Numbers 36:1 meaning

In this passage, a significant issue arises regarding the inheritance of land by the daughters of Zelophehad, who were granted their father's estate. Their case presents the risk that if they married outside their tribe, the land would transfer to another tribe, which would disrupt the tribal inheritance structure established by God. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh express their concerns to Moses, highlighting the potential for confusion and loss of inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

Addressing this matter, God instructs Moses to establish a law that requires the daughters to marry within their own tribe. This ensures that the inheritance remains intact and prevents any mingling of tribal lands. The principle is set forth that while women who inherit can choose their husbands, they must do so within their family to maintain the integrity of their tribe's land. Thus, Moses received these commands in the plains of Moab, safeguarding the historical and divinely ordained structure of tribal inheritances among the Israelites (Numbers 36:1).