Read Numbers 36:1-13
What we have here is a sequel of sorts to the laws put in place back in Chapter 27. This is a good example of how one law can necessitate a second law to compensate or complete the first. Here, we see the family members, of the five girls given the inheritance of land their sonless father would have received, come forward. They have a very strong argument for their concern, and Moses takes them seriously.
The LORD said, “The claim of the men of the tribe of Joseph is legitimate.” The LORD agreed with the family members and wanted to keep the land “in the family,” too. The LORD’s command kept any potential issue of land possession at bay. God was promoting the success of his people by this decree.
The LORD’s solution was reasonable and just. We’re not told if there was any push back, but the five daughters all married men appropriate to the LORD’s direction. We don’t always see God’s people being obedient in the Bible. I applaud those five women for their choice of mates.
In this way, the land distributions stayed pure within each tribe. God’s provision of land was a visible reality of what He had promised all along. The Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, would home to his people. Do you agree with how the LORD handled this situation?
Sometimes we question God. In this case, I thought both laws were brilliant, even if they only affected small number of people initially. In this case, it’s best to look at the bigger picture of how God wanted to keep all of the land designations pure among the tribes. It was their inheritance, a gift from God himself.
Colossians 1:11-14 includes us in that inheritance. Paul writes, “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” That’s a beautiful prayer to end this reading, to end our reflections on the book of Numbers.
Let’s pray. Lord, your master plan is astounding, and your love for us never ending. Thank you for all the provisions you have given over the years to your people. I am so grateful and my heart is overflowing. I am filled with joy because you are in my life, lighting the path before me. Help me to be ready to share in the inheritance you have prepared for me. Strengthen me and draw me close. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
