Numbers 36 · Adam Clarke
Introduction The inconveniences which might be produced by daughters, inheritances, marrying out of their own tribe, remedied on the recommendation of certain chiefs of the tribe of Joseph, who stated the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, Num 36:1-4 . The daughters of Zelophehad are commanded to marry in their own tribe, Num 36:5 , Num 36:6 ; which is to be an ordinance in all similar circumstances, Num 36:7-9 . The daughters of Zelophehad marry their father's brother's sons, and thus their inheritance is preserved in their own tribe, Num 36:10-12 . The conclusion of the commandments given by the Lord to the Israelites in the plains of Moab, Num 36:13 .
Verse 2 To give the inheritance of Zelophehad - unto his daughters - See this case spoken of at large on Numbers 27 (note). Either the first eleven verses of Numbers 27 should come in before this chapter, or this chapter should come in immediately after those eleven verses; they certainly both make parts of the same subject. Here Moses determines that heiresses should marry in their own tribe, that no part of the ancient inheritance might be alienated from the original family.
Verse 6 Let them marry to whom they think best - Here was latitude sufficient, and yet a salutary and reasonable restraint, which prevented a vexatious mixture of property and possession.
Verse 8 Every daughter that possesseth an inheritance - This law affected none but heiresses; all others were at liberty to marry into any of the other tribes. The priests and Levites, who could have no inheritance, were exempt from the operation of this law. Jehoiada had the king of Judah's daughter to wife, 2Chr 22:11 . And another priest had for wife one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, Ezr 2:61 . "By reason of such marriages," says Mr. Ainsworth, "there might be kindred between Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, who was of the daughters of Aaron, and Mary the virgin, the mother of our Lord, who was of the lineage of David, and tribe of Judah;" Luk 1:5 , Luk 1:36 ; Luk 3:23-31 .
Verse 11 Mahlah, Tirza, etc. - For a curious account of these names, see the notes on Num 27:7 .
Verse 12 And their inheritance remained in - the family - "By this example, and the law of inheritances in the Holy Land, the people of God," says Ainsworth, "are taught to hold fast their inheritance in his promises, and their right in Christ, which they hold by faith; that as the Father hath made them meet to be partakers of the inheritance among the saints in light, Col 1:12 , so they may keep the faith and grace which they have received to the end."