Números 36
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Números 36
NJB (MT versing) Inheritance by Marriage Marriage of Female Heirs Tribal Property Must Be Maintained Intact The Inheritance of Married Women A Wife's Inheritance 36:1-4 36:1-4 36:1-4 36:1-4 36:1 36:2-4 36:5-9 36:5-9 36:5-9 36:5-9 36:5a 36:5b-9 36:10-12 36:10-12 36:10-12 36:10-12 36:10-12 Conclusion 36:13 36:13 36:13 36:13 36:13 Etc.
Números 36:1-4
36:1-12 This is an appendix which refers to Num. 27:1-11. 36:2 "by lot" The major land division is done in Joshua 12-19 by the Urim and Thummim of the High Priest (see SPECIAL TOPIC: URIM AND THUMMIM). Exactly what "lot" was used to divide each tribal allocation into clans, families is unstated (cf. Num. 26:55-56). 36:3 "But if they marry one of the sons of the other tribes" Basically Numbers 35 is a follow-up discussion about the daughters of Zelophehad, whose father had died in the wilderness without having had any sons. Their plight was discussed earlier in the book of Numbers (i.e., Num. 26:53; 27:1-11) and the Lord had allowed them to inherit. Now, the problem of marrying outside their own tribe is discussed. The simple solution was that they must marry someone within their own tribe (Num. 36:6, 8, 12), the tribe of Reuben. This is what they must have done and it solved the problem. 36:4 "the jubilee" This refers to the fiftieth year, called the year of Jubilee (cf. Lev. 25:8-17; 27:16-24; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEASTS OF ISRAEL; Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, pp. 175-177). Allocated land must be returned to the tribe and family. It was a gift from God. It could not be permanently sold (cf. Num. 36:7, 9).
Números 36:10-12
36:10 This is a repeated theme which reflects covenant obedience. It is repeated often because of Israel's repeated disobedience. See SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT.
Números 36:13
36:13 This concluding statement (postscript) may refer to all of Numbers or at least chapters 22-36. ▣ "the commandments. . .the ordinances" See SPECIAL TOPIC: TERMS FOR GOD'S REVELATION.