Use Your Voice!

“Moses brought their cause before Yahweh. Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers. You shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.” 

Numbers 27. 1-10 WEB

After the national census, it was time to distribute the territory. The Israelite tribes were allocated land plots according to their clan size. The male head of the tribe then distributed the subplots to the family’s first-born male. However, five daughters survived their father, Zelophehad. The courageous women took their case to Moses and the authorities. Moses was baffled, so he took the situation to God. God agreed with the daughters. Furthermore, the decision set a precedent for all families without a son.  

A Deeper Look

In a male-dominated system, women were considered silent second-class citizens. Because of their reality, I’m sure those five ladies were intimidated to go to Moses and the elders. If they had remained silent, the land allocations would have been completed, and they, along with numerous brotherless women, would have lacked family property. 

Using my imagination, I hear their conversation. One sister asked another, “We must talk to the elders. What do we have to lose?” 

The four resounded, “Everything!”  

Therefore, they chose to seize the moment and stand up for themselves. They received what was equally theirs. Ultimately, the women stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts to receive an equal share of land. 

What does this story have to do with me?

If you are being eliminated, speak up.

If you are being bullied, speak up. 

If you are being treated unjustly, speak up.

If your rights are being violated, speak up.

Advocate for yourself. 

Don’t let anyone speak for you. 

No one can tell “it” like you can… whatever it may be. 

It would be a dark day if you remained silent and the opportunity passed. Life has taught me that Regret is a huge, hard pill to swallow. Look at the outcome of our key verses! God agreed with the ladies and made it a precedent for equality. 

Therefore, you can do it. Deal with the obstacles in your life. Face your giant, grab ahold of courage, and move forward. 

Stand up for yourself.

Use our voice. 

Speak up!