Leaders of Manasseh raise the concern that Zelophehad's daughters' marriages to other tribes would permanently transfer land inheritance. God decrees that daughters inheriting must marry within their tribe to prevent inheritance crossing tribal boundaries. Zelophehad's daughters obey, marrying their cousins, ensuring their inheritance remains within Manasseh, establishing a precedent for preserving tribal land allotments.
Read Numbers Chapter 36 Summary
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
Lot
Nephew of Abraham
Noah
Builder of the Ark
Places in This Chapter
Plains of Moab
View on MapFinal encampment before entering Canaan, where Moses gave his final addresses
Gilead
View on MapGilead 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.
Jericho
View on MapJericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, was the first Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River. Its walls famously fell after the Israelites marched around it for seven days as commanded by God through Joshua. Jesus later passed through Jericho, healing blind Bartimaeus and dining with the tax collector Zacchaeus.
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