The daughters of Zelophehad are a great example of working to change norms and laws that discriminate against them, writes Elizabeth Joy in this study of Numbers 27.1-11.
In spite of the discrimination against women prevalent at the time of this Bible story, the daughters of Zelophehad stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole community at the entrance of the tent of the Lord's presence and spoke boldly.
We as women need to get united like them, and be determined and bold to face the power structures of society and the church. Very often, we fail to stand before the hierarchical power structures. We need to demand our rights.
The daughters of Zelophehad point out boldly that there is something lacking in what the Lord said to Moses – Numbers 26.52-56. They do not find a place in the inheritance of the land. Moses presents their case to the Lord.
We are called to demand gender justice in relation to discriminatory laws that govern us
They are not condemned for their demand over and against the norms of the day and the decree of the deity. Rather, God approves of their action and amends the earlier decree. He gives a new legal requirement to be followed by Israel.
Through the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, we are called to demand gender justice in relation to discriminatory laws that govern us.
In the biblical text we read that the laws of inheritance were drawn up by Moses and the leaders, and seem to be endorsed by God, without taking into consideration the needs of unmarried daughters.
Yet there is a positive element expressed here: when the injustice was pointed out, both the human leaders and God were wiling to listen and rectify the unjust decree to make it more inclusive.
Thus there are provisions to reconsider all discriminatory and oppressive laws even if they are believed to be divine decrees.
Today do our church leaders and those in positions of power have this kind of open mind to listen, accept their oversight, and act immediately to rectify the errors? Prioritising gender justice in the main agenda of church and society is not just an option but an imperative that should be acted on without delay.