Numbers 36: God’s Divine Wisdom

Introduction: In the book of Numbers, chapter 36, we find God’s wisdom manifested through His instructions and guidelines. Here, we grapple with the divine wisdom that upholds social justice, equality, and the maintenance of a divine inheritance.

I. The Issue of Inheritance (Numbers 36:1-4)
The chapter commences with the men from the tribe of Manasseh expressing their concern over the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-8). Their fear was that if these women married men from other Israelite tribes, their land would be transferred to another tribe and reduce the inheritance of their own tribe. This question manifests God’s wisdom in creating and sustaining social order (Proverbs 8:15-16).

II. God’s Directive (Numbers 36:5-9)
God responds with a ruling through Moses: the daughters of Zelophehad can indeed inherit, but they must marry within their tribal clan to keep the land within the tribe. This divine directive was not simply for maintaining social order, but also signified God’s concern for justice, social equality, and provision – principles tightly woven into His law (Deuteronomy 17:14-20).

III. Obedience to God’s Wisdom (Numbers 36:10-12)
The daughters of Zelophehad obeyed God’s command and married within their own tribal clan. This obedience underscores the people’s reverence and respect for God’s wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, Job 28:28).

IV. Wisdom in the Maintenance of Land (Numbers 36:13)
The land allotment instructions were given at the Plains of Moab, just before the Israelites entered the Promised Land. God’s wisdom recognized the land as a divine inheritance that needed maintenance and protection (Psalm 104:24, Proverbs 3:19).

V. The Wisdom in God’s Laws (Cross References)
God’s divine wisdom is evident in His laws which were holistic, caring for every aspect of the communal and personal lives of the Israelites. Whether it was land inheritance (Numbers 36:2), social justice (Exodus 23:6), or marriage (1 Corinthians 7:39), the divine wisdom found in God’s laws served to mold, guide, and protect His people (Deuteronomy 4:6).

Conclusion: Numbers 36 is not just about land inheritance or marriage laws, it goes beyond to reveal the profound wisdom of God. As believers, we are challenged to recognize, respect, and adhere to God’s wisdom, acknowledging that His laws are always perfect, just, and protective. So, as in the case of the daughters of Zelophehad, we too should adhere to His divine wisdom in all areas of our lives (James 3:17). His laws, woven from the fabric of His wisdom, are designed to provide protection, ensure fair treatment and uphold our divine inheritance. The counsel of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; His testimony is trustworthy, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7). So, let’s seek for that divine wisdom in our lives, for it is in that wisdom, we find life, health, and prosperity (Proverbs 4:22).