Faith and Justice: The Daughters of Zelophehad
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. As I looked out at the weather today, I was reminded of how unpredictable life can be. Let's open with a word of prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time together. We pray that you would speak to us through your word and challenge us today. Amen.
Today, we continue our series titled "In the Wilderness," walking through the book of Numbers. This book helps us understand how God directs His people and why being faithful to Him is crucial, especially in difficult times. The first part of Numbers focuses on a generation that was exiled and disobedient, even as they got closer to the Promised Land. Their unbelief led to rebellion and disobedience, preventing them from entering the land God had promised. However, the new generation sought to do what the previous one couldn't, showing miraculous faith despite their circumstances.
Our focus today is on Numbers 27:1-11, where the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses with a bold request. These five women—Machla, Noah, Hogla, Milcah, and Tirzah—stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the entire congregation at the entrance of the tent meeting. They explained that their father had died in the wilderness and had no sons. They asked why their father's name should be taken away from his clan just because he had no sons. Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said the daughters were right. He instructed Moses to give them their father's inheritance.
This story is remarkable for several reasons. First, it shows the bold faith of these women in approaching Moses and challenging the existing laws. They understood the heart of the lawmaker and had faith that God would provide justice. This was not about standing up for themselves but for their father's name and legacy. Their faith and understanding of the law were remarkable, and God honored their request.
The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us about the importance of faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:1-8 emphasizes that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. By faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, and by faith, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. We must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
As we reflect on this story, we see that faith is not just about believing in God but also about trusting Him in every situation. The daughters of Zelophehad trusted God to provide justice, and He did. Similarly, we must trust God even when we don't know what's next. We may not have a chapter and verse for every situation in life, but we can always go to God, the source of all wisdom.
In conclusion, the story of the daughters of Zelophehad is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience. It shows us that God is just and that He rewards those who seek Him. As we face our own trials and tribulations, let us remember to trust God and walk in faith, knowing that He will take care of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith and Obedience: The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us the importance of faith and obedience. They approached Moses with bold faith, trusting that God would provide justice. This reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God but also about trusting Him in every situation. [32:35]
2. God's Justice: The daughters of Zelophehad challenged the existing laws, and God honored their request. This shows that God is just and that He rewards those who seek Him. It encourages us to approach God with our concerns, knowing that He will provide justice. [33:06]
3. The Assurance of Faith: Hebrews 11:1-8 emphasizes that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God. This passage reminds us that faith is essential to please God. [49:14]
4. Trusting God in Uncertainty: The daughters of Zelophehad trusted God even when they didn't know what would happen. Similarly, we must trust God in our own lives, even when we don't know what's next. This trust is a crucial aspect of our faith journey. [50:15]
5. God's Provision: The story of the daughters of Zelophehad shows that God provides for His people. He gave them their father's inheritance, ensuring that their family name would not be forgotten. This reminds us that God will take care of us and provide for our needs. [51:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:37] - Opening Prayer
[22:10] - Introduction to the Series
[23:44] - Purpose of the Census
[24:46] - The New Generation's Faith
[26:19] - Understanding the Law
[32:35] - The Daughters of Zelophehad's Request
[33:06] - God's Response to the Daughters
[49:14] - The Assurance of Faith
[50:15] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
[51:56] - God's Provision and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 27:1-11
2. Hebrews 11:1-8
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the bold request made by the daughters of Zelophehad to Moses? ([32:35])
2. How did Moses respond to the daughters' request, and what was God's response? ([33:06])
3. According to Hebrews 11:1-8, what are some examples of faith mentioned in the passage?
4. What was the significance of the land inheritance for the Israelites, as described in Numbers 26:55-56? ([35:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was the request of the daughters of Zelophehad considered bold and significant in their cultural context? ([37:15])
2. How does the story of the daughters of Zelophehad illustrate the concept of faith and obedience? ([40:46])
3. What does Hebrews 11:1-8 teach us about the nature of faith and its importance in pleasing God?
4. How does the story of the daughters of Zelophehad challenge our understanding of God's justice and provision? ([33:06])
#### Application Questions
1. The daughters of Zelophehad showed bold faith by approaching Moses with their request. Is there a situation in your life where you need to show bold faith? How can you take a step of faith this week? ([32:35])
2. The daughters trusted God to provide justice. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust God more fully? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him? ([40:46])
3. Hebrews 11:1-8 emphasizes the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. How can you cultivate this kind of faith in your daily life?
