John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel , etc.] The above affair occasioned a law to be made, in which all the people would have a concern, among whom such cases should happen, as after related: saying, if a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter ; as in the above case of the daughters of Zelophehad; what was determined as to their particular case was made into a general law.
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 ואל413 בני1121 ישׂראל3478 תדבר1696 לאמר559 אישׁ376 כי3588 ימות4191 ובן1121 אין369 לו והעברתם5674 את853 נחלתו5159 לבתו׃1323
