Numbers 27:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 27:5 mean?

Numbers 27:5 describes how Moses took the request of the daughters of Zelophehad and presented it directly to the LORD for guidance. Instead of making a decision on his own, Moses brought their case before God to seek a clear answer.

In this moment, Moses is acting as a mediator between the people and God. The daughters of Zelophehad had approached him with a question about inheritance rights, which had not been addressed by the existing laws. Moses’s action shows both his humility and his reliance on God for direction in matters that were not yet settled.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 27:5

• "Brought" (וַיַּקְרֵב, vayyakrev): This word carries the sense of bringing something near or presenting it, emphasizing that Moses intentionally brought this specific issue before God, not just mentioning it in passing.
• "Cause" (מִשְׁפָּטָן, mishpatan): This word means a legal case or judgment. It highlights that the daughters’ request was not just a personal plea but a matter needing an official ruling.
• "Before" (לִפְנֵי, lifnei): This word means "in the presence of" or "before," showing that Moses set the matter directly in front of the LORD, treating it with seriousness and respect.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, indicating that Moses sought guidance from the highest authority, not from human leaders or his own judgment.

Why Numbers 27:5 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that Moses always knew what to do; even he needed to seek God’s guidance when faced with new or unclear situations.
• Numbers 27:5 sets the stage for God’s response, which would establish an important precedent for inheritance laws among the Israelites.
• The verse highlights the openness of the biblical system to questions and appeals, showing that even established leaders were expected to consult God when the law was silent or unclear.