In centuries past in human tradition women couldn’t inherit land. It was given to the nearest male relative leaving women vulnerable. Not so here in Numbers 27. There are five daughters of Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh and no sons to receive property as an inheritance. They go before Moses, Eleazar and the leaders of the whole assembly. Moses takes it to God. So Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.” v. 5-7.

God takes care of his people, both male and female. He honors both.

Now we come to a different kind of inheritance. Moses is told by God to go up the mountain in the Abarim Range and see all the land that He is giving to the Israelites. v. 12. Afterward, Moses will be gathered to his people just as Aaron was and all of us will be at the end of our lives on this present Earth. Just as with Aaron, I can’t help but think what a blessing that was; to be told by God when your time is finished and you will be gathered to your people in the way of all life. Moses knew he had nothing to fear because God is with Him all the way. What greater comfort and peace can we possibly have or need?

Moses cared deeply for the people and his concern is now for them. Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” v. 15-17. We have a Shepherd! The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23.

So God chooses who will inherit the leadership of Moses for the people. So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.” v. 18-21.

God took care of every need. The greatest blessing you will ever receive is the peace of knowing God takes care of everything. He is our Shepherd and He never leaves us. He restores our soul. He is the One who leads us on the path of His righteousness and love. Our inheritance is Almighty God, our Shepherd. With that love we find our true peace. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

Moses knew that peace and he knew he was safe in God’s provision and care for him, he wasn’t afraid. The world will never give us that peace; and Moses didn’t receive that peace from the world. Moses knew what he would inherit and it wasn’t a piece of land. He knew he would dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Our true home, our true peace…our inheritance.