TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Kings 2:1-12
So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires. - 1 Kings 2:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Imagine what you might do in the final moments of your life on earth.

As you’re lying in your bed, your loved ones gather around you. They believe in God as you do, but they still feel sad to see you go. They’re waiting to hear some final words of advice, some final bit of insight or wisdom.

In this situation, what last words would you have for your family? It’s a question worth considering. Before his death, David had clearly prepared and weighed his last words to his son and heir, Solomon.

The oldest living son, Adonijah, wanted to be king and tried to seize the throne. But thanks to help from Nathan the prophet, Zadok the priest, and Benaiah the warrior, David took decisive steps to cut off Adonijah’s plans and installed Solomon--about age 20 at the time, already with a wife and son--as king (1 Kings 1).

On his deathbed, he charged the new king, son of his beloved Bathsheba: “Be strong, show yourself a man” (v. 2). How to do this? Through obedience born of faith. Solomon should walk in God’s ways and keep His commands (v. 3). If he does so, based on God’s covenant promise, David can say that Solomon’s kingship will prosper.

Why did David make it sound as though God’s promise was conditional upon Solomon’s obedience? We’ve already seen that God Himself would fulfill the covenant in the Person of Jesus Christ. However, whether specific individuals in David’s line would receive the covenant blessings was conditional on their obeying the Mosaic Law. God Himself made this clear to Solomon (2 Chron. 7:17–22).

Lastly, David meted out final justice. He didn’t want any unfinished business. Certain individuals deserved punishment, such as Joab, for his murders, and Shimei, for cursing the king (Ex. 22:28). Others had earned a reward, such as Barzillai, for loyalty during Absalom’s rebellion.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we wrap up this study of 2 Samuel, begin to reflect on what you’ve learned this month. Scripture gives the remarkable testimony that David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). In what ways have you seen David fulfill this description? What elements in his character and spiritual life show it to be true? You may want to read Psalm 86, subtitled “a prayer of David,” for additional answers to these questions. Summarize your observations and insights in any form you wish. Consider them in prayer to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 110:1-2; Revelation 22:12-17
I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. - Revelation 22:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Near the beginning of the book of Revelation, the apostle John saw an awe-inspiring vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:13–18).

“Among the lampstands was someone 'like a son of man,’ dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance . . . He placed His right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!’ ”

Let’s conclude our month’s study by looking ahead to the ultimate completion of 2 Samuel 7:16: Christ is the perfect fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, and among His names are both Branch of David and Root of David (Jer. 33:15; Rev. 22:16).

Jesus Himself and the apostles used a psalm of David to show that He fulfilled the Davidic covenant (Matt. 22:41–46; Acts 2:32–36 referring to Ps. 110:1–2). The son of David was also the Lord of David! After His resurrection victory over sin, Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father.

In John’s vision, Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of all there is (Rev. 22:12–17). He is the Judge who hands down rewards or condemnation. He is the “Root and Offspring of David,” a paradoxical image. Humanly speaking, Jesus descended from David, but from an eternal perspective, He is the great I Am.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus, the Root and Branch of David, and our glorious Hope and Salvation, is coming soon (Rev. 22:12). Meditate on and rejoice in this fact today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 5:1-31
So may all your enemies perish, O Lord! But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in its strength. - Judges 5:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Yankee Doodle went to town, a-riding on a pony, stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.” Almost every American child learns this ditty from the Revolutionary War era. Many cultures have songs dedicated to remembering past military victories or historical milestones. Our reading today, The Song of Deborah, is intended to force our memories back to specific episodes of God's great deliverance (v. 3).

When we encounter poetry, we might tend to hurry to the part of the story that has more plot. Poetry does often require more of our attention and close reading, but God has put some interesting details in this poem that are not found elsewhere.

First, chapter four does not tell us how “the Lord routed Sisera” (4:14). We know that Barak and Deborah were up on Mount Tabor and that Sisera had his troops and those infamous chariots gathered at the Kishon River. We find the details in the Song of Deborah: God unleashed a torrential rainstorm, turning the earth to mud, which rendered Sisera's vaunted chariots worthless (vv. 4, 21).

Second, we learn which tribes joined the battle against their oppressors . . . and which tribes were content to stay home. Reuben, Gilead (Manasseh), Dan, and Asher chose not to join the other Israelites in obeying God's call. Recall that the increasing disunity of Israel is a key theme of Judges.

Finally, we see a contrast between two women, illustrating God's victory over those who oppose Him. Jael executed a fatal blow against the oppressor of God's people, is praised, and her deed recorded in literary slow motion (v. 24). Sisera's mother, eagerly awaiting the spoils of her son's latest pillage, finds herself in the same position as all enemies of God—alone, hopeless, and bereft of everything they love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The Song of Deborah is not the only glorious, poetic account of God's great deeds in Scripture. A few examples include the Song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15, a Maskil of Asaph in Psalm 78, and Mary's Song in Luke 1:46-55. Review these passages, and note the similarities in these praise songs that God has preserved in His Word. You may want to spend extra time meditating on these chapters, or even composing your own song of praise and remembrance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:8-16
You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. - Psalm 61:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
The headline read: “Frugal Woman Leaves Behind Outrageous Fortune.” Indeed considering that the deceased woman had worked most of her life as a receptionist, her $1.2 million estate was quite surprising. She had, however, lived simply and invested wisely.

