brother Aaron did.”

14 “This is because you and Aaron disobeyed Me at the waters of Meribah. You all did not honor Me in front of the Israelites.”

15 Moses said to the Lord.

16 “Lord, You are the God who gives breath to all people. Please appoint someone to lead this community.”

17 “Someone who will guide them in and out, so they will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”

God Appoints Joshua as the New Leader

18 The Lord told Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man filled with My Spirit, and lay your hand on him.”

19 “Bring him before Eleazar the priest and the whole community. Commission him in their presence.”

20 “Give him some of your authority so the Israelites will follow him.”

21 “He must stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim to ask for My guidance. He will lead the Israelites in all they do.”

22 Moses did exactly what the Lord commanded. He took Joshua and brought him before Eleazar and the people.

23 He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as the Lord instructed.