Numbers 27: Principles of Succession

I. Introduction: Numbers 27 provides a study that is rich in empowering theology. It presents valuable life lessons that prove relevant to our modern society, despite being written over two millennia ago. It examines important issues such as gender equity in a patriarchal society, the importance of leadership succession planning, and the significance of adhering to God’s commands. Through examining Numbers 27 in detail, we can derive three essential principles: the principle of inheritance, the principle of succession, and the principle of submission to God’s will.

II. The Principle of Inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11)

Numbers 27 begins with the five daughters of Zelophehad approaching Moses with a request. Their father died in the wilderness, not because of any sin that required death as punishment but because he died along with the rest of his generation. Since he had no sons, his daughters felt it would be unjust for his name and inheritance to perish from his clan (Numbers 27:4). So, they request Moses to give them their father’s inheritance, a request that goes against the custom of the time. Moses took their case before the Lord, who declared in favor of the daughters (Numbers 27:7), thereby setting a precedent that would benefit the daughters of Israel for generations to come (Numbers 27:10). This instance reveals the potential of challenging unjust laws and traditions, even in a male-dominated society, affirming the teaching in Galatians 3:28 that all are one in Christ Jesus, regardless of gender or other societal statuses.

III. The Principle of Succession (Numbers 27:12-23)

The second part of Numbers 27 discusses the appointment of Joshua as the successor to Moses (Numbers 27:18). Moses is commanded by God to ascend Mount Abarim and see the land promised to the Israelites before his death, but he is also told that he will not enter it (Numbers 27:13), a consequence of his disobedience at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh (Numbers 20:12). Nonetheless, Moses, concerned about God’s sheep, requests God to set a man over the congregation (Numbers 27:16-17), reflecting the importance of succession planning in leadership, a lesson echoed in 2 Timothy 2:2.

God appoints Joshua, a man in whom is the spirit, and instructs Moses to lay his hand on him and commission him in front of Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation (Numbers 27:18-20). This detailed process of leadership transfer accentuates the importance of preparing and empowering the next generation of leaders, a concept further highlighted in Acts 6:6, where the disciples laid their hands on seven men full of faith and the Holy Spirit to carry forward the ministry.

IV. The Principle of Submission to God’s Will (Numbers 27:12-14, 18-23)

Moses’ reaction to God’s command reveals an essential lesson about submitting to God’s will. Despite his deep desire to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses accepted God’s judgment in humility (Numbers 27:12-14), demonstrating the virtue of submission as taught in Matthew 26:39 where Jesus submits to God’s will in Gethsemane. Moreover, Moses obediently commissions Joshua as his successor (Numbers 27:22-23), further emphasizing his submission to God’s will.

V. Conclusion: The study of Numbers 27 stirs us to confront unjust laws and traditions like the daughters of Zelophehad, to plan for succession as Moses did, and finally, to submit to God’s will, even in challenging circumstances. Its empowering lessons continue to resonate, highlighting the timeless nature of God’s word and its perennial relevance to our lives.