YOUTH STS LESSON 118 THE LAW OF INHERITANCE AND THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSHUA

TEXT: Numbers 27:1-23; 36:1-13  

MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them” (Numbers 27:6,7).

Our previous lesson exposed us to the command God gave Moses to number Israel. He specifically told him the age group to be counted (Numbers 26:2). It is worthy of note that Moses acted promptly on the Lord’s command and ordered the numbering of the children of Israel. Today, we shall be considering the law of inheritance ordained by the Lord (Numbers 27:1-11). The inheritance was not transferable (Numbers 36:1-13). This is one of the reasons God commanded Israel to be counted.

Question 1: (a) What is an inheritance?

                      (b) What is God’s inheritance for Christian youths today?

An inheritance is a property, or a title received from someone when they die. In the New Testament, an inheritance is the purchased right to God’s blessings through Christ to all who accept Him by faith as Lord and Saviour. Some of the inheritances purchased by Christ through His death include redemption, restoration, righteousness, revival, renewal, recovery of health, etc. (Ephesians 1:11,12). Through Christ, we obtain “eternal redemption”, which qualifies us to “receive the promise of eternal inheritance”, which is incorruptible, undefiled and “fadeth not away, reserved in heaven” for you (Hebrews 9:12,15; 1 Peter 1:4). Also, in our text, we shall see the appointment of Joshua as the successor of Moses, the man of God. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him” (Numbers 27:18).

1.THE REQUEST OF THE DAUGHTERS OF ZELOPHEHAD FOR INHERITANCE

Numbers 27:1-11; 26:33; 33:54; Deuteronomy 4:20; John 14:1-3; Ephesians 1:11-14,18; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:3,4; Numbers 36:5-8; 1 Kings 21:1- 3.

The journey of the children of Israel from Egypt into the Promised Land was almost complete but many people had died. Among them was the death of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:3). As the practice was, only the male children were entitled to inheritance (Genesis 48:5,6; 31:14,15). This is because God ordered the land to be inherited according to the tribes of their fathers (Numbers 26:55). By implication, it means that his name would be erased from the generation of Israel since he did not have any son to possess his inheritance. This was the concern of his five daughters and they presented their case before Moses, the man of God. The way and manner in which they did so is very instructive. These five daughters were determined not to be left without inheritance. They went to Moses, the man of God, because they had inner conviction that He would give the right judgment.

Question 2: What should youths do whenever they feel they are denied of their rights?

Christian youths should be lovers of peace. The case of the daughters of Zelophehad made it clear that there might be some incidence in which the action taken by an individual is not very clear to you. However, scriptural process of resolution should be followed. At home, youths should endeavour to present their cases before their parents. Such cases should be presented prayerfully and respectfully.  When this is done, if it is God’s will, be sure of a positive result. The same thing should be applied to similar cases in the school. As God’s children, we should not partake in any violent means of getting our rights (Romans 13:13,14).

Question 3: What do you learn from the attitude portrayed by Zelophehad’s five daughters?

Furthermore, the daughters of Zelophehad did not murmur or show any act of discontent. Rather, they followed the process. This is a very good example for boys and girls. The daughters of Zelophehad had: (1) faith in the power and promise of God, and His ability to give them the Promised Land for possession (Genesis 17:1-8).

(2) Fervent desire for a place and name in the Promised Land (Joshua 14:12).

(3) Firm respect and honour for their father whose name was dear to them, though he had died (Exodus 20:12). Thank God, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, the church has designed and created the youth’s ministry for proper and prompt care of youths. Like the daughters of Zelophehad, you have leaders in the church who you can trust with your cases. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” (Ephesians 6:1-2). Youths must prioritise obedience before claiming their right to divine inheritance and promises. Meanwhile, the inheritance desired by Zelophehad’s daughters was earthly, perishable, corruptible and yet they earnestly desired it. But we should desire strongly a place and a name in heaven where Christ is preparing mansions for us (John 14:1,2; 1 Peter 1:4). Moses’ manner of life was that of seeking to know the will of God at all times and in all matters. He realised that man only knows in part, so anytime he had any need or problem (personal or national), his habit was to pray to God for solution. “And Moses brought their cause before the LORD” (Numbers 27:5). No wonder he succeeded and God testified to his faithfulness (Hebrews 3:2). For youths to succeed and be in the will of God in life, they should follow the example of Moses. The request of the daughters of Zelophehad did not only yield a positive result from God, but marked the beginning of perpetual law of dividing inheritance in Israel (Numbers 27:8- 11). From that time, inheritance of a man who dies without a son is to be passed to his daughter(s) who must marry from her father’s kinsmen. If he has no daughter, it will be passed to his brethren and so to his kinsmen. In this, we see that God is considerate and impartial, and His laws are meant for our good.

2.THE DIVINE CHOICE OF MOSES’ SUCCESSOR

Numbers 27:12-23; 12:5-8; Hebrews 3:1-6; Matthew 9:36,37; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9; 2 Timothy 2:1,2; Acts 20:28.

