Does the Bible Undermine the Woman? (3)

Women's right to inherit land and other property is severely restricted in many parts of the world. Under customary law, which is upheld in many countries in Africa, at a man's death, his property is either inherited by his adult sons or, if his children are minors, repossessed by his family.

Similarly, in ancient Israel, women were denied the right to inherit land. When a man dies, only the male descendants could inherit his lands. If there were no male descendants, then according to accepted practice, the brothers of the deceased were to inherit the land.

However, the daughters of Zelophehad would not be disinherited by tradition (Num 27). With tact and dignity, they made a bold move to demand what rightfully belonged to their father. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah came before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the chieftains, and the whole assembly of male leadership. "Let not our father’s name be lost...just because he had no son! Give us a holding among our father’s kinsmen!" (vv. 3-4).

In a culture, with a social construct that rigidly defined women's roles, rights, and responsibilities, this was unthinkable; it was unheard of. Moses didn't even know how to react. He decided to bring their case before God (v.5). Surprisingly, God supported the sisters' position. "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. "God commanded Moses to grant the demand of the sisters (v. 7).

It is significant to note the acumen displayed by the Zelophehad sisters to recognize the
omission in 'God’s law'. They knew enough that God’s law aims to be just, as such they did not hesitate to point out the unfair nature in which the law had been interpreted to exclude them and their kind from the commonwealth of the nation.

It is also significant that Moses did not overrule them, but rather gave them a fair hearing, and even appealed to the Ultimate Judge on their matter. God's intervention was a significant shift. The ladies did not only secure their inheritance, but their demand also led to an innovation in the legal institution of the land; the promulgating of a new and permanent law that protected women's right to inheritance (v. 8).

Again, we see vividly another instance that proves that the Bible is not discriminatory against women, neither does God endorse patriarchal structures that tend to restrict or suppress the woman.

In my next post, I'll be highlighting some radical statements or expressions in the Old Testament that was countercultural to the androcentric worldview of Bible times.

To be continued...