‏ Numbers 27

* The daughters of Zelophehad apply for an inheritance, The law

of inheritances. (1-11) Moses warned of his death. (12-14)

Joshua appointed to succeed Moses. (15-23)

1-11 The five daughters of Zelophehad considered themselves as

left destitute, having neither father nor brother to inherit any

land. Their believing expectation that the word of the Lord

would be performed in due season, and their desire of an

interest in the promised inheritance; and the modest, candid

manner in which they asked, without secret murmurs or

discontents, are a good example. They ask for a possession in

the land of Canaan. Herein they discovered, 1. Strong faith in

the power and promise of God, concerning the giving of the land

of Canaan to Israel. 2. And earnest desire of a place and name

in the land of promise, which was a type of heaven. 3. Respect

and honour for their father, whose name was dear to them now he

was gone. He never had done any thing that might bar his

children's claim. It is a comfort to parents when they come to

die, if though they have smarted for their own sin, yet they are

not conscious of any of those iniquities which God will visit on

their children. God himself gives judgment. He takes notice of

the affairs, not only of nations, but of private families, and

orders them according to his will. The petition is granted.

Those who seek an inheritance in the land of promise, shall have

what they seek for, and other things shall be added to them. 12-14 Moses must die, but he shall have the satisfaction of

seeing the land of promise. This sight of Canaan signified his

believing prospect of the better country, that is, the heavenly.

Moses must die, but death does not cut him off; it only brings

him to rest with the holy patriarchs. It is but to die as they

died, having lived as they lived; and as their end was peace,

why should we fear any evil in the passage of that dark valley? 15-23 Envious spirits do not love their successors; but Moses

was not one of these. We should concern ourselves, both in our

prayers and in our endeavours, for the rising generation, that

religion may be maintained and advanced, when we are in our

graves. God appoints a successor, even Joshua; who had

signalized himself by his courage in fighting Amalek, his

humility in ministering to Moses, and his faith and sincerity in

witnessing against the report of the evil spies. This man God

appoints to succeed Moses; a man in whom is the Spirit, the

Spirit of grace. He is a good man, fearing God and hating

covetousness, and acting from principle. He has the spirit of

government; he is fit to do the work and discharge the trusts of

his place. He has a spirit of conduct and courage; he had also

the Spirit of prophecy. That man is not fully qualified for any

service in the church of Christ, who is destitute of the graces

and gifts of the Holy Spirit, whatever human abilities he may

possess. And in Joshua's succession we are reminded "that the

law was given by Moses," who by reason of our transgression

could not bring us to heaven; but "grace and truth came by Jesus

Christ," for the salvation of every believer.