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| I’m going to guess Z’s daughters never took a photo like this. And if they did, there would’ve been five feet. But mostly, let’s face it: I got lazy looking for stock photos! 🙂 credit: stock.xchng |
I’m no raging feminist BUT I have to confess to sorta really liking it when women do cool things in the Bible. Not that I don’t appreciate the men of the Bible as well. After all, David is pretty sweet, and I often feel like no one gets me more than Paul a la Romans 7.
But still…I like a good Biblical heroine. And I found some new ones recently: Zelophehad’s daughters.
Heard of them? If so, you’ve got a better memory than me. Because when I came across their story awhile back in Number 27, I didn’t remember anything about them. Here’s their story in a nutshell:
Their dad, Zelophehad (almost as unfortunate a name as one of the daughters–Hoglah) died in the desert on the way to the Promised Land. Because he had no sons, his inheritance was left hanging and his name likely to disappear from his clan.
His five daughters, however, didn’t like this…so they went to Moses and asked that their father’s inheritance be turned over to them.
Moses took the case to God. God agreed with Z’s daughters. They were given the inheritance.
Score one for women’s rights, yeah? 🙂
Seriously, though, there are so many good thoughts a person could take away from this scenario in the Bible. Just the coolness of serving a God who listens, for one thing.
But here’s what totally stuck out to me as I read their story: This whole incident happens during a pretty tumultuous time for the Israelites. Sure, they’re finally free from slavery, but they’re wandering in the desert for decades–a punishment for their rebellion against God. Some have been consumed by fire for complaining. They’re both attacker and attackee when they encounter other people groups. Most of them aren’t going to make it into the Promised Land.
In the midst of all this tumult, how easy would it have been for these women to shy away from rocking the boat?
Instead, they basically go to God saying, “Yeah, we don’t like this rule. Could you change it, please?”
The Bible doesn’t elaborate, but try imagining the conversation between the girls as they’re deciding whether to approach Moses and God with this request:
Mahlah: Look, this system doesn’t seem fair. I say we petition Moses for a change in the rules.
Hoglah: For real. Life is tough enough with a name like Hoglah.
Noah: Yeah, but what if he gets mad?
Mahlah: So you’re telling me you’re cool with being left with nothing just because we don’t have any brothers?
Milcah: I’m with Mahlah. Surely Moses will listen.
Tirzah: Or he’ll get mad and hit a rock with a staff.
Milcah: No, pretty sure he regrets doing that the first time.
Mahlah: So, we’re doing this, yeah?
Hoglah: Solidarity, sister.
Okay, so fine…probably my imagined Z’s daughters are a little, uh, off. But just think about it for a minute. Think about the kind of boldness and bravery it probably took for these women, after all they’d seen and experienced, to approach someone like Moses…knowing he’d be taking their request to God. There weren’t any guarantees God would respond favorably.
In other words, they took a risk.
And I can’t help wondering if maybe, just maybe, God was a little amused at their boldness? Definitely don’t want to put words in God’s mouth, so realize this is just me wondering…maybe I’m wrong.
But even if I am, the takeaway still exists:
Sometimes life calls for a little boldness.
Sometimes pursuing a dream or desire means a little risk.
Sometimes bravery pays off.
So of course I have to ask, are you (am I?) being brave or bold in any area in your life now? Taken any risks lately?
Comments 21
See? The Old Testament has cool stuff in there! 🙂
I do love this story. It reminds me of James 4:2: You do not have because you do not ask God. These ladies asked–God and Moses. So often I falter simply at the ask! But in Hebrews we are told to come boldly before the throne of grace. Thanks for that reminder today!
Haha, yes, the OT is cool…I’m glad I finally dove back in. And that verse in James…definitely a good one!
Melissa: I would sit with you and talk Bible story any day, girlfriend. Any day! You have such a way of unpacking Scripture …
Am I being brave or bold?
Yeah … thanks for asking.
