ChangeMakers: Unsung Women of the Bible (Part 1)Намуна

Five Daughters of Zelophehad

Standing up against an unfair system is never easy. But imagine doing it while grieving the death of your father and anxiously worrying about your own future. That’s exactly where we find Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, the Five Daughters of Zelophehad.

The sisters were in an unfair and dangerous situation. Their father died without sons who could inherit his land, family name, and financial security. According to Jewish law, women could not inherit land, so these sisters were desperate. If they couldn't inherit their father’s land, his name would be lost, and his possessions (land) would be sold, leaving them without a home, financial security, personal safety, or future.

These five sisters had a choice—accept tradition or challenge the system. They chose the latter.

Together, they approached Moses and the leaders during a meeting. They explained that their father had died of natural causes (not due to a rebellion against God) and that he had no sons to inherit his land. But it’s what they said next that stands out: “Give us property among our father’s relatives.”

Did you catch that? “Give us.”

These women didn’t timidly approach the situation and ask or beg for mercy. They confidently and respectfully confronted the leaders, requiring that they be given what was rightfully theirs.

The passage goes on to say that Moses took their request to God. It doesn’t say he discussed it among the leaders present at the meeting. He brought their petition before the Lord, who told Moses that the women were right and the land should be theirs. This ruling changed everything. It not only provided safety and security for the sisters, but it allowed their father’s name and family legacy to continue. But the blessing didn’t stop with their family. Because of their bold bravery, God not only instructed Moses to give them their land but also to change the Jewish law so that daughters could inherit their family land. Their single act of courage had a ripple effect, impacting countless lives and families for generations!

On the surface, this story might look like it’s about a land dispute, but it’s far more significant than that. This story stands as an encouragement and challenge. It reminds and encourages us that God has always seen and valued women, even when culture doesn’t. And it challenges us because confronting the status quo is hard. It takes courage, knowledge, and, most importantly, God’s guidance to know when and how to speak, stay silent, and move at God’s pace rather than our own.

Prayer & Meditation

Have you ever felt small or silenced by a person, environment, or system? If so, were you able to bravely challenge it with God’s help, or did you quietly stay submissive even when it didn’t feel right? Take some time to prayerfully consider these five sisters, their anxiety, their mix of fear and confidence when approaching Moses, and the courage God gave them to carry out His plan for the women of Israel. Ask God to identify where He might be calling you to step out of your comfort zone to boldly stand up for injustice.

Written by Torrie Sorge

Photo Credit: Dikla Laor, The Daughters of Zelophehad