Chapter 34: The New Generation, Zelophehad’s Daughters, and Joshua

Study notes

On the plains of Moab, Moses and Eleazar count Israel, and no man from the earlier count at Sinai is left except Caleb and Joshua. Yahweh says Zelophehad’s daughters, whose father had no sons, should receive his inheritance, and Moses lays his hands on Joshua and commands him.

From Numbers 26:63–65 (KoS), Numbers 27:3–4 (KoS), Numbers 27:6–7 (KoS), Numbers 27:22–23 (KoS).

These notes and questions are original study helps written for this site, not scripture. The verses shown with each question are quoted from the Kingdoms of Scripture Bible.

Notice and discuss

Read each passage, then think about the question on your own or talk it over with others. No answers are collected.

1. Which two men from the earlier Sinai count are still left when Moses and Eleazar count the people again?

   These are those numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the sons of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan of Jericho. Among these there was not a man of those numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest, who numbered the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For Yahweh had said of them, They shall die, die in the wilderness. Not a man of them was left, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

   Numbers 26:63–65 (KoS)

2. What do Zelophehad’s daughters say about their father, and what do they ask to be given?

   Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the congregation who gathered against Yahweh, in the congregation of Korah. He died in his own offense, and he had no sons. Why should our father’s name be withdrawn from the midst of his clan because he has no son? Give us a holding among our father’s brothers.

   Numbers 27:3–4 (KoS)

3. What kind of man does Moses ask Yahweh to appoint over the congregation, and why?

   Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying, Let Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out before them and who will come in before them, who will lead them out and who will bring them in, so that Yahweh’s congregation will not be like a flock that has no shepherd.

   Numbers 27:15–17 (KoS)

   Note · Translation The line is YHWH Elohei haruchot lekhol basar: Yahweh, God of the spirits of all flesh. See the glossary for the two words.