Summary
The chapter begins with the daughters of Zelophehad, five sisters from Manasseh, approaching Moses and the priest Eleazar to ask for a share of their father's inheritance, since he had no sons. Moses presents their case to the Lord, who affirms their request and issues a detailed inheritance law: if a man dies without a son, his daughters inherit; if no daughters, his brothers; if none, his paternal uncles; if none, the next kinsman. Moses then receives a vision of the Promised Land from Mount Abarim and a reminder of the people's past rebellion at Meribah. He asks the Lord to appoint a new leader to guide Israel. The Lord commands Moses to elevate Joshua, son of Nun, as the next chief and to consecrate him before Eleazar and the entire congregation. Moses follows the command, laying hands on Joshua and giving him authority.