This is the story of five young women. They probably grew up with a single father. They had no brothers. Their late father was from the tribe of Manasseh. According to God’s promise, he was entitled to an inheritance once the children of God will take over the Promised Land. But the Law of Moses gave the right of inheritance only to sons (Deut 21:15-17). That law did not apply to the daughters. The only thing a daughter could receive from her father was a dowry given to her on her wedding day. But no family inheritance was given because thru marriage she changes her name to belong to her husband’s family and tribe. To change the Law, this was an impossible challenge for these five young, unmarried women of God. What will they do?
Their father’s name Zelophehad, in Hebrew, probably means ‘Protection against fear’. His daughters names all end with the letter ‘h’. That is the shortest form for the name Jehovah. Just imagine the scene: praying for a son, each time his wife had a child, it was a girl. It happened five times. And each time their father bowed his head in submission to the sovereign will of God. Each time, according to his name, he refused to fear concerning their daughters’ future. The blessings of God, five girls and no son, ‘do not add sorrows’, I am sure he told himself. So he did the best he could: he named and dedicated each of his precious girls to Jehovah, praying that He will be their Savior, Protection and Wisdom after he was gone. These are the five names of his daughters and their meaning in Hebrew language:
1. Mahlah – Prayer (the travail of my wounded soul) given to God
2. Noah – Leading (unto promotion) by God
3. Hoglah – Partridge (the hunted bird) of God
4. Milcah – Queen (the royalty, the rule) of God
5. Tirzah – Favor (the delight and pleasure) of God
These five sisters grew up in the house of their father, Zelophehad, who surely told them that according to the law, as girls, they are not entitled to a family inheritance after his death. But as his name implies, he also told them to fear not, for God’s ways are mysterious and He can make a way for them, if they just believe. I am sure that they grew up trusting God for a miracle.
The story above happened at Shittim, on the east side of River Jordan, opposite Jericho. The children of God are ready to enter the Promised Land. With the exception of Moses, Joshua and Caleb, all the adults that came out of Egypt died, including Zelophead. This was God’s judgment because of their rebellion against God. Moses gives his last commands to them at this spot and soon after, he too will die on the east side of Jordan. But for now, he is still in charge. The five sisters decided to come together to meet Moses and the elders at the entrance of the Tabernacle of God and witnessed by about two million peoples.
Just imagine the sight! Try to understand the feelings of the sisters. It is not easy to step in the limelight, in front of such a multitude. For some people, especially for women, the fear of speaking in public is as great as the fear of death. They needed real courage and faith in God. Their attitude is one of humility and confidence in the same time. They plead for the sake of their father’s name connected with his inheritance. Obviously they love their late father. They ask for a great favor from Moses and the elders: that in the Promised Land, the portion of family inheritance allotted to their father should be given to them. This was a strange, unique request, because like we said, girls did not have that right in Israel. They humbly ask for the favor to carry on their father’s name and his right to an inheritance.
Moses was possibly surprised by these girls. He wisely did not just reject them by saying that the law does not accommodate such a request. It is possible that their attitude impressed him. Their faith, humility and anointing was sealed by the Spirit. No one could reject a person of true faith in Jehovah, one who speaks the Word of God with anointing and power. Not knowing what to do, Moses decided to take their case to God! He prayed and then came back to inform them of God’s decision.
‘The Lord said to Moses: ‘What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and turn their father’s inheritance over to them’ (Nu 27:5-7)
This is a most wonderful Word directly from God!!! All poor, humble, in need people, rejoice! Sisters, rejoice!
Jehovah God confirms that what the girls ‘are saying is right’. In Hebrew, the word ‘saying’ means a rehearsed (before God) speech, a spiritual utterance that is the work of faith, the word of a teacher. It is the perfect command that destroys all opposition. The word ‘right’ in Hebrew means that their speech was ordained, established in faith, just, prepared and perfect, as coming from spiritually mature hearts. God, who looks at the hearts of people, has approved their standing, their faith and their prayer.
O, that out faith will increase to trust God who is never under the law!