What Can We Learn From Zelophehad's Daughters? (Num. 36:10-12)
Imagine being a woman in ancient Israel during the time of Moses. You experienced daily Jehovah's loving provisions and witnessed firsthand his righteous judgments against those who challenged his duly appointed authority and opposed his sovereignty. You heard from God's very channel of communication, Moses, the words of the Mosaic Law. What an enthralling experience it must have been!
Such was the experience of the daughters of the Israelite man Zelophehad. No doubt they deeply enjoyed serving Jehovah alongside their father for many years. Sadly, tragedy struck their family. Let's read Numbers 27:3. [Read.] These five women had lost their father, Zelophehad, in death! Evidently, Zelophehad died for his own sin; whether it was some specific transgression of the Law or his own imperfection, the Bible does not say. But notice the daughters' request in verse 4 of the same chapter. [Read Num. 27:4] What do we learn from this?
First, we learn that the daughters of Zelophehad trusted in those whom Jehovah has appointed. They appealed directly to Moses for help, rather than presumptuously taking over their father's household after his death. What does this teach us? In our time, major decisions may have to be made due to changing circumstances such as caring for ailing parents, a loss in the family, or some other matter. Rather than presuming that we know what is best for ourselves, why not seek scriptural counsel from Jehovah's loving shepherds, the "gifts in men" in the congregation, before making a decision? Doing so will help us to imitate the daughters of Zelophehad and show our humble trust in Jehovah.
Second, we see that the daughters of Zelophehad were willing to leave matters in Jehovah's hands. They presented their circumstances to Moses, and patiently awaited a judicial decision. Today, when the elders render a judicial decision or give us some needed counsel, do we leave matters in Jehovah's hands, confident that what he is telling us is for our benefit?
What was the end result for the daughters of Zelophehad? Let's read Numbers 36:10-12 to see. [Read.] What can we learn from what happened here? Well, the daughters of Zelophehad had to marry the brothers of their father. Doing so was Jehovah's requirement, but it may have presented certain challenges for them. Were these men loving, kind, faithful servants of Jehovah? Would their circumstances be less favorable materially? These and other concerns no doubt would have filled the minds of these young women. But rather than dwell on self-centered anxieties, the daughters of Zelophehad trusted in Jehovah and were confident that his decisions in their behalf were righteous. What can we learn from this?
Well, we are often exhorted by the "faithful and discreet slave" to simplify our lives as much as possible for the sake of expanding our ministry. Timely reminders regarding such matters as choosing a marriage mate, dress and grooming, and entertainment may also prove challenging to adhere to. But rather than allow selfish motives to influence our decisions, let us imitate the daughters of Zelophehad and faithfully submit to the directions given by Jehovah. Doing so will bring us an approved standing before Jehovah.
Today, we are living in an enthralling era as well, as the time fast approaches for Jehovah to execute his righteous judgments upon the wicked and establish his Kingdom here on earth. We are witnessing a global preaching work such as has never before occurred in human history. We daily enjoy refreshing reminders from God's Word and from Bible-based publications designed to fortify our resolve in this time of the end. Thus, may we imitate the daughters of Zelophehad in humbly trusting in Jehovah God, who will handle all matters to our eternal blessing in his own due time.
....Thank you, I'll be here all night
--sd-7
