Curveballs (Part 2)

“Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives.” So Moses brought their case before the Lord. And the Lord replied to Moses, “The claim of the daughters of Zelophehad is legitimate. You must give them a grant of land along with their father’s relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father.” – Numbers 27: 4-7 (NLT)

A “Curveball” is something unexpected and difficult to deal with that changes a situation. 

The daughters of Zelophehad exhibited bravery in a patriarchal and male-dominated society to change the law regarding women, land and property inheritance.

The action of these five sisters in approaching Moses, tribal leaders and priests was unprecedented, a great act of courage, conviction, and faith. The sisters appealed to God, who they know is the defender of the defenceless and the father of the fatherless. 

The ladies are to be commended for the way they handled their case. They did not solicit or engage in “side talk” or gossip with other women, an action that could easily lead to complaints, murmuring, and rebellion.

You could say the daughters of Zelophehad were probably the first women “activists” who fought for their right to own landed properties (Emphasis ours!).

Although the request of the daughters of Zelophehad was just to have a property they could call their own, God went well beyond their request. The favourable response of the LORD was not just for them to be given properties. The LORD actually commanded Moses to assign them a hereditary possession of landed property which they could transfer to their heirs as well. An inheritance that would have been given to their father as though their father had had sons!

One church leader commenting on this subject said, “I think that one thing (of the many possible reasons) we have to watch out for, is the fleshly desire for self-pity. This can cause us to prefer to be a victim than to stand up and be victorious. There is something weird and corrupted in our flesh that is attracted to being downtrodden and have something to complain about, rather than deal with it in a godly way. A contemplative prayer life in the presence of God can really help us to discern what might cause us to play the victim rather than press through to victory.”

The request by these five sisters posed a curveball situation for Moses as well. He didn’t know the answer to their request, but he knew who to turn to for the right answer.

As a leader, Moses could have reminded the women of what was written in the law and then refuse to consider their request. He was not dismissive but demonstrated and exemplified great leadership, sensitivity, compassion and humility in handling the request of the five sisters.

Moses’ example serves as a reminder to leaders. A reminder to show sympathy, compassion, and grace in how they lead and deal with a difficult or a “curveball” situation.  

At some point in our life, we will have to deal with a “curveball” situation and who we confide in in those moments really matter. Let God be our first point of contact knowing that His will for us is good and His thought for us is for peace.

Stay blessed,

LaraLex