Justin Houtz

Numbers 27, 1 Corinthians 11

DateVersionReading Plan
May 24, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 27

Observation & Interpretation

The daughters of Zelophehad (of the tribe of Manasseh) drew near to Moses to inquire of land inheritance since their father had no sons (Num. 27:1-3). The daughters spoke of how their father was not among the company that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah but died for his own sin (Num. 27:3). Moses brought their case before the LORD who gave a statute and a rule regarding the inheritance of man without daughters “whereby his daughters will inherit before his brothers or uncles (v. 8)”. (ESVSB) (Num. 27:5-11).

The LORD spoke to Moses and told him to go up the mountain of Abarim to see the land He had given the people of Israel (Num. 27:12). When he had seen it, Moses was to gather with the people as his brother Aaron was because he rebelled against the LORD’s word in the wilderness of Zin (Num. 27:14). Moses spoke to the LORD and asked that He appoint a man over the congregation (Num. 27:16-17). The LORD told Moses to take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom was the Spirit, and lay his hand on him as he stood before Eleazar and the whole congregation to commission him in their sight (Num. 27:18-19). Moses was to invest in Joshua some of his authority that all the congregation of Israel may obey. The ESVSB states that “Joshua will not have the direct communication with God that Moses had (12:1-8). Instead, he will have to be instructed by Eleazar the high priest, who will use the Urim and Thummim to determine God’s will (27:21).” Moses did as he was commanded by the LORD to commission Joshua (Num. 27:22-23).

Application

The statute given by the LORD to Moses regarding the daughters of Zelophehad showcase the equity and provision of God. Morever, as we read the LORD’s response to Moses in saying, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right”, we see His responsiveness to the concerns of His people. The LORD is perfectly balanced in justice and righteousness but also in His compassion and mercy. This instance and outcome contains the fundamental elements of the gospel itself. In Jesus is and was displayed the most acute manifestation of justice and mercy, simultaneously taking upon Himself our due punishment and granting divine clemency by imputing to us His righteousness.

1 Corinthians 11

Observation & Interpretation

In 1 Cor. 11:31-32, Paul contrasts believers judging themselves and the judgment received from God. Regarding the latter, the ESVSB explains that “When suffering alerts a Christian to the presence of sin and leads to repentance, it functions as an act of both disciplinary judgment and mercy.”

Application

For genuine followers of Christ, God’s judgment is corrective and administered in order to bring about repentance of sin and sanctification. This is vastly different from the unregenerate whose judgment is punitive in the eternal sense. The manifestation of such judgment may look nearly identical between the elect and reprobate but its resulting effect is not. It is crucial to understand this rightly but also to be reminded of the grace of our God who has chosen some to receive correction rather than the punishment that all deserve. With what grateful disposition should God’s people thus respond to difficult circumstances, knowing that our place in Christ is secure and that everything we endure is for our good and for His glory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love. What a wonder to behold that, despite our sin, You would sacrifice Your only Son that we may have new life in Him and be reconciled to You. Father, by Your Spirit, keep my eyes steadily fixed on Your glorious purpose in the midst of hardship, resting in Your goodness and faithfulness to bring me through.

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