Numbers 27 Summary: Daughters of Zelophehad

Read Numbers Chapter 27 Summary

The daughters of Zelophehad petition for their deceased father's inheritance since he had no sons, and God establishes their claim as just, codifying inheritance law. The succession of inheritance proceeds from sons to daughters to brothers to uncles to nearest relative, ensuring no Israelite's portion is lost. God tells Moses to ascend Mount Abarim to view the land before his death, and Moses requests a successor; Joshua is commissioned through laying on of hands before Eleazar.

Original

Characters in This Chapter

Moses

Leader of Israel through the wilderness, mediator between God and the people

Aaron

High priest of Israel, brother of Moses

Miriam

Prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron

Joshua

One of the faithful spies, future leader of Israel

Caleb

One of the faithful spies who believed God's promise

Balaam

Pagan prophet hired to curse Israel but compelled to bless them

Manasseh

King of Judah who Repented

Joseph of Arimathea

The One Who Buried Jesus

Noah

Builder of the Ark

Korah

Levite who Rebelled Against Moses

Joshua the High Priest

First High Priest of the Second Temple

Places in This Chapter

Mount Sinai

Starting point where Israel received the law and prepared for the journey

Kadesh Barnea

Site of Israel's failure to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief

The Wilderness

Place of testing and wandering for 40 years due to disobedience

Plains of Moab

Final encampment before entering Canaan, where Moses gave his final addresses

Gilead

Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that Israel built according to God's instructions at Mount Sinai. It served as God's dwelling place among His people during the wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the holy place.

Position in Book

Preparation at SinaiChapters 1-10

Journey to KadeshChapters 11-12

Failure at Kadesh BarneaChapters 13-14

Wilderness WanderingsChapters 15-19

Journey to MoabChapters 20-21

Events in MoabChapters 22-25

Preparation for CanaanChapters 26-36

Second census, laws of inheritance, appointed festivals, vows, war against Midian, and tribal allotments.

Bible Bites

Why 'Numbers' Got Its Name

The book of Numbers is named for the two censuses of Israel—one at Mount Sinai counting 603,550 fighting men and another in Moab nearly 40 years later. The Hebrew title 'Bemidbar' means 'in the wilderness.'

Numbers