I am in 2nd round edits and I am tearing this story apart. I am totally at the end of myself as a writer, but I know this story needs more. And I’ve asked God to meet me where I am … unable. And I love that his ears are open to my prayers. (Ps. 34:15).
The idea of sitting around talking Bible story with you…such a good one! Hope your edits go well, Beth. I’m so excited about this third book of yours…I know it’s going to be amazing…just like you!
I love how the Bible is so good for takeaways like this. You’ll have to check out the courage quote I posted on my fb writer page yesterday–goes right along with these awesome risk-takers.
Soon as I’m finishing reading these comments, I’m heading over to your FB page, Wendy. 🙂
I love your conversation between Z’s daughters…and I bet you’re not too far off the mark. 🙂 And I love that we can go before God’s throne of grace with boldness.
Ha, yes, I like imagining Bible people’s conversations. 🙂
LOVE this post, Melissa! Scripture offers so many examples of women who saw an injustice and stepped out in bold bravery to seek change. They inspire me to no end. Would’ve been awesome to be part of the Z-club. Woot!
The Z-club…I like that!
This made me giggle. Well, the conversation between the sisters, anyway. The rest…you’ve got an awesome way of seeing something in Scripture that others might have missed. Love it!
And yeah, I’ve been trying to be brave and more positive overall with my writing journey, as you know. Funny thing? Sometimes being brave/bold looks different. Sometimes it means setting down your dream for awhile because God asks you to. Or slowing down. Trusting that He’s got your best in mind.
When your biggest fear is failing and never doing anything big for God, then stopping and just being in His arms takes a little courage. (And it’s God giving that courage. Just sayin’.)
Oh yes, I hear you, Linz. To me, obedience and trust are a form of bravery and that’s definitely what I’ve seen in you these past months. You rock, my friend!
I love your insight into the scriptures. I’m guilty of skimming over them and not understanding the implications of the times. Those women were brave!
Yeah, I love it when passages I’d be tempted to skim over jump out at me!
Fantabulous – and may I also say, fun! – post, Melissa.
Feminism isn’t my “thing” either though I do always find it interesting and compelling when God used women in the Bible – the examples were always powerful even if they were more obscure.
You were not alone, I don’t know this story and perhaps I shouldn’t easily admit to that but you’ve made me want to go look it up in the Bible now. Probably my favorite female heroine of Biblical times is Esther. Yes, I do know she is perhaps one of the most “well-known,” but I cannot help that I love and respect her story. It’s beautiful and in her own way, she was also a very bold woman.
Thanks for sharing this!
Esther…yep, definitely a cool chick. I mean, she really rose above the whole marrying a king she didn’t even know thing. Ha! Definitely a bold woman. 🙂
Love the takeaway, Melissa! Boldness… something I’ve been purposely choosing lately. Especially when I asked four different women to glance over my book proposal. That kind of risk that opens my heart and makes me so vulnerable… well, it’s just not me. And, much to my surprise, they all four said yes. God is so good to us, especially when we step out in faith.
Did you see We Bought A Zoo, starring Matt Damon? Remember when he tells his son that sometimes all it takes is 20 seconds of sheer courage? Yeah, I had a few of those moments this week. A couple of times I almost backed out. But then, I remembered that all it takes is 20 seconds of daring bravery.
I can handle 20 seconds.
God can handle giving me another 20 seconds to handle… and another… and another…
Blessings,
Andrea
Asking other people to read our work…oh yeah, that’s bold. My writing is the one area of life in which I’m pretty self-conscious…so I definitely understand that feeling of vulnerability. Way to step out, though.
I haven’t seen We Bought a Zoo…I love that though. 20 seconds of bravery…now I want to watch it!
It’s such a sweet story, based on true events. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Vulnerability is not my specialty, but God is faithful to help me figure it out.
I’m late to the party, but I have to tell you I had a fun giggle over that conversation! Loved it, and this post. 🙂
Thanks, Gabe. I had fun writing the conversation…apparently I like putting words in other peoples’ mouths. 🙂