SCRIPTURE: Numbers 36
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Although the patriarchal patterns of that culture did find their way into the Law of Moses, nevertheless God shows His concern for women and children in the Law in a way that the other cultures and religions did not. In this chapter we see God’s concern extend to Zelophedad’s daughters. The way the Law was written through Moses, they would not receive an inheritance. When they petition Moses for compassion and justice, God vindicates their claim and commands Moses to accommodate their concern.
Throughout history, religion and culture – shaped by the curse of sin – have oppressed women and children. But this is not God’s plan from the beginning, nor is it the way of His heart. We see in Jesus, Who embodies the heart and love of God, a different way of relating to women and children. And He is challenged for it. “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’” [John 4:27]
Compare how Jesus treated women with how the religious leaders did, even with how His disciples reacted here – “talking with a woman!!!” The same comparison could be made with the neighbouring nations, and Israel. How women and children were to be treated in Israel was far superior to what was happening in the neighbouring nations. These daughters of Zelophedad at least had a voice, and a hope of being heard.
This ought to be true for us as Jesus followers. We ought to be known as a people who are concerned for those that society rejects or ignores. Just as Jesus modelled grace for tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers, we ought to model grace to today’s oppressed, neglected or rejected – even those who are guilty of crimes.
Justice and mercy, these are the very qualities in God demonstrated here in this passage, modelled by Jesus in His treatment of others, and especially shown in His suffering and death for us – undeserving sinners. No doubt Satan is surprised that Jesus is “talking with” us, and not just talking, but dying for and rescuing us.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for showing mercy to Zelophedad’s daughters, and to me. Thank You for not treating us like the world does.