Passage

Numbers 26:52-56

How are population and lots both involved in the inheritance?

Berean Standard Bible

52 Then the LORD said to Moses, 53 “The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. 54 Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. 55 Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. 56 Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.”

What is the context?

The Lord commands that the land be assigned as an inheritance to those counted. Larger groups are to receive more land and smaller groups less, according to their numbers.

The distribution must also be made by lot according to the ancestral tribes. Both instructions belong to the passage: the allocation is not simply equal acreage for every tribe, nor is population size permission to ignore the required lot.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley distinguishes the tribal allotment from the distribution among families. The USCCB notes suggest that lots determined locations while numbers determined relative size. These explanations make sense of the two instructions, but the short passage does not describe every practical step used in drawing or adjusting the allotments.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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