Now, as her estate was being settled, two great-nieces, who had never been very close to her, were shocked to learn that they were each to receive a sizable sum. Even in their wildest dreams, they couldn’t have anticipated this!

When we hear the word inheritance,we may picture the above scenario--and may even hope that someday we’ll find out that we’ve just inherited a fortune! That’s because inheritance usually refers to the legal transfer of property or valuable possessions from one family member to another member of a subsequent generation.

As believers in Christ, however, the inheritance we’ve been promised makes even a trillion dollars look paltry!

The theme of our study this month--inheritance--weaves throughout Scripture. Early in biblical history, God called Abraham and promised him land and numerous descendents (Gen. 12:1–7). This promise of the land, its conquest and settlement, and later, its loss and restoration, is a major theme throughout much of the Old Testament.

Yet the physical gift of the land was always intended to teach the Israelites the spiritual truth that their true inheritance was God Himself. Notice that the writer of Hebrews says God is not ashamed to be called the God of those who were all along looking for a heavenly country (Heb. 11:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How many times do you think of inheritance only in terms of material goods?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 12:1-7
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “ . . . plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most enduring images from John Steinbeck’s 1938 classic, The Grapes of Wrath,is that of the Joad family finally beholding the lush valleys of California--the promised land. Having been forced to leave their Oklahoma homestead, this family endured hardships and prejudices as they journeyed to a new land--and the promise of a new life.

This picture of a family leaving all they knew helps us imagine what Abraham faced when God called him to leave Ur--a thriving, cultured city. Notice that Abraham set out not knowing exactly where he was heading! It wasn’t until he had actually arrived in the land of Canaan that the Lord revealed that this was the land that would eventually be given to his (still nonexistent) descendents (v. 7).

Scripture calls this land Abraham’s “inheritance” (Heb. 11:. There are, however, some very significant differences between inheritances as we usually understand them and this one. First, human inheritances are often governed by a legal document--a written will. The inheritance Abraham received, however, was “written” in the solemn promise of God (vv. 2, 7); thus it was far more binding than any written human will could ever hope to be.

Secondly, most human inheritances stipulate the distribution of money or real property. Although God did promise Abraham land, it was clear from the very beginning that God’s gift to Abraham went far beyond that and included blessings of many kinds (vv. 2–3). In fact, Abraham never actually received the land (Acts 7:5). Instead, God promised the land to Abraham’s descendents (Gen. 13:15). That’s something human written wills can’t do.

Finally, and most importantly, human inheritances become valid when the benefactor dies (see Heb. 9:16, 17). Clearly God doesn’t die to make His inheritance valid--yet through the death and resurrection of Christ, we have become co-heirs with Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It must have been hard for a “homeless” 75-year-old man with no children to grasp the gift that God was giving to him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 15:1-21
What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. - Isaiah 46:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In June 1215, King John of England was forced to sign one of the most significant documents of the Western world, the Magna Carta, or “Great Charter.” This document gave written protection for the nobility and the church; later, it influenced the political and legal institutions of the United States, including the right to a jury trial.

Significant promises are often guaranteed by either a written document or by a solemn ceremony. Today’s passage records God’s covenantal guarantee of the promises He gave to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–7).

This covenant must have been a great encouragement for Abraham following the threat of foreign kings (Gen. 14) and the prospect of no heir (Gen. 15:2–3). Scholars are divided over the identity of Eliezer--he may have been a slave Abraham acquired in Damascus.

Regardless of who he was, it’s clear that Abraham needed divine assurance that his heir would be his own offspring (v. 4). Genesis 12:4 tells us that Abraham was 75 when he set out for the promised land. The divine promise that he would yet father a child certainly required great faith to believe! But Abra-ham did believe (v. 6), and his faith was the hallmark of his life. Here righteousness is tied to a ready willingness to do what God commands as evidence of one’s relationship with God--no wonder, then, that Abraham’s faith was reckoned as righteous.

God’s covenant with Abraham (vv. 7–21) reveals the steadfastness of His promises. In keeping with the customs of Abraham’s time, God used sacrificed animals to “seal” His covenant with Abraham. Notice how everything about this covenant depended upon God--Abraham was asleep (v. 12)!

Because the actual occupation of the land would be centuries away, God graciously gave Abraham the “divine perspective” on this delay (vv. 13–14)--He would be multiplying and enriching His people while they were in Egypt.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How often do we think of God Himself as our “very great reward” (v. 1)? The world often tells us that a “reward” is a shopping spree, a decadent dessert, or a large financial bonus!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 35:9-15; 46:1-7
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Although only seven years old, Nathaniel already knew that the family farm would be his. As he looked out of the hayloft, all the land that he could see was destined for him. That’s the way it was--his great-grandfather had given the farm to his grandfather, who had given it to his father. Although Nathaniel wouldn’t receive the land until later, he never doubted that this farm would eventually belong to him.

Jacob probably didn’t survey the promised land from a hayloft, but most likely he grew up well aware of the promise God had given to his grandfather, Abraham, and then to his father, Isaac.

Yesterday we saw that God used a covenant to seal His promise to Abraham. One “sign” of this covenant was the name change--from Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5). Changing one’s name was a common means of affirming a promise. Thus God reconfirmed His promise to Jacob by changing his name to Israel (Gen. 35:10)--the eventual name for both