“The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.”
Context: The book of Numbers is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It contains the account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses and the leaders of the community with a request regarding the inheritance of their father.
The daughters of Zelophehad: Zelophehad was a member of the tribe of Manasseh, and he had no sons but only daughters (Numbers 27:1). In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, inheritance was typically passed down from father to son. However, in this case, the daughters were concerned about the potential loss of their father’s inheritance because of the absence of male heirs.
Speaking righteously: The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the congregation, presenting their case (Numbers 27:2-4). Their appeal was based on the belief that it was unfair for their father’s name to be left without a portion in the land. They expressed their concern that if their father’s inheritance were to pass to other male relatives, it would be lost to their own family line.
God’s response: Moses took the case before the Lord, and God affirmed the request of the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:5-6). The Lord declared that the daughters spoke righteously, and He instructed Moses to grant them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren. The inheritance of their father would pass on to them, ensuring that their family name and portion in the land would be preserved.
Lessons and Applications:
- God values justice and fairness: The story of the daughters of Zelophehad highlights God’s concern for justice and His willingness to hear the voices of those who are marginalized or overlooked. It demonstrates that God’s laws are not rigid or discriminatory but can be adjusted to ensure fairness and equity.
- The importance of standing up for what is right: The daughters of Zelophehad did not remain silent or accept an unfair outcome. Instead, they boldly approached the leaders and spoke up for their rights. Their courage serves as an example for us to advocate for justice and righteousness in our own lives and society.
- God’s concern for family legacy: The Lord recognized the significance of preserving Zelophehad’s family name and inheritance. He ensured that the daughters would receive their rightful portion, thus safeguarding their family’s legacy. This demonstrates God’s care for family continuity and the importance of honoring our ancestors.
- The value of inclusivity: In a culture where inheritance rights were typically reserved for male heirs, God’s decision to include the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us about the value of inclusivity. It reminds us that all individuals, regardless of gender or social status, have a place in God’s plan and can participate in His blessings.
- Trusting in God’s wisdom: When Moses presented the case before God, He provided a clear and just response. This encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and seek His guidance in our own decisions and challenges. God’s perspective surpasses our limited understanding, and He can bring about solutions that align with His righteousness.
In summary, Numbers 27:7 portrays the righteous request of the daughters of Zelophehad and God’s response to their plea. It teaches us about God’s concern for justice, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the inclusivity of God’s plan. It also highlights the value of preserving family legacies and trusting in God’s wisdom.
