What does Numbers 36:5 mean?
"And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well." - Numbers 36:5
Numbers 36:5 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well." This verse is situated within the narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad, a story that is found in the book of Numbers. The context of this verse is within the larger framework of Israelite inheritance laws and the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.
The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is a significant one in the Bible as it highlights the issue of inheritance and the rights of women in ancient Israelite society. The daughters of Zelophehad, who were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, approached Moses and the leaders of the Israelites with a concern about inheritance. Their father had died without leaving any sons, and they were worried that their family's portion of land would be lost because of this. In response to their plea, God instructed Moses to grant the daughters of Zelophehad the inheritance of their father.
In Numbers 36:5, Moses is relaying the command of the Lord regarding the situation. The phrase "The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well" refers to the tribe of Manasseh, which was the tribe to which the daughters of Zelophehad belonged. This verse is a significant acknowledgment of the justness and righteousness of the daughters of Zelophehad's request, as it was in line with the word and will of the Lord.
The themes present in Numbers 36:5 are related to justice, equality, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The story of the daughters of Zelophehad challenges the traditional norms of inheritance, which usually favored male heirs. It emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness, particularly in matters of inheritance and property rights. This narrative also highlights the belief in God's protection and provision for those who are marginalized or disadvantaged.
The context of Numbers 36:5 within the book of Numbers is also significant. In the broader narrative, the Israelites are preparing to enter the promised land, and the distribution of land among the tribes is a crucial part of this process. The story of the daughters of Zelophehad serves as a reminder that God's promises are for all his people, regardless of their gender or social status. It also underscores the idea that the Israelites' possession of the land is ultimately a result of God's faithfulness and provision.
In addition to its literal meaning and context, Numbers 36:5 can also be seen as a symbol of God's concern for justice and equality. The inclusion of this story in the Bible reflects the importance of recognizing and addressing issues of inequality and advocating for the rights of the marginalized. It also emphasizes the idea that God's will is ultimately concerned with the well-being and fair treatment of all people.
Overall, Numbers 36:5 is a verse that carries significant thematic weight within the biblical narrative. Its emphasis on justice, equality, and the fulfillment of God's promises makes it a powerful reminder of the overarching principles that underpin the biblical worldview. It serves as a testament to God's concern for the rights and welfare of all people, and it challenges readers to consider issues of justice and fairness in their own lives and communities.
Have questions about Numbers 36:5?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 36:5 Artwork
Numbers 36:5 - "And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well."
"And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well." - Numbers 36:5
Numbers 36 theme
Numbers 16:36 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 26:36 - "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."
Numbers 36:10 - "Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad:"
Numbers 4:36 - "And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty."
Luke 5:36
Numbers 32:36 - "And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep."
Numbers 33:36 - "And they removed from Ezion-gaber, and pitched in the wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh."
Numbers 7:36 - "¶ On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, did offer:"
Numbers 10:36 - "And when it rested, he said, Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel."
"¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying," - Numbers 16:36
"And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites." - Numbers 26:36
Numbers 36:12 - "And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father."
Numbers 36:11 - "For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:"
Numbers 31:36 - "And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:"
Numbers 15:36 - "And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 36:13 - "These are the commandments and the judgments, which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho."
Numbers 5:5 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Job 36:5 - "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom."
Numbers 1:36 - "¶ Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;"
Psalms 36:5 - "Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds."
"Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad:" - Numbers 36:10
"And Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep." - Numbers 32:36
Numbers 14:36 - "And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,"
Numbers 22:36 - "¶ And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast."
Numbers 11:5
Numbers 36:9 - "Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance."
Numbers 3:36 - "And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,"