Num. 27 The law of inheritance: for daughters on defect of sons; and on defect of them to the brother; and if there be none, to the next kinsman, Num. 27:1–11. God commands Moses to go up into a mountain to view the land of Canaan, and die there: the reason, Num. 27:12–14.

Perceiving that the males only were numbered, and that the land was to be divided to them only, they put in their claim for a share in their father’s inheritance.

Nigh unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation it seems was the place where Moses and the chief rulers assembled for the administration of public affairs, which also was very convenient, because they had frequent occasion of recourse to God for his assistance and direction therein.

He was not in the company of Korah, nor in any other rebellion of the people, which must be understood, because all of them are opposed to his own sin, in which alone he is said to die. But they mention this only either, 1. Because he might possibly be accused to be guilty of this. Or, 2.

Be done away; as it will be, if it be not preserved by an inheritance given to us in his name and for his sake. Hence some gather that the first son of each of these heiresses was called by their father’s name, by virtue of that law, Deut.

i.e. Into the tabernacle, where God was pleased to speak with Moses upon occasions, Ex. 25:22, Num. 7:89. For it was a hard case; and though their plea seemed reasonable, yet Moses showed his humility and modesty, that he would not determine it himself without God’s particular direction.

Give them: in Hebrew it is of the masculine gender, to show that women in this case should enjoy the man’s privilege, and that the heavenly Canaan, whereof this was a type, did belong no less to women than to men, Gal. 3:28. The inheritance of their fathers, i.e.

No brethren, nor sisters, as appears from Num. 27:8.

A statute of judgment; a statute or rule by which the magistrate shall give judgment in such cases.

The whole tract of mountains was called Abarim, Num. 33:47, whereof one of the highest was called Nebo, Deut. 32:49, and the top of that, Pisgah, Deut. 34:1.

Gathered unto thy people; of which phrase see Gen. 15:15, Gen. 25:8.

In Kadesh: this is added to distinguish this miscarriage of Moses from that of the people in Rephidim, Ex. 17:7.

All flesh, i.e. of all men; the Searcher of spirits, that knowest who is fit for this great employment; the Father, and Giver, and Governor of spirits, who canst raise and suit the spirits of men to the highest and hardest works, as thou didst those Num. 11:16–17, Num. 16:22.

i.e. Which may wisely conduct them in all their affairs, both when they go forth to war, or upon other occasions, and when they return home and live in peace.

The spirit; the spirit of government, of wisdom, and of the fear of the Lord, &c. Lay thine hand upon him; by which ceremony Moses did both design the person and confer the power, and by his prayers, which accompanied that rite, obtain from God all the spiritual gifts and graces necessary for his…

That they may be witnesses of the whole action, and may acknowledge him for their supreme ruler. Give him a charge: thou shalt command him in my name to undertake the government of my people, which otherwise he will be afraid and unwilling to do, and thou shalt give him counsels and instructions…

Thou shalt not now use him as a servant, as thou hast done, but as a brother and thy partner in the government, showing respect to him, and causing others to do so, and thou shalt impart to him the ensigns and evidences of thy own authority, whatsoever they be.

Who shall ask counsel for him, when he requires him to do so, and in important and difficult matters. See Josh. 9:14, Judg. 1:1, Judg. 20:18, 1 Sam. 23:9. After the judgment, or, by or from the judgment, i.e.