4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.
4 Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives."
4 Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father's brothers."
4 But why should our father's name die out from his clan just because he had no sons? So give us an inheritance among our father's relatives."
4 Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father's brothers."
4 Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 27:4
Commentary on Numbers 27:1-11
(Read Numbers 27:1-11)
The five daughters of Zelophehad considered themselves as left destitute, having neither father nor brother to inherit any land. Their believing expectation that the word of the Lord would be performed in due season, and their desire of an interest in the promised inheritance; and the modest, candid manner in which they asked, without secret murmurs or discontents, are a good example. They ask for a possession in the land of Canaan. Herein they discovered, 1. Strong 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 honour for their father, whose name was dear to them now he was gone. He never had done any thing that might bar his children's claim. It is a comfort 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 which God will visit on their children. God himself gives judgment. He takes notice of the affairs, not only of nations, but of private families, and orders them according to his will. The petition is granted. Those who seek an inheritance in the land of promise, shall have what they seek for, and other things shall be added to them.