Nu. 27: Inheritance; Joshua

Numbers 27:22-23: "He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD instructed through Moses."

Joseph's great-great-great-grandson Cephalopod, I mean...Zelophehad, apparently didn't have any sons. This was listed in the previous chapter. Anyway, his daughters, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah took this before Moses. They cited that their father never aligned himself with Krazy Korah, rather he died for his own sin in the desert. Because of this, they had no inheritance. Instead of telling them to go get husbands (which would have been my solution), Moses kindly took it before God. God put down an order of succession in case there was no one capable of assuming ownership. Son - daughter - brothers - nearest relative. So there it was. The five women were able to inherit some land. And, good for them.

Then, God is clearing the way for Moses to be gathered to his people, as Aaron was. He tells Moses to go up on the mountains and view the land promised to the Israelites. You'll remember he was not allowed to enter the land, because he whaled on the rock instead of speaking to it. Moses' concern is not for himself at this time of impending death. His first thought is of the Israelites, and he pleaded with God not to leave them like sheep without a shepherd. God has Joshua in line to go before Eleazar and be commissioned, and to make decisions using Urim...those chance things mentioned back in Exodus 28:30. Here, a little more is revealed. Joshua will "obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD." It was an obvious way for God to work. Joshua is commissioned and given authority.