What role did Moses play when the daughters of Zelophehad approached him for justice? Setting the Scene – Numbers 27:2 “The daughters of Zelophehad stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and said…” • The Tent of Meeting was Israel’s central place of worship and judgment; matters brought here were serious and communal. • Zelophehad’s daughters sought legal redress for their father’s inheritance—an issue with national implications for land distribution. Moses as an Accessible Leader • Moses welcomed the approach of these women, showing no partiality (cf. Deuteronomy 1:16). • By hearing them publicly, he affirmed their dignity and the legitimacy of their plea. Moses as Judge Seeking Divine Guidance • Numbers 27:5: “So Moses brought their case before the LORD.” • Instead of ruling on personal opinion, Moses deferred to God’s revealed will—echoing his pattern in Exodus 18:13-16 and Leviticus 24:11-12. • This dependence underscored that justice in Israel flowed from God, not merely from human leaders. Moses as Faithful Mediator Between God and People • Moses listened to the daughters, then interceded with the LORD; afterward he delivered God’s response to the nation (Numbers 27:6-7). • His role paralleled earlier mediations: – Intercession at Sinai (Exodus 32:11-14) – Pleading for Miriam (Numbers 12:13) • He modeled the prophetic office described in Deuteronomy 18:18—speaking God’s words to His people. Moses as Instrument for Establishing Just Statutes • God affirmed the daughters’ claim and, through Moses, instituted a broader inheritance law (Numbers 27:8-11). • Moses then communicated and recorded this statute, ensuring its permanence (cf. Numbers 36:1-12 for its practical outworking). • Thus Moses’ obedience resulted in equitable legislation that protected future generations. Key Takeaways for Believers Today • Leaders must be approachable to all, regardless of status or gender. • True justice seeks God’s guidance first, rather than relying solely on human wisdom (James 1:5). • Faithful mediation—listening carefully, praying earnestly, and speaking truthfully—remains vital for resolving disputes within God’s people. |
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