During the sojourn of the Israelites in the wilderness, Moses took a census of all the people in Israel (Numbers 26).

The firstborn son was usually the head of the family and his name was mentioned in the Bible.

However, there was a gentleman who had five daughters and no sons.  “And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.” (Numbers 26:33)

Interestingly, we were given the name of all five girls and this was significant because of the incident that occurred in the following chapter.

Zelophehad means firstborn and he was from the tribe of Manasseh.

Eventually, the entire population that came out of Egypt, except Joshua and Caleb, died in the wilderness including Zelophehad.

Because Zelophedad had no sons to carry the family name it means that his name and legacy would be cut off from among his tribe.

However, Zelophehad had five daughters who felt that it was not right for them to lose their father’s inheritance just because they were females.

So these brave girls came together and decided to take the matter to Moses.

They stood alone as women before the entire congregation of men including the two most powerful men, Moses and Eleazar (the priest) the leaders of the people.

This was an intimidating position for any woman but these ladies suppressed their fear and presented their concerns. They demanded that they were given a possession among their father’s brethren.

Their father, the girls insisted, was a just man who did not partake of the rebellion with Korah against God but died because of his sin of unbelief in the wilderness. Therefore, he deserved to have his legacy maintained.

Since this case was not within the law, Moses decided to enquire of the Lord concerning the matter.

The Lord told him that the girls’ claim was legitimate and they should indeed be given any property that was legally owned by their father.

This decision demonstrates to us that the Lord is just and fair and is without partiality. Consequently, God passed a new law for His people  

“And give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If a man dies and has no son, then give his inheritance to his daughters. And if he has no daughter either, transfer his inheritance to his brothers.  If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. But if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan. This is a legal requirement for the people of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Numbers 27:8-11 NLT)

Most likely, these five girls had different personalities and interests. Some may be weaker than others but together they became a tower of strength and were able to initiate laws.

God has given you the ability to make wise decisions, speak against injustices, and rebuke the oppressors.

The Lord will make your feet like hinds’ feet and make you walk upon high places (Habakkuk 3:19). He will carry you on eagle’s wing and bring you to Himself (Exodus 19:4).

Therefore, release the fear, rise up and become the standard that God wants you to become in this world.

Featured image by: Photo by Moisés Souza Celestino from Pexels