he 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)
Verses 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.
Verses 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?
Verses 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.
he 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)