John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes, and all the congregation , etc.] Who were now sitting in court, to hear and try causes brought before them; here were Moses the chief magistrate, Eleazar the high priest, the princes of the several tribes, and the representatives of the whole congregation, or it may be the seventy elders; a very grand and august assembly, before whom these ladies appeared, and from whom they might expect to have justice done them: by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation ; near to which this court was held, both for the convenience of the people, to apply to in case of need, when they came thither to worship, and of Moses, to seek the Lord in case of any difficulty that might arise, as now did: saying ; as follows.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - The five daughters of Zelophehad considered themselves as lef destitute, having neither father nor brother to inherit any land. Their believing expectation that the word of the Lord would be performed i due season, and their desire of an interest in the promise inheritance; and the modest, candid manner in which they asked, withou secret murmurs or discontents, are a good example. They ask for possession in the land of Canaan. Herein they discovered, 1. Stron 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 honou for their father, whose name was dear to them now he was gone. He neve had done any thing that might bar his children's claim. It is a comfor 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 whic God will visit on their children. God himself gives judgment. He take notice of the affairs, not only of nations, but of private families and orders them according to his will. The petition is granted. Thos who seek an inheritance in the land of promise, shall have what the seek for, and other things shall be added to them.
Original Hebrew ותעמדנה5975 לפני6440 משׁה4872 ולפני6440 אלעזר499 הכהן3548 ולפני6440 הנשׂיאם5387 וכל3605 העדה5712 פתח6607 אהל168 מועד4150 לאמר׃559
