Bible Pathways 2/29/2004
Read Numbers 36
In Today's Reading:
Laws concerning female inheritance within their patriarchal tribe
Five of the daughters of Zelophehad . . . of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph. . . . stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the Tabernacle (Numbers 27:1-2), awaiting a decision concerning their tribal territory after they married. Moses brought their cause before the LORD (27:5). The Lord declared through Moses: Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. . . . for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers (36:6-7).
Although they had the legal right to marry anyone, they were to consider the responsibility that rested on their actions. To marry someone from another tribe would forfeit their father's inheritance. The decision involved an important principle of denying one's own personal satisfaction or remaining faithful to fulfilling the will of God. Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad (36:10).
No one should overlook how perfectly the request of the five daughters of Zelophehad corresponds to our relationship with Christ. Too often we are often faced with personal satisfaction that is not sinful, but which can cause us to relinquish our spiritual opportunities.
In contrast, no one who remains true to Christ forfeits the best in life. A commitment to God's Word preserves and enhances, rather than hinders, the enjoyment of one's life. Our enemy Satan often appears as an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14), seeking our consent to yield just once, so that he can gain a foothold, whereby, he gradually takes control of our lives
The Book of Hebrews offers the warning of God: Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation (testing) in the wilderness. . . . Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing (turning away) from the living God (Hebrews 3:8,12-13; see also Psalm 95:8).
Word Studies:
36:4 jubile = refers to every fiftieth year jubilee, when all debts were canceled (see Leviticus 25:10-12,28).
Christ Revealed:
As the inheritance of the children of Israel (Numbers 36:7). While they were given an inheritance of the land that will pass away, we have been given a greater inheritance, one that will not pass away. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who according to His abundant mercy has begotten (through spiritual birth) us again to a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible (imperishable), and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you (I Peter 1:3-4).
Pray For:
Government Official: Rep. Bart Stupak (MI) · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. John A. Hash · Country: Russia (150 million) northeastern Europe and northern Asia · Major language: Russian · Religious freedom · 55% Russian/Armenian/Georgian/Old Believers Orthodox; 9% Muslim; .8% Shamanist/animist; .7% Protestant; .6% Buddhist; .5% Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Know that God answers prayer (Psalm 118:5)
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:13
