Numbers 36 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson
This chapter concludes chapter 27 where the daughters of Zelophehad asked Moses for a ruling from the Lord about their situation. In chapter 27, they appealed to Moses for a ruling on their unique situation. They wanted the land of their father (“their” inheritance) divided up between them because their father had no sons. Here in chapter 36, the issue of land and inheritance finds specific application. You will also notice this clarifies women’s rights in terms of land ownership and inheritance. You may also be intrigued by what W. G. Plaut wrote in terms of genealogical reckoning, “There are ten generations from Adam to Noah, ten generations from Noah to Terah, and ten generations from Abraham to the daughters of Zelophehad” (The Torah: Numbers. 1981 p. 307). The daughters of Zelophehad are also mentioned in Joshua 17 and I Chr. 7.
One also observes the way God is forming the nation of Israel. We have, in the back of our minds, that God speaks from a mountain, giving laws and that settles it. But people had questions of application or questions about situations that did not easily fit into some of the prescribed laws. One could appeal and questions Moses. Yes, God does speak from a mountain and His word is law. But appeals are made, and applications are adjusted.
These daughters are models of a submissive spirit. In chapter 27, they tell the truth about their father saying, “. . . he died for his own sins.” They ask a question and then ask for what they consider should be rightfully theirs. Now in chapter 36, the leaders of Manasseh want Moses to consider the implications of this ruling more carefully in terms of loss of land for their tribe. These leaders are not asking Moses to reverse what God has decided but ask for an additional caveat. If the daughter marry outside the tribe, then the land of Manasseh will be diminished. So, their solution is to limit the available husbands to the same tribe.
This limited the available pool of husbands yet what do these women do? “The daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses” v. 10. So, when the judgement came down in chapter 27, they accepted that ruling joyfully because they gained property that was rightfully theirs. Now in 36, when this limits their freedom, they obey God. Most people like rules that benefit them but do not follow rules that limit them or curtail their freedom. Not these godly women. They appeal, submit, and therefore are models of godly women.
I can imagine, but this certainly is not in any Biblical text, the daughters, upon hearing this ruling having a conversation.
Tirzah asking Hoglah, “Did you hear the recent ruling about our inheritance?”
Noah responds to Tirzah, “I am not too sure about that. This is rather limiting, isn’t it?” Hoglah responds, “Well, yes but there must be a reason beyond losing property. Milcah, what do you think?”
“Well, it does protect us from someone wanting to marry us just for our property,” reasons Milcah.
“I suppose when you think of it from the other members of the tribe, why should the tribe of Manasseh lose land because of us? We can still marry, we get our rightful inheritance, and no one in our clan loses property . It is a win-win-win. So, I agree with it and accept the ruling,” states Mahlah.
When you read this, it does make you wonder why this is included in these four different parts of the Bible. These women and then the leaders of the tribe are engaging in peaceful protest but not demanding. They are appealing and they both bring up good angles that help the community.
Christ has given us a community that He establishes and has placed a leadership structure in place. God has ordained the leaders over you. But that does not mean they are better than you, more holy, or are always correct. So, leaders should recognize their position and be open to hear from others, humble enough to respond to the issue and not the person.
Those of us under authority (that is all of us), we need to make our appeal humbly, asking questions, not accusing the leader(s) but asking them to reconsider a ruling, application, or judgment.
Christ calls us to Himself and to His church. Our faith is expressed in the setting of community. How we respond to criticism, how we ask for clarification and appeal is all part of living together. Our faith is not meant to be lived out in solitude. Rather, Christ calls us to community. Yes, people are prickly, but our brothers and sisters help us to love, to develop patience and humility, and urge us to accept love.
Heavenly Father, we need to learn from these godly women and the leaders of Manasseh. Teach us to make appeals in love and submission. And help us to follow our Lord Jesus who submitted to authority. Remind us how Christ appealed to His Father yet understood that He, even Christ, had to submit. In Christ’s name. Amen