How does Joshua 17:4 connect to Numbers 27:1-11 regarding inheritance rights? Setting the Scene • Numbers records the Law as God gave it through Moses; Joshua records the fulfillment of that Law in the land. • Zelophehad, of Manasseh, died leaving five daughters and no sons (Numbers 27:1). • Their bold appeal for a share in the land established a precedent (Numbers 27:5-11). • Years later, when Canaan is being allotted, the same daughters appear before Joshua (Joshua 17:4). Quick Overview of Numbers 27:1-11 • The daughters stand “before Moses … at the entrance to the Tent” (Numbers 27:2). • They state the problem: no brothers, so no land under existing custom. • Moses brings the case to the LORD (v. 5). • God’s verdict: “The daughters of Zelophehad are right; you must certainly give them property” (v. 7). • A broader statute follows (vv. 8-11), detailing inheritance lines when no sons exist. Joshua 17:4—Promise Kept • Now in the Promised Land, the daughters remind the leaders: “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers” (Joshua 17:4). • Joshua and Eleazar obey, allocating them territory “along with the brothers of their father.” • The legal rule becomes lived reality—land, not just legislation. Key Connections Between the Two Passages • Same Petitioners, Same Promise: The women who spoke in the wilderness stand again, years later, unwavering in faith. • Consistent Leadership: Moses sought the LORD; Joshua follows the LORD. Authority changes, but obedience endures. • Law to Life: Numbers establishes principle; Joshua executes it. Scripture moves from decree to deed. • Covenant Faithfulness: God guards the inheritance of His people—male or female—as He said (cf. Psalm 105:8-11). • Model for Justice: The statute in Numbers prevents later tribes from ignoring rightful heirs (cf. Deuteronomy 16:20). What We Learn About God’s Character • He is Just—creating statutes that protect the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9). • He Remembers—decades pass, yet His word stands (Isaiah 40:8). • He Values Every Name—the daughters are listed repeatedly (Numbers 26:33; 27:1; 36:11), showing individual worth. Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Trust God’s Timing: Delays do not cancel promises (Habakkuk 2:3). • Appeal to God-Given Authority: The daughters approached leaders God had placed; so should we when seeking justice (Romans 13:1-4). • Stand on the Word: Their plea was grounded in divine command, not mere opinion (Ephesians 6:17). • Remember God’s Faithfulness: Joshua 17:4 proves He finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). |
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