Num 36 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-4 The heads of the tribe of Manasseh represent the evil which might follow, if the daughters of Zelophehad should marry into any other tribes. They sought to preserve the Divine appointment of inheritances, and that contests and quarrels should not rise among those who should come afterwards. It is the wisdom and duty of those who have estates in the world, to settle them, and to dispose of them, so that no strife and contention may arise.

‏ Numbers 36

* The inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad. (1-4) The

daughters of Zelophehad are to marry in their own tribe. (5-12)

Conclusion. (13)

1-4 The heads of the tribe of Manasseh represent the evil which

might follow, if the daughters of Zelophehad should marry into

any other tribes. They sought to preserve the Divine appointment

of inheritances, and that contests and quarrels should not rise

among those who should come afterwards. It is the wisdom and

duty of those who have estates in the world, to settle them, and

to dispose of them, so that no strife and contention may arise. 5-12 Those who consult the oracles of God, concerning the

making of their heavenly inheritance sure, shall not only be

directed what to do, but their inquiries shall be graciously

accepted. God would not have one tribe enriched at the expense

of another. Each tribe was to keep to its own inheritance. The

daughters of Zelophehad submitted to this appointment. How could

they fail to marry well, when God himself directed them? Let the

people of God learn how suitable and proper it is, like the

daughters of Israel, to be united only to their own people.

Ought not every true believer Israel, to be united only to their

own people. Ought not every true believer in Jesus, to be very

attentive in the near and tender relations of life, to be united

only to such as are united to the Lord? All our intentions and

inclinations ought to be subjected to the will of God, when that

is made known to us, and especially in contracting marriage.

Although the word of God allows affection and preference in this

important relation, it does not sanction that foolish,

ungovernable, and idolatrous passion, which cares not what may

be the end; but in defiance of authority, determines upon

self-gratification. All such conduct, however disguised, is

against common sense, the interests of society, the happiness of

the marriage relation, and, what is still more evil, against the

religion of Christ. 13 These are the judgments the Lord commanded in the plains of

Moab. Most of them related to the settlement in Canaan, into

which the Israelites were now entering. Whatever new condition

God, by his providence, brings us into, we must beg him to teach

us the duties of it, and to enable us to do them, that we may do

the work of the day in its day, the duty of a place in its

place.