Numbers 27:1-11 – Taking faith actions to effect change

Number 27:1-11 give an account of how the daughters of Zelophehad altered the course of their lives because of their belief in the faithful God. What they did prove that they knew that their God was faithful and just. They, however, did not ignore the fact that their father had sinned and offended God and had paid for it with his life. But they refused to remain as victims of their circumstances. Many would have just lamented, complained about their condition, and maligned God for being unfair. Refusing to resign to their circumstances and just sang “Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be will be”, these five girls approached Moses for a solution.

What they did also tells us that they did not live for the present but were forward-looking. They had faith that God would lead them into the promised land and anticipated the land to be distributed to each family and tribe. Knowing that they had no male in the family to stake their claim, they started seeking a solution before they entered the promised land. Since their father was also a descendent of Israel, they felt he should have a share of the inheritance. Taking the motto, “if it had to be, it is up to me” they took steps and approached the leadership for a solution. 

The five daughters, namely Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah approached Moses, in the presence of Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation at the entrance of the tent of meeting, seeking a solution to a situation not of their own making. They were seeking an answer for why the family should be disadvantaged just because their father did not have a son to succeed him.

One thing we can say about these five ladies was that they had faith that they would be God’s instrument of change. So they courageously approached the leaders to make the change. What they did benefitted not only themselves but also others with similar problems. The administration on the land distribution to families without a male heir was altered to make land distribution more just and equitable to disadvantaged families.

The lesson to learn here is not to resign to life as if we can do nothing about it. We need to know that we have a God who is reasonable and approachable. No matter how disadvantaged we feel our situation may be, our greatest recourse is the Lord. We can approach Him and present our situation to Him. Blessing always flows when we dare to confront the wrong and seek to do what is right. When we step out in faith, we can effect changes for the glory of God!