Bring Your Petitions to God!

"Woman may not fare well in world religions, but she is greatly loved by God who created her equal to man."  - Anne Graham Lotz

The five daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah) of Zelophehad found themselves in a predicament as they entered the Promised Land (Numbers 27:1). Their father, of the tribe of Mannesseh (son of Joseph), had died during the Israelites' forty years in the wilderness without leaving any male heirs behind. Thus, left without any benefits of inheritance from their father they saw themselves as destitute.

Women in Israel were subject to very specific marriage restrictions when it came to inheriting any land or property. According to God's instruction, the promised land was to be parceled out only to the male members who were recorded in the census mentioned in Numbers 26:52-56.

The sisters did have, however, an expectation, and strong belief, that the Lord would take of care of this inheritance issue for them. Certainly, they could have protested and created a fuss, but they let God handle it.

The ladies appeared in front of the sacred tent, appealing their case in front of the whole community, which included prominent leaders such as, Moses and Eleazar the priest. They presented the argument that just because their father had died without any leaving male heirs, their family lineage should not be excluded from any land inheritance.

In addition, this had the potential to bring to pass injustice to their father's (Zelophehad) name and holdings. This particular situation gives us some perspective of a culture that is conscious of the connection between land ownership, and protecting the rights of its male descendants.

Realizing the implications of such an important decision, Moses seeks advice from God (Numbers 27:5-7). God decides in favor of the sisters and advises Moses to implement their proposal of inheritance. Furthermore, God elects to change the order of inheritance, therefore: when no other male heirs (sons) exist, a father's daughters shall have first rights to any inheritance; followed by other male relatives in sequential order (Numbers 27:8-11).

In the end, after ironing out some other details, it is decided that any other daughters who inherit land must marry within the clan of their father's tribe. In this way, as a result of marriage, land cannot be moved between tribes; which would. in effect, reduce Mannasite property holdings.

On a positive note, this story does have a happy ending. The daughters eventually marry men from their own clan and receive their proper entitlements (Joshua 17:3-6). As I mentioned earlier, these five women could have complicated things greatly by trying to go about challenging the law in a negative way. Instead, they wisely chose to let God handle the case for them.

They followed good protocol by approaching Moses and stating their plight and concerns to him. He, in turn, approached God with their case and sought guidance from the one, true authority. We too, should follow their example when difficult situations arise (1 Peter 5:7).

Rather than acting hastily and carelessly we should patiently approach and present our concerns, problems, or issues to God. No burden, or weight is too heavy for Him (Psalm 68:19). Though our strength may decline and weaken, God remains eternally strong.

If you, even as we speak, find yourself in a pressing situation, quandry, or predicament; ask God for assistance and He will help you as well, with His almighty power!

Scripture: John 14:13-14; Psalm 121:2; Philippians 4:13; Matthew 11:28; James 1:6-8

Prayer: Almighty God, may you always grant us, in times of deep distress, the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins; and in times of darkness give us blessed hope. May your Spirit also come upon us and uplift us, and your loving kindness and mercy guide safeley guide us through our days. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Charlene