5 Then Moses commanded the sons of Israel according to the word of the Lord , saying , "The tribe of the sons of Joseph are right in their statements . 6 " This is what e the Lord has commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad , saying , 'Let them marry e whom they wish e ; only they must marry e within the family of the tribe of their father .' 7 "Thus no inheritance of the sons of Israel shall be transferred from tribe to tribe , for the sons of Israel shall each hold to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers . 8 " Every daughter who comes into possession of an inheritance of any tribe of the sons of Israel shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father , so that the sons of Israel each may possess the inheritance of his fathers . 9 "Thus no inheritance shall be transferred from one tribe to another tribe , for the tribes of the sons of Israel shall each hold to his own inheritance ." 10 Just as the Lord had commanded Moses , so the daughters of Zelophehad did : 11 Mahlah , Tirzah , Hoglah , Milcah and Noah , the daughters of Zelophehad married their uncles' sons . 12 They married those from the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph , and their inheritance remained with the tribe of the family of their father .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 36:5-12
Commentary on Numbers 36:5-12
(Read Numbers 36:5-12)
Those who consult the oracles of God, concerning the making of their heavenly inheritance sure, shall not only be directed what to do, but their inquiries shall be graciously accepted. God would not have one tribe enriched at the expense of another. Each tribe was to keep to its own inheritance. The daughters of Zelophehad submitted to this appointment. How could they fail to marry well, when God himself directed them? Let the people of God learn how suitable and proper it is, like the daughters of Israel, to be united only to their own people. Ought not every true believer Israel, to be united only to their own people. Ought not every true believer in Jesus, to be very attentive in the near and tender relations of life, to be united only to such as are united to the Lord? All our intentions and inclinations ought to be subjected to the will of God, when that is made known to us, and especially in contracting marriage. Although the word of God allows affection and preference in this important relation, it does not sanction that foolish, ungovernable, and idolatrous passion, which cares not what may be the end; but in defiance of authority, determines upon self-gratification. All such conduct, however disguised, is against common sense, the interests of society, the happiness of the marriage relation, and, what is still more evil, against the religion of Christ.