The Power of Women

When do you suppose women’s rights and activism began: the U.S. Women’s Suffrage movement of 1920? Perhaps as early as the reign of Cleopatra in the 60s BC? I argue there is an account of women influencing society well over 3,000 years ago. My source…Numbers chapter 27.

According to Mosaic law when a man died his inheritance went to his son(s). In Numbers 27 we read that five daughters approached Moses and the leaders declaring their father had died and there were no sons to leave an inheritance to. They contended they should all receive it so they could eventually pass on the inheritance to future male family members in order to keep the family name alive. Believe me, women speaking up to the Jewish leaders was not a common--nor expected--occurrence.

Apparently this situation had never been approached to Moses because he did not recite any law… he conferred with the Lord on the matter. The Lord was very quick to tell Moses these women were absolutely right. A revised law was soon implemented to incorporate numerous situations regarding inheritances.

I don’t know about you, but this is a very telling story; not just about the faith and boldness of these women, but also the justness of our Lord and Creator.

Although men are abundantly written about and lauded throughout history, I find these sometimes unnoticed stories of women standing strong in their beliefs and courageous in their actions much more impressive and powerful. I am truly grateful for the women in my life as well...and thank God for them every day.

Greg Morton
© September 1, 2012

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