In our text, God asked Moses to get to the mount of Abarim and see the land of Canaan, which He promised the children of Israel. But, he would not enter the promised land because he rebelled against the word of God at the water of Meribah. A careful look into the dealings of God with man shows that “…there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). Moses the man of God is acknowledged as being a meek and faithful servant of God. The Bible testified of him in this way: “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth). My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house” (Numbers 12:3,7). A moment of carelessness and carnality due to pressure from the children of Israel led him to rebel against God’s instruction at Kadesh (Numbers 27:14).

Question 4: What was the concern of Moses for Israel as revealed in his request?

“And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation” (Numbers 27:15, 16). The leadership qualities of Moses are summarized in this verse of the Scripture: “Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses faithful in all his house” (Hebrews 3:2). He was a true shepherd who mindful of the children of Israel possessing the land. He requested that God would appoint someone to lead the children of Israel safely to the Promised Land. He was very considerate and unselfish. He was different from some leaders in Israel who later emerged after him. They were, “…pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep…” (Jeremiah 23:1). Christian youths should beware of such leaders! Youth workers should also pray to God whenever there is need to appoint Youth Choir members, School Fellowship Officers, Instructors and Students’ Representatives. This will help us to make the right choice. “…Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him” (Numbers 27:18).

Question 5: Why did God choose Joshua as Moses’ successor?

The reason Joshua was chosen was because he had the Spirit of God. To carry out the work of God effectively, there must be genuine salvation, sanctification and infilling of the Holy Spirit (Micah 3:8). Also, Joshua was a dedicated and devoted servant. He waited patiently for Moses at Mount Sinai when he went to receive the Ten Commandments from the Lord. He was always separated from sinners. He severed himself from the ten spies that brought evil reports when sent to spy the land of Canaan and during the time Israel made a molten calf for worship (Exodus 32:17, 18; Numbers 14:6-10). Joshua was a selfless and mighty man of valour who fought for Israel and God gave them victory (Exodus 17:13,14). “And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight” (verse 19). After his appointment, Moses was instructed to set him before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation. The purpose was to give him charge and put some of his honour upon him so that the children of Israel would obey him. Joshua was directed to receive counsel from the priest. “And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses” (verse 23). As Moses’ manner was, he was faithful in carrying out the command of God. The challenge to obey God comes to us, today. As the Lord has committed much into our hands, we need to have courage to be obedient to Him. The call to repentance, setting right our lives and preaching the gospel will be defeated, unless we are strong and courageous to move on despite all odds. Do not allow the fear of people or personal weakness to impede your obedience to the word of the Lord. Therefore, “…I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage” (Joshua 1:5,6).

3.DIVINE PRECEPTS NOT TO TRANSFER INHERITANCE

Numbers 36:1-13; 27:1-11; 1 Kings 21:1-4; Hebrews 12:15- 17; Revelation 2:25; 3:11; Proverbs 22:28; 23:10; Colossians 3:12-15; 1 Corinthians 14:40.

The children of Gilead were the descendants of Manasseh, the first son of Joseph (Genesis 48:1,5,14). The chief fathers of Gilead came to Moses and the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel, to make their request (Numbers 36:2). The elders were wise and humble in their approach like their nieces’ (Numbers 27:1-4). They based their request on the commandment the Lord gave to Moses on how the land should be shared and on the inheritance of Zelophehad their brother, which was given to his daughters. A fundamental principle of Hebrew society was that no inheritance should be transferred. This came from the idea that the land was given by God to the children of Israel. Also, inheritance should be removed to another tribe. The law given the children of Israel are the inheritance of God. Therefore, no by God through Moses directed that the first born had the right to a double portion of the father’s possession (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). The other sons will also receive their share. However, if there were no sons, the property went to the daughters like in the case of Zelophehad (Numbers widow was left without children, the nearest kinsman to the 36:6,7). This was an instruction to a specific tribe. Also, if a husband had the right of marrying her and the inheritance will remain within the family (Ruth 3:12, 13).

God did not permit the transfer of inheritance among the children of Israel. Naboth refused King Ahab from taking away his father’s inheritance, even though the king was unhappy with him (1 Kings 21:3).

Question 6: Mention people who allowed others take away their physical and spiritual inheritances.

“And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” (Genesis 25:31,32). Jacob requested from Esau his birthright just for bread and pottage of lentils. He consented and lost everything, both the physical and spiritual blessings attached to the birthright because he despised it (Genesis 25:34). Despite his effort to recover it, he was rejected (Hebrews 12:16, 17). Judas also lost his inheritance (Acts 1:16-20). From the above, we learn that we should watch over all the blessings God has given us whether physical or spiritual to avoid it being taken away by enemies (John 10:10). “And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well” (Numbers 36:5). Immediately the Gileadites made their request, God responded through Moses that, “The tribe of the sons of Joseph hath said well”. This should give us an encouragement and motivation to pray more, believing God for a quick response to our prayers (Isaiah 65:24). The Lord granted the daughters of Zelophehad the permission to marry “only to the family of the tribe of their father”, “to whom they think best”. Marriage is a personal issue. However, God is interested in your marriage. The institution of marriage was from Him. “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). Therefore, a Christian must marry in accordance with the Scriptures. “Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad” (Numbers 36:10). The daughters of Zelophehad obeyed the commandment of the Lord without any delay. As Christian youths, we should obey Christ without delay.