Zelophehad’s Daughters - Bold Faith

“Our father died in the wilderness… Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.” — Numbers 27:3-4 (NIV)

In the book of Numbers 27, we are introduced to five sisters; Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah, daughters of Zelophehad. Their father died in the wilderness, and since he had no sons, his name and inheritance risked being lost.

What makes their story profound is that in a male-dominated society where women had limited legal voice, these sisters stepped forward in boldness. They approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting; a space where women rarely stood to request an inheritance.

Their action wasn’t merely cultural defiance; it was an act of faith. They believed in God’s promise to give the land to His people, and they included themselves in that promise. It takes courage to believe God for something when tradition and environment seem to shut you out. These daughters knew who they were, not in societal terms, but in covenant terms. They didn’t wait for someone else to speak for them; they went to the right place, with the right spirit, and made a rightful appeal.

God honored their faith. God told Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right.” That’s huge. Their request wasn’t just granted, it became a rule for all of Israel. What they did changed history for other women. That’s what bold faith can do. When you trust God and take that step, even when everything says you shouldn’t, God honors that. He sees the quiet faith behind your boldness.

Maybe you’ve been feeling like something is off-limits, maybe it’s a promotion, a calling, or even peace in your family. Don’t sit back just because the situation looks like it’s not meant for you. Ask God. Go to Him in prayer like those sisters went to Moses. The worst that can happen is you hear “wait,” but the best that can happen is God says, “You’re right, this is yours too.”

Prayer and Confession
I am not afraid to ask God for what He has promised. I am bold, I am favored, and I have a rightful place in God’s blessings.

Blessed? You're not ordinary.