4. The story of the daughters of Zelophehad shows that God is just and rewards those who seek Him. How can you approach God with your concerns, knowing that He will provide justice? ([33:06])
5. The daughters of Zelophehad were concerned about their father's legacy. Is there a legacy you want to leave behind? How can your faith and actions today contribute to that legacy? ([40:07])
6. The sermon mentioned trusting God in uncertainty. Is there an area of your life where you feel uncertain? How can you practice trusting God in that situation this week? ([50:15])
7. Reflecting on God's provision, how have you seen God provide for your needs in the past? How can this remembrance strengthen your faith for future needs? ([51:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Bold Faith in Action
The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches us the importance of faith and obedience. These five women—Machla, Noah, Hogla, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses with bold faith, trusting that God would provide justice. They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the entire congregation at the entrance of the tent meeting, explaining that their father had died in the wilderness and had no sons. They asked why their father's name should be taken away from his clan just because he had no sons. Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said the daughters were right. He instructed Moses to give them their father's inheritance. This act of faith was not just about standing up for themselves but for their father's name and legacy. Their faith and understanding of the law were remarkable, and God honored their request. This reminds us that faith is not just about believing in God but also about trusting Him in every situation. [32:35]
Numbers 27:1-4 (ESV): "Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad... and they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the chiefs and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying, 'Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died for his own sin. And he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father's brothers.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to step out in bold faith. What is one action you can take today to trust God more deeply in that situation?
Day 2: Seeking God's Justice
The daughters of Zelophehad challenged the existing laws, and God honored their request. This shows that God is just and that He rewards those who seek Him. When the daughters approached Moses, they were not just seeking personal gain but were advocating for their father's legacy. Their boldness in approaching Moses and the entire congregation demonstrated their deep understanding of God's justice and their faith in His provision. This encourages us to approach God with our concerns, knowing that He will provide justice. We can trust that God is fair and that He listens to the cries of His people. [33:06]
Psalm 9:7-8 (ESV): "But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you feel injustice? How can you bring this concern before God today, trusting in His perfect justice?
Day 3: The Assurance of Faith
Hebrews 11:1-8 emphasizes that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God. This passage reminds us that faith is essential to please God. The daughters of Zelophehad exemplified this assurance of faith by trusting God to provide justice for their family. Their story teaches us that faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and His character. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and we must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him. [49:14]
Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise of God that you are holding onto. How can you actively demonstrate your faith in this promise today?
Day 4: Trusting God in Uncertainty
The daughters of Zelophehad trusted God even when they didn't know what would happen. Similarly, we must trust God in our own lives, even when we don't know what's next. This trust is a crucial aspect of our faith journey. The daughters approached Moses with their request, not knowing how it would be received, but they trusted that God would provide justice. This teaches us that we can trust God even in uncertain times, knowing that He is in control and that He cares for us. We may not have a chapter and verse for every situation in life, but we can always go to God, the source of all wisdom. [50:15]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are facing uncertainty? How can you practice trusting God in that area today?
