Numbers 27 HIS INHERITANCE An inheritance by its very nature, belonged to someone else before it can be passed on. The inheritance of property in the land of Canaan was passed on to the children of Israel by God Himself who promised the land to Abraham . He has the right to do this because "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." All that God allows us to have and use for ourselves, comes from His gracious hand. He has transferred to us what He knows we can use effectively as "the stewards of the manifold grace of God." The heritage I have, has come from God and to be used to bless the people of God. The family I am a part of has given me a spiritual heritage I need to cherish, guard and pass on to others.
The transfer of ownership or inheritance in Israel was arranged for ahead of time, so there would be no strife when one died. In that way possessions could be kept intact within the family to whom God had designated specific property. The five daughters of Zelophehad wanted the portion of land that would have been given to their father who had died of natural causes, not because of the rebellion of Korah. They knew the promises of God and believed what God had said. Because of the position of women in a patriarchal society, and the fact that they had no brothers, they wanted to keep their family name intact. But they also realize they were in need of a special act of grace in order to have what would have been their father's property. Everything we are and have we owe to God. His grace has supplied what we could never claim for ourselves. He has given abundantly to supply our every need. But it is up to us to lay claim to all the spiritual blessings God has freely provided for us.
These five women made inquiry as to what was freely given by God to those who would enter the land of promise. This all happened even before the Israelites moved forward into their inheritance. They were not careless or indifferent in this matter because by faith they were boldly expressing their confidence in God to bring them in to their reward. Faith in God honors God, and God in turn honors simple faith. To claim all that God has promised before receiving it, is not presumption but an expression of absolute trust. Faith takes hold of all that God has given. Faith does not surrender because of obstacles that might seem to be in the way or problems that arise. The words and actions of faith are rewarded by God. Faith that expresses trust in God enables us to love Him, praise Him, and serve Him acceptably. Faith realizes that our inheritance in Christ is sure and steps forward to claim it without doubt or embarrassment. There is never a reason why we should doubt God's grace. We may not know all the path of faith involves, and we may not know all the actions of divine grace. But in spite of our limitations we will trust Him to do what will bring Him the greatest glory.
Faith brings blessings that would never be experienced otherwise. The daughters of Zelophehad did not remain silent nor acquiescent to the social mores of that day. They knew the promises of God could be counted on and knew what was at stake if they waited to act on what they believed belonged to them. To be so cautious as to not offend anyone will keep us from doing anything of spiritual worth. There will always be people who will criticize. There will always be those who won't act because they don't want to make a mistake. However, when acting in faith even when based on very plain promises from God, we must not exalt ourselves or let ourselves be exalted by others. The claims and rights of others must be considered and we need to guard with integrity the testimony of God's people.
Zelophehad's daughters were probably strong-willed women which in itself was not wrong. The qualifications that accompanied their request were clarified at a later time. Consideration for the rights of others will keep us from allowing a strong will to act with a high-handed attitude toward others or from disregarding what they deserve. Faith has its limitations. We are only allowed what God chooses to give. There should be no covetous claims because we think we deserve special treatment from God. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
The faith of these five women limited them to marry only those from the same tribe in Israel in order to maintain their inheritance. This would make sure the designated and granted land would remain in the tribe of Manasseh. For us to maintain public testimony on a scriptural basis, believers are not to marry unbelievers, nor should just any religious affiliation be entered into because a person wants to be married. It may be that a Christian would marry another Christian, but that does not mean the yoke is equal. Different opinions in regard to biblical doctrine can seriously affect the testimony of a couple who are married but not "in the Lord."
As far as the inheritance of Moses was concerned, he was a Levite and the Levities had no part of the physical inheritance of the promised land. Because Moses "spake unadvisedly with his lips" and hit the rock instead of speaking to it to get water, God, in His government, forbade him to enter Canaan. However, God, in His grace, allowed Moses to see the promised land even though he could not go into it. Moses was not grieved by this decision God made. His concern was for the people of God. He earnestly cared for them and knew a designated successor was needed. Designated leadership was given to one who was doing the work and knew what had to be done. That change of leadership had to be publicly acknowledged before the present leader passed on. Those who are suited for leadership care for the people and are able to set goals and do the work that is needed to reach them and respond to their needs.
Moses asked God for the right replacement and the replacement was identified. The replacement was given public tasks to accomplish so the people of God would know who he was. Then a public announcement regarding his authority and ability was made. Confidence in the man who was to be the new leader was expressed when Moses stepped aside and let Joshua lead. These principles still apply in the succession of leadership. Under God's guidance, identify the successor. Holy surrender on the part of one to let go, and the other to take hold, is necessary for the on-going good of the people of God. Unselfishly identify the new leadership and step back. Moses was told to lay his hand on Joshua. Actually he put both hands on him as if he were blessing him to the fullest extent he could. That practice of giving assurance to those who follow, indicates that an older leader has full confidence in the new leadership. This makes it possible to avoid a lot of potential problems that can arise when the next generation inherits the responsibility of guiding and guarding the flock of God.