Numbers 36:8
Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)
فَكُلُّ بِنْتٍ وَرِثَتْ أَرْضًا فِي أَيِّ قَبِيلَةٍ مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ، يَجِبُ أَنْ تَتَزَوَّجَ وَاحِدًا مِنْ قَبِيلَةِ وَعَشِيرَةِ أَبِيهَا. لِكَيْ يَرِثَ كُلُّ وَاحِدٍ مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ نَصِيبَ آبَائِهِ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse explains that any daughter who inherits land in Israel must marry within her own tribe to ensure that the land stays within her tribe. This is to maintain the integrity of the tribal land divisions established by God.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your family had a special garden plot, and your mom or dad said you could only marry someone who also had a garden in the same neighborhood. This is similar to what the verse is saying, but for whole tribes of people in ancient Israel.
Historical Background
This verse is part of the Book of Numbers, which was written by Moses around 1400 BC. It was directed to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, ensuring that each tribe retained its designated land.
Living It Out Today
In modern terms, imagine inheriting a family business and being required to marry someone who is also part of the same business community to ensure the business remains within the family network. This verse highlights the importance of maintaining community and family ties.
Topics
inheritancetribal lawmarriagecommunityland divisionpatriarchal society
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were daughters required to marry within their tribe?
To ensure that the land inherited stayed within the tribe, maintaining the integrity of the tribal land divisions established by God.
Does this rule still apply today?
No, this specific rule does not apply today as it was a cultural and legal practice specific to ancient Israel. Modern legal systems handle inheritance and marriage differently.
What would happen if a daughter married outside of her tribe?
If a daughter married outside her tribe, the land would potentially be transferred to another tribe, disrupting the land division God established.
Are there any similar rules in other parts of the Bible?
Yes, other Old Testament laws also emphasize maintaining tribal and family lines, such as the law of levirate marriage in Deuteronomy 25:5-6.