How does Joshua 17:4 demonstrate God's fairness in inheritance distribution? Setting the Scene Joshua is allocating the land west of the Jordan. Within Manasseh’s territory stand five sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—daughters of Zelophehad. Their father died without sons (cf. Numbers 27:1-3). They come before “Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders” (Joshua 17:4) to claim a share. The Text Itself “Then they approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said, ‘The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.’ So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the LORD’s command.” (Joshua 17:4) Facets of God’s Fairness on Display • God had already ruled in their favor through Moses (Numbers 27:6-7); Joshua simply honors that ruling, showing the Lord’s consistency. • The petition is heard publicly, before priest, governor, and tribal heads—no back-room favoritism. • Inheritance passes to daughters when sons are absent, proving God’s law protects every family line, not only male heirs. • The wording “among their father’s brothers” guarantees equal standing with male relatives, preventing their father’s name from being erased (Numbers 27:4). • Joshua obeys “in keeping with the LORD’s command,” anchoring the decision in divine, not human, authority—ultimate impartiality (Deuteronomy 10:17; Acts 10:34). Harmony with the Law of Moses • Numbers 36:1-9 set guardrails so land stayed within the tribe—a balance of justice for the sisters and fairness to Manasseh. • The broader inheritance statutes (Numbers 26; 33:54) emphasize proportional distribution “according to the number of names,” reinforcing equality across tribes. Consistency with God’s Character Throughout Scripture • Psalm 89:14—“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” • James 1:17—no shifting shadows in Him; His principles remain constant from Moses to Joshua. • Isaiah 30:18—“For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all who wait for Him.” Encouragement for Believers Today • God remembers the overlooked; no voice is too small to be heard. • He keeps promises across generations; what He decrees in Numbers is fulfilled in Joshua. • His fairness invites trust: if He apportions land justly, He will certainly apportion grace, guidance, and eternal inheritance just as faithfully (1 Peter 1:4). |
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