Numbers 36:10
Euen as the Lord commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad. Numbers 36:10 (KJV)
Background: The book of Numbers recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness, as they were led by Moses and received instructions from God. In Numbers 27 we are introduced to a situation involving the daughters of Zelophehad.
The daughters of Zelophehad: Zelophehad was from the tribe of Manasseh, and he had five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These women approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the Israelite community with a request regarding their inheritance.
The context of inheritance: Inheritance laws in ancient Israel generally favoured the male members of the family. However, Zelophehad had died without any sons, and his daughters were concerned that their father’s name would be forgotten and his land would be given to someone else.
The plea for justice: The daughters appealed to Moses and the leaders, expressing their concern and desire for fairness. They requested a possession among their father’s brothers so that their family line could continue and receive the land inheritance.
God’s response: After hearing their plea, Moses brought the case before the Lord. God affirmed the daughters’ request, commanding Moses to grant them their father’s inheritance and later instructing that they must marry within their own tribe to preserve the tribal land allotment.
Faithfulness and obedience: Numbers 36:10 highlights the faithfulness and obedience of the daughters of Zelophehad. They followed the commandments of the Lord just as Moses had instructed them, trusting and obeying God’s guidance, which led to a significant change in Israel’s inheritance laws.
Lessons from Numbers 36:10: The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and fairness even when societal norms oppose it, reveals God’s personal concern for individuals who approach Him with genuine hearts, and underscores the significance of obedience to God’s commands.
In summary, Numbers 36:10 showcases the daughters of Zelophehad’s obedience to the Lord’s commandments. Their plea for fairness and their trust in God’s guidance resulted in a change to inheritance law, allowing them to receive their father’s inheritance and continue their family line. This passage teaches us about seeking justice, God’s concern for individuals, and the vital importance of obedience.
