Numbers 27: 1-11
Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father (vs. 4).
The grace of God is sufficient for all situations and areas of human endeavor. It is a transforming, elevating and saving grace; it is equally uplifting and redeeming. God’s grace made Chimham, an obscure and unknow person to sit with the king and dine on his table. When grace is at work, all protocols are broken. I am trusting God that grace will lift you from whatever level you find yourself today and place you in your desired state. ‘The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down’ (Psalm 145: 14).
Numbers 27 presents a scenario where women were not allowed to own landed properties. It reveals the nation of Israel as a wholly patriarchal society. In their humility and wisdom, the five daughters of Zelophehad influenced the enactment of a new law by Moses to allow women to own land. The Zelophehads lived at the end of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt on the verge of entering the Promised Land. As time passed in the wilderness and the population changed, it was necessary to carry out a new census (Numbers 26:1–4), to help them plan the social and economic structures of the new nation. God instructed that the land was to be divided among the tribes in proportion to the size of their families (Numbers 26:52–56). Each male head of household was to receive an allotment.
The man Zelophehad had died without a son. When his daughters realized that their father’s name would be excluded because he had no male heir, they took an extraordinary step that had not been heard of before in Israel. They asked Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chiefs and the whole assembly for their right to inherit their father’s property. Moses in his confusing and astonishment brought the matter to God. God responded in affirmative that the plea of the five girls was just, and that they should be granted their father’s inheritance. (Numbers 27: 3-4). What can we glean from this scenario?
- God’s grace enhances bold faith. The boldness (with humility) of these five ladies paved way for them to access Moses. The Bible enjoins us to come boldly to God in times of need ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16). These, were single women who could have used some other means to actualize their goal. They were noble, godly women who trusted that God would provide for them. They trusted the leadership of Moses and believed God to be gracious and just. Latching on their faith – they were protected against fear. They had faith as they trusted in God’s provision for them, they did not live for the present, they had faith in God’s promises of a land and they had faith they could be used by God to bring about change. ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Heb. 11: 1). They were women of courage, faith, and honorable action who received justice for their courage.
- God’s grace is just/justifies a man. Have you been wrongly judged or accused? God’s grace will bring you justice. No one ever thought these daughters will receive positive answers to their petition, because their request was unprecedented and novel. However, when grace is at work, nothing is impossible. God said to Moses ‘The daughters of Zelophehad speak right’ (Numbers 27: 7a). God rights wrongs and He will do yours.
- God’s grace leads to possessing our possessions. Life is empty without possession. God created you to be fruitful and productive! (Genesis 1:28). Possessions are part of God’s plan for you. Obadiah 1:17 says ‘But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.’ The daughters had their possessions back permanently.
- God’s grace is generous. The grace which God gives does not discriminate; if you are His, you are covered by this manifold grace. The law might have disqualified the daughters of Zelophehad, discriminating against them but God said NO. ‘And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter’ (VS. 8). Titus 2: 11 says ‘For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.’
- God’s grace and goodly heritage work. The daughters of Zelophehad benefited from their father’s good deeds and benevolence. Their father had a good testimony among his colleagues, which gave them boldness to request for their inheritance. Hear their testimonies: ‘Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.’ (vs. 3) What legacy are you leaving for your children? Can people help your children because of your name? ‘… The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’ (Jer. 31: 29). Prov. 13: 22 says ‘A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.’
- God’s grace brings about change on the status quo. The status quo is the current state of things. You must refuse to maintain the status quo. These women could have accepted their ‘fate’ but they did not. They did not only receive what they requested for themselves, but the law was changed permanently for all. ‘And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter. And if he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. And if he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan, and he shall possess it. And it shall be for the people of Israel a statute and rule, as the Lord commanded Moses.’ (Vs. 8-11). Due to the ruling regarding the daughters of Zelophehad, women were included in the list of eligible heirs to properties.
Beloved, God’s grace can make you an agent of change like the daughters of Zelophehad. May lines fall unto you in pleasant places as you go this week. ‘The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.’ (Prov. 16:6). Shalom!
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