We’re making our way through the Why Christ Had to Die series, which began by viewing the biblical storyline as a canvas unfolding history. What started with beauty and color and life quickly descended into deceit and decay and death. However, the overarching purpose of the Father is redemption–not the least of which is the pinnacle of His creation: humanity. This redemption story manifests itself also in the myriad attributes of God, and masterfully and wonderfully comes to life as each page of Scripture is turned from one to the next. And so, in our last installment we saw how God provides–even in the face of tragedy. However, God’s provision–those cities of refuge–were never able (nor meant) to completely provide for His people forever. Nevertheless, God still provided for His people for that season. And this attribute of provision continues. It will remain, and it extends even to each tribe in order that each tribe might continue its existence in a world of known manipulation, greed, and extortion.
“…no inheritance of the sons of Israel shall be transferred from tribe to tribe, for the sons of Israel shall each hold to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.”
Numbers 36:7
This command came from Moses as the book of Numbers was drawing to a close. It was a command that Moses mediated from God to His people in order to maintain the boundaries of each tribe that God raised up to be a kingdom of priests to the nations. It also harkens back to a previous point where God’s justice for women in a patriarchal society was upheld. Up to this point, however, the people remained in the plains of Moab, but were on the cusp of entering the land promised to them. The previous unfaithful generation was dying off, God was raising up the next generation in order faithfully to carry the torch into His place of provision, and He was also preparing them for their allotment of land yet to be delivered. However, a question needed to be answered as to how each tribe’s land inheritance would be protected in the event a family only had daughters. Generally speaking, all the inheritance would go to sons (and then to brothers if there were no sons), and so Zelophehad was needing a word from the Lord–because he had 5 daughters. The question that God resolved was, “Will the inheritance pass to another tribe if one of Zelophehad’s daughters marries outside of their tribe?” The answer was simple, no; but with one caveat: the daughters were instructed that, “…they must marry within the family of the tribe of their father.” In other words, yes, the daughters will receive their father’s inheritance, but they must marry within their tribe. While this seems narrow from our cultural view, it was nevertheless monumental care for God’s people and His land promise. God had given boundaries established within the 12 tribes, and the blessings for each tribe were continued through the tribe itself. That’s why we see passages like: “Do not move the ancient boundary Which your fathers have set.” – Proverbs 22:28 and “Do not move the ancient boundary Or go into the fields of the fatherless…” Proverbs 23:10.
And so, we see that God’s care for His people extends to the most vulnerable. In a culture of injustice and inequality toward women, God provides for daughters. His purposes are greater. But they don’t end with land provision. No, no, the Father provided a greater inheritance for His people. He is preparing a place for them even now…because the land that His people inherited was never meant to be the final inheritance of God’s people. Zelophehad was right to ensure his family was cared for, but their inheritance (land or any material blessing) was not their ultimate inheritance…O no, a day is coming when a New Heavens and New Earth will be manifested–creation groans for that day! And so should we…like Zelophehad for his daughters–like creation–we groan for what God has promised to those who love Him.
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
Do you ever feel like your lot in life is not enough? On the other hand, do you feel entitled to what you posses? Can inheritance ever be an issue for families? What about the distribution of money or property or possessions of a will? Is it possible for a family to be divided over what they thought they should receive from another family member or friend? Even still, is it possible to be so enamored with what you possess that you don’t look beyond at what’s to come?
I suspect all these things are possible…and so Jesus said…
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it…” Matthew 13:45-46
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3
Remember, Christian, God’s inheritance is far greater than what this world has to offer. Glory!
— March 23, 2018