Numbers 27: Leadership, Inheritance, and God’s Sovereignty

Key Verse: Numbers 27:16-17 

"Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd."

Numbers 27 marks another transition in Israel’s journey as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter highlights two key events:

1. The daughters of Zelophehad request an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11).

2. Joshua is chosen as Moses’ successor (Numbers 27:12-23).

These events teach us that God cares about justice, provides for His people, and ensures His plans continue through faithful leaders.

The Daughters of Zelophehad: A Bold Request for Justice

A group of five sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses with a legal concern:

• Their father, Zelophehad, had died in the wilderness without sons.

• Under the current system, only sons inherited land.

• If they were denied an inheritance, their father’s name and legacy would be lost.

Instead of remaining silent, they boldly presented their case before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders.

God’s Response: A Just and Righteous Decision

Moses brought their request before the Lord, and God ruled in their favor:

• “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them a possession among their father’s brothers” (Numbers 27:7).

• God established a new law: If a man had no sons, his daughters would inherit his land (Numbers 27:8-11).

This moment teaches us:

• God values justice and fairness.

• Bold faith leads to change—God honors those who seek righteousness.

• God’s laws are not rigid; He provides for the needs of His people.

This decision ensured that women were included in God’s plan for inheritance, pointing to the greater truth that in Christ, all—male and female—are equal heirs in God’s kingdom (Galatians 3:28).

Joshua: A New Leader Appointed

After addressing inheritance laws, God told Moses:

• “Go up into this mountain... and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel” (Numbers 27:12).

• But Moses would not enter it because of his past disobedience (Numbers 20:12).

• A new leader was needed to guide Israel forward.

Moses, in humility, asked God:

• “Let the Lord… appoint a man over the congregation” (Numbers 27:16).

• He recognized that Israel needed a shepherd, not just a ruler.

Joshua: A Leader of Faith

God chose Joshua, son of Nun, as Moses’ successor. He was:

• A man of faith—one of the two spies (along with Caleb) who trusted God’s promise.

• A faithful servant—he had been Moses’ assistant for years.

• A Spirit-filled leader—God’s presence was upon him (Numbers 27:18).

Moses laid hands on Joshua before all Israel, publicly affirming him as the new leader (Numbers 27:22-23).

This transition reminds us that:

• No leader is indispensable—God’s work continues beyond one person.

• A faithful leader prepares for the next generation.

• God equips and appoints leaders who walk in obedience.

Final Thought

Numbers 27 teaches us that:

• God values justice and provides for those who seek Him.

• Leadership is a sacred responsibility—faithfulness and humility matter.

• God’s plans continue, and He raises up new leaders to guide His people.

Are you walking in faith like the daughters of Zelophehad, boldly trusting in God’s provision? Are you preparing like Joshua, ready to step into God’s calling? Faithfulness today prepares us for the promises of tomorrow.