The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 26:55Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet so that by lot the land be divided to the tribe and families.

Douay-Rheims

אַךְ־בְּגוֹרָ֕ל יֵחָלֵ֖ק אֶת־הָאָ֑רֶץ לִשְׁמ֥וֹת מַטּוֹת־אֲבֹתָ֖ם יִנְחָֽלוּ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

Why did God instruct the land to be distributed by lot? To settle all conflicts and disputes by ensuring that the land was allocated through His divine will rather than chance. This practice was followed by the apostles before the Holy Spirit was bestowed upon them; they prayed to the All-Wise Authority for guidance as they cast lots to determine the most deserving individual. Similarly, the apostle Paul stated, “In Him also we are made heirs, being first called heirs according to the purpose ... of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”

Procopius of Gaza

6th centuryChurch Father

The land is allocated by casting lots to prevent conflict and to provide greater assurance and understanding. This process aligns with God's design, as the faithful do not surrender their destinies to random chance. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this when he states: “In what lot we were taken, in that we are appointed according to the will of him who moves all things, according to the plan of his will, who shows grace in the lot, for even the word is rewarded according to faith.” The other Apostles concur with this notion, requesting, “O Lord of Hosts, point out one of the two whom we shall choose.” Therefore, it is clear that the outcome of lots is the result of divine judgment, not mere happenstance.

Read more (330 words)

Hence, when it is mentioned that all matters are determined by lots, it refers to a sacred allotment, distinct from the random lots that the Greeks employed, which often led to condemnation.

After enumeration, the portions of the holy territory by the Jordan are distributed. The young men, who are unbound and baptized, are counted as those holding the thrones of Israel, designated through Caleb and Joshua. The term “sons,” as indicated in Scripture, refers to young men who have matured from adolescence and are prepared in spirit for battle, despite having never previously faced warfare. Through the descendants of those bound by the Law, a new nation emerges, deemed worthy to be inscribed in the book of life. They are counted based on their virtues and partake of the land promised to the meek, which may appear to be an abundance.

In the words of the Lord, “With a measure of good, shaken, pressed, and overflowing shall they sprinkle it into your bosom” (Luke 6:38). Thus, each individual is destined to receive a share that is multiplied, according to the records kept. This is consistent with what Daniel describes, where he indicates that various measures of account exist. They are documented according to tribes and names, even though God had established the system of ancestry. Ultimately, this is mirrored in the blessings pronounced by Christ, where rewards are dealt based on virtues, especially for those of pure heart, for they shall witness God (Matt. 5:8). Those designated to inherit holiness have a special status, although they possess no earthly share. Who would proclaim, “In Your hands is my inheritance, my portion Lord”? Thus, among them are no children, which symbolizes purity and humility. Yet, Christ stands as the exalted priest and lawgiver, who does not assign inheritance to the unfaithful but considers their fates. For Scripture declares, “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and let them not be written with the righteous” (Psalm 68:29).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.