Day 5: God's Provision
The story of the daughters of Zelophehad shows that God provides for His people. He gave them their father's inheritance, ensuring that their family name would not be forgotten. This reminds us that God will take care of us and provide for our needs. The daughters' faith and boldness in approaching Moses resulted in God providing for their family in a way that honored their father's legacy. This teaches us that God is attentive to our needs and that He will provide for us in His perfect timing and way. As we face our own trials and tribulations, let us remember to trust God and walk in faith, knowing that He will take care of us. [51:56]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Think of a current need or concern you have. How can you trust God to provide for this need, and what steps can you take to rely on His provision today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We can also see ourselves in a lot of that but by God's grace it doesn't stop there yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared to hope we see that in the promise that he has an inheritance we see that by what he does for these precious daughters see that by what he's done for us on the cross." [51:56]
2. "What we see is we see god telling this generation you have a home waiting for you just as you leave the wilderness behind and trust me to take care of you but I think today many of us who are in some type of trial we feel like we're in quick stand almost and we feel like we have two choices just kind of sit sit in it because we're not going anywhere we're going to get out and get deeper and deeper and deeper while never really looking up and god is standing there and said if you would just look up and trust me I will pull you out but many times we're more comfortable being in it but god is saying if you would just look up and reach out just have some faith." [48:05]
3. "The law of the torah is about allegiance about partnership about a covenant with god's people that's very different from what we just... we can also see ourselves in a lot of that but by God's grace it doesn't stop there yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared to hope." [30:27]
4. "Our aim today is that we would see the law of the torah for how it's intended to be through allegiance through partnership but ultimately through seeing it through the heart of the lawmaker and his heart for his people." [30:57]
5. "The wisdom of the torah that they could depend on to take them into new territory and that they could depend on to discern what the lord had for their lives that's why they had so much confidence in going to moses to address this so even though the laws didn't address every situation each thing that they faced they had confidence in the law maker and the lord said you are right he told moses they are right this would indeed be an injustice." [42:28]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first part of this book focuses on this continued pursuit of this generation that have been exiled this generation that continued to be disobedient even as they got closer to the promised land so much so that they were they could see the promised land and yet they didn't enter it because of their own behavior because of their unbelief and it would take even the opposite so much more for them to enter this miraculous faith but one thing that we know about generations specifically generations that come after the prior is they will seek to do what the prior wouldn't or wouldn't do." [22:38]
2. "The faith and the provision of the lord that they had is remarkable but also their understanding of the law is remarkable verse 5 says that moses he brought their case now this is where the correlation is i was listening to tim mackie one of my favorite scholars and as he was talking about this passage he said it's almost as if they felt like this law was saying you want adam to oversee the land but not eve but again they knew the law maker and they knew that that wasn't it." [41:56]
3. "The lord's grace and his mercy we see how old generations unbelief led to rebellion and disobedience and them not getting into the promised land so much so that they had gotten so close that they would send spies in and to come back and say we're not doing that that's what their actions did this passage should be encouraging to us to see these encouraging women tenaciously holding on to the promise of god even when their personal circumstances were less than favorable many of us whether it's right now or in the past have been in less than favorable situations we to give up are we to just stop or do we have such faith as these women did especially when our back is against the wall when all odds seem stacked against us." [46:25]
4. "The daughters of Zelophehad are right you shall give the possession of their inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of the father to them and you shall speak to the people of Israel saying if a man dies and has no son then you should transfer his inheritance to the daughter and if he has no daughter then you should give his inheritance to his brothers and if he has no brothers then you shall give his inheritance to his father's brothers and if his father has no brothers then you shall give his inheritance to the nearest kinsman of his clan and he shall possess it and it shall be for the people of Israel as a new rule as the lord commanded to moses." [44:12]
5. "The wisdom of the laws showing miraculous faith despite their circumstances we'll see why these daughters are are so important within this legal ruling surrounding this book and why the book of numbers covers them multiple times but before we jump into that i want to specifically talk about the law that that we talk about specifically in the word the law in the old testament and the law that jesus refers to as he's talking about the old testament because it's quite different than the law that we know see that the law that we read the hebrew word for that is torah the first the first books of the old testament the first five books and it's quite different than what we're accustomed to in our everyday lives." [26:19]
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