Page 20 - March 2022

AVIEW FROM YOUR CHAPLAIN
The Bible’s take on equal rights for women
Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They were the daughters of Zelophe- had. They are rarely discussed. Their story is one of agency, power and perseverance. Their story is found in the Bible, Numbers 27:1-7. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah found themselves in a precarious situation. Their father, Zelophehad, died. Zelophehad’s death was not only a break in the family line, it was a break in the sisters’ finan- cial stability and financial future. Under the law, when a man died, his land/inheritance went to his son. Zelophehad didn’t have a son, he had all
daughters, and they were not married. The situation was further complicated because of women’s location on the hierarchical social structure at that time. Women were viewed as slightly higher than children.
Using wisdom, the sisters gathered, approached Moses, the priest and the leaders of the assembly and asked about the is- sue. They inquired, “Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” So Moses brought their story before the Lord, and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters
are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and turn their father’s inheritance over to them.” The Lord’s response meant more than financial stability for the sisters. Land was the source of wealth in an agrarian society. Land produced the crops, food for animals and textiles for living. The Lord’s response also pro- vides agency for their financial future. The sisters maintained the land and had control over the land, ensuring that the land stayed in their family.
Lastly, the Lord affirms equitable justice in His response, “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his in- heritance over to his daughter.’” This statement changed the existing law to include women in an inheritance. These sisters moved the heart of God. So when you need to be encouraged and empowered, remember Zelophehad’s daughters, Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. Their story embodies grace, wisdom, sisterhood, cooperation, strength, solidarity, justice, financial freedom and gender equality.
During this National Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate those who’ve opened doors for us and open a door for a sister who’s coming behind us. May God continue to bless you and everything connected to you.
REVEREND KIMBERLY LEWIS-DAVIS CPD CHAPLAIN
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