The census provided a means to divide the land based on the numbers of fighting men in each clan (26:4,53). But after all those counted at Sinai had died in the wilderness (26:64), one clan was left with no sons and only five daughters. These daughters were God's hope for the next generation but were in danger of receiving nothing simply because they were female. When they courageously brought their case to Moses and the leaders, they were not overlooked. The LORD sided with the daughters: "You must certainly give them property…" Although the culture and society had no means to provide justice, God himself changed the law and provided for this family. In our day, systems of the world still limit justice for the vulnerable. Jesus teaches us to cry out to God, who will hear and bring justice quickly (Lk 18:7-8). Like these daughters, our inheritance is kept secure by the faithfulness of our God.

On the basis of this unique case, God expanded the laws in Israel in order to maintain each clan's promised inheritance. The nearest relative had to take possession of the dead man's inheritance. This may be the rule behind the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz (Ruth 2:20), whose story points to Christ.


Application: Father, thank you for caring for the vulnerable and weak and for providing an inheritance that does not perish, spoil or fade away. Grant us courage to cry out to you for justice.
One Word: Our inheritance comes from the LORD.