Defining a Spiritual Bond
How would you define a spiritual bond? In my opinion, a spiritual bond is created when like-minded people are brought together for a spiritual or moral reason. They are joined together to fulfill a purpose or goal. For example, it was the unity of civil rights groups in the 60s that changed “Jim Crow Laws” created to oppress a race of people. It was the unity of women in the 19th through early 20th centuries that fought for women’s rights. In our example, it was the bond of sisterhood that made a difference not only for the daughters of Zelophehad but also for others. Let us see how….
The Story of the Five Daughters
The story of the five daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:1-11 is a beautiful account of what desperation, courage, and unity can bring to fruition. Their father had died in the wilderness, leaving no sons and thus no male heirs (see Numbers 26:33; 27:3; Joshua 17:3). Their father had not died when God struck the tribe of Israel with a plague of fire to punish them for grumbling and complaining (v. 11:1). Nor had he died in the wilderness when God struck the Israelites with a plague because they were complaining about having manna every day. According to his daughters, God had taken his life because of his own disobedience.
The death of Zelophehad, put his daughters in a desperate situation. All of their belongings, except what was clearly theirs, such as their personal effects and clothing, were to be distributed to their nearest male kin. They would now have to depend on relatives to meet their basic needs.
Five sisters: Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah; five attitudes, perspectives, and distinct personalities, unified in a desperate attempt to preserve their father’s legacy. It sounds like an exciting movie theme; however, the most integral part of this story is the love the daughters had for their father. The thought of their father’s name being lost to his clan (see Numbers 27:4) brought them together. Little did they know that what they felt compelled to do—through the strength of unity—to honor their father would benefit not only them but others as well.
As the sisters united on one accord, they knew that all odds were against them. There was always the possibility that Moses would deny their request because of their father’s sin. Over and over, I imagine they had gone through the possibilities, anticipating what Moses would say, and on one accord—after wisely considering their options—they courageously went before Moses to present their case.
If the legal system was anything like it is today, you would hear the court clerk announce: “Case number [XXXX-########], the tribe of Israel versus a woman’s right to inherit property in the absence of a male heir in the family.” As they stood before Moses, before Eleazar, the priest, before other leaders, and an entire congregation by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, they presented their case:
“Our father died in the wilderness; but he was not in the company of those who gathered together against the LORD, in company with Korah, but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father’s brothers” (Numbers 27:6-7).
Moses decided that instead of determining what should be done in accordance with the law, he took their case to God (Numbers 27:5). The Bible says: So Moses brought their case before the LORD. And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
“The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.”
As a result of the sisters coming together, the daughters of Zelophehad were granted their father’s inheritance after God deemed their plea just (Numbers 27:6-7).
Your Call to Order
Out of desperation, the daughters of Zelophe had unified. That union gave them the courage to change a law and the future of families without a male heir. Whatever desperate situation you find yourself in, ask God to provide you with the courage to reach out and draw on the strength of others. Coming together with people who are of the same mind or whom you share a bond with because of similar circumstances will challenge you, but it will also strengthen and mature you. Hopefully, it will also give you the wisdom and insight to see God in any situation. No wonder Paul admonishes us not to forsake the assembling together of the Saints.
Power Verses:
"For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” ~Matthew 18:20 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." ~Hebrews 10:23-25
