God Values Women [Numbers 27]

⁵So Moses brought their case before the LORD.

⁶Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

⁷"The daughters of Zelophehad are right in their statements. You shall surely give them a hereditary possession among their father's brothers, and you shall transfer the inheritance of their father to them.

⁸"Further, you shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter.

⁹'If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers.

¹⁰'If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father's brothers.

¹¹'If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his nearest relative in his own family, and he shall possess it; and it shall be a statutory ordinance to the sons of Israel, just as the LORD commanded Moses.'"

Yesterday, I noted how some women were included in the list of families in chapter 26. In Numbers 27, you see the 5 brave daughters of Zelophedad confront the great Moses and the other Israelite leaders concerning their right to their father's inheritance even though their was no male heir, only the 5 sisters. Their names were even listed in the account; Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. It makes me chuckle to think about what their nicknames might have been. However, the point is, they stood up for their rights and God responded by setting up an orderly succession for inheritance that would always include women if there were no brothers! God values women and if a brother isn't there to look out for them, God looks out for them! And God showed that He respected and honored these courageous women who stood up for themselves.

I know that this is an Old Testament story, but this account can speak to Christian women who through the ages have had a rough time figuring out their role in this male dominated society. Are we supposed to be weak and dumb like doormats, or strong and looking out for ourselves or barefoot and pregnant or what? What I have learned is that looking to society (even to the women in the church society) to define your role can often lead to misery. As I have gotten to know the God of the universe over the years through many ups and downs with so many mistakes and regrets, I am coming to accept that He has a specific plan for me. It is a special one of a kind plan that blesses me beyond measure. No one else, but God can show me my plan and the closer I am to Him the better I get at hearing and seeing Him work His plan in me. There is joy and peace in that place for every women who allows God to be the center of their life.

God, thank You that through Jesus and Your Spirit, You desire to reveal Your special plan for each of our lives. Cause us to spend the time getting to know You better through the Word and prayer and in fellowship with others so that we can walk increasing in the life You designed for each one of us.

Beth Warlick, 8/5/2010