“And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.”
Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It primarily focuses on the Israelites’ experiences in the wilderness and includes various laws, census information, and accounts of their rebellion and God’s faithfulness.
Explanation:
In Numbers 27:1-11, we encounter the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. These women approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They presented a concern regarding the inheritance laws that seemed to exclude them from receiving a portion of their father’s land.
Their father, Zelophehad, had died without any sons, leaving behind only daughters. According to the existing inheritance laws, land was passed down from father to son, and since Zelophehad had no sons, it created uncertainty regarding the distribution of his inheritance.
Recognizing the significance of their case, Moses brought their cause before the Lord. Moses sought divine guidance and wisdom to determine the just and fair course of action in this unique situation.
Lessons from Numbers 27:5:
- Seeking God’s wisdom: Moses’s response to the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us the importance of seeking God’s wisdom when faced with difficult or uncertain situations. Instead of making a hasty decision, Moses turned to the Lord for guidance. It highlights the need for prayer, seeking counsel, and waiting on God’s leading.
- Equality and justice: The story of the daughters of Zelophehad emphasizes the value of equality and justice. The prevailing inheritance laws at that time did not account for cases like theirs, where the family had no male heirs. By bringing their case before the Lord, Moses ensured that their concerns were addressed, leading to a revision of the inheritance laws to include daughters in such cases.
- God’s concern for the marginalized: The Lord’s response to Moses in Numbers 27:6-11 shows His concern for the marginalized and His desire to establish fairness and equity. God instructed Moses to grant the daughters of Zelophehad their inheritance, affirming the rights of women in inheritance matters. This demonstrates God’s compassion and care for individuals who may be overlooked or disadvantaged in society.
- The importance of boldness: The daughters of Zelophehad demonstrated courage and boldness by stepping forward to present their case. Their actions teach us the significance of advocating for justice and standing up for what is right, even when it may involve challenging existing norms or structures.
Overall, Numbers 27:5 reminds us of the value of seeking God’s guidance, upholding justice and equality, and demonstrating boldness in pursuing righteousness. It is a testament to God’s concern for all people, including those who may be marginalized or overlooked, and His willingness to address their concerns.
