Numbers 27:11

11 And if his father had no brothers, then everything he owned should go to the nearest relative in his family group. This should be a rule among the people of Israel, as the Lord has given this command to Moses.'"

Numbers 27:11 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 27:11

And if his father have no brethren
Nor any descending from them:

then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him
of his family:
that is nearest of kin to him, though ever so remote; that is, of his father's family, not his mother's, which was no family:

and he shall possess it:
here the Jews have a saying, that an Israelite is never without heirs ^F25:

and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment;
a judicial law, that should ever remain firm, and sure, and unalterable:

as the Lord commanded Moses;
and therefore no man could dispose of his estate or inheritance by will, otherwise than is set forth by this command.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 Maimon. Hilchot Nechalot, c. 1. sect. 3.

Numbers 27:11 In-Context

9 If he has no daughter, then everything he owned should go to his brothers.

10 If he has no brothers, then everything he owned should go to his father's brothers.

11 And if his father had no brothers, then everything he owned should go to the nearest relative in his family group. This should be a rule among the people of Israel, as the Lord has given this command to Moses.'"

12 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Climb this mountain in the Abarim Mountains, and look at the land I have given to the Israelites.

13 After you have seen it, you will die and join your ancestors as your brother Aaron did,