Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The daughters of Zelophehad came to stand before Moses, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the princes, and all the congregation at the door of the tabernacle.

"Our father died in the wilderness," they said. "He was not among those who rebelled against the Lord with Korah, but rather died in his own sin without leaving any sons." They continued, "Why should the name of our father be taken away from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among the brethren of our father."

Moses presented their case to the Lord. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "You shall give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them."

The daughters of Zelophehad spoke rightly. The Lord agreed that they should receive a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.

If a man dies without a son, his inheritance must be given to his daughter. If he has no daughter, it goes to his brothers. And if he has no brothers, the inheritance is given to his father's relatives. But if there are no relatives from his family, then the nearest relative must receive it, and this will be a law of judgment for the Israelites.

The Lord told Moses to climb Mount Abarim to see the land that had been given to the children of Israel. When he sees it, he will also join his people, just as Aaron did.

Moses had rebelled against God's command in the desert at Zin during a dispute between the congregation and the waters before their eyes, which is why it was called Meribah, or Quarrel, at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Moses spoke to the Lord about his own death: "Let the Lord, the God of all living beings, appoint a man over the congregation." He explained that this leader should be able to go out before them and come back in, leading and bringing them in, so they won't wander like sheep without a shepherd.

The Lord replied, "Take Joshua son of Nun; he is a man in whom is the Spirit. Lay your hand on him." Moses was instructed to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, giving him a charge in their sight. He would be given some of his authority, and at Eleazar's word, they would go out and come in, with Joshua leading them.

Moses did exactly as the Lord had commanded. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation. Moses laid his hands on Joshua and commissioned him, just as the Lord had instructed through Moses' hand.