52 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying, 53 'To these is the land apportioned by inheritance, by the number of names; 54 to the many thou dost increase their inheritance, and to the few thou dost diminish their inheritance; 'to' each according to his numbered ones is given his inheritance. 55 'Only by lot is the land apportioned, by the names of the tribes of their fathers they inherit; 56 according to the lot is their inheritance apportioned between many and few.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 26:52-56
Commentary on Numbers 26:52-56
(Read Numbers 26:52-56)
In distributing these tribes, the general rule of equity is prescribed; that to many should be given more, and to fewer less. Though it seems left to the prudence of their prince, the matter at last must be settled by the providence of God, with which all must be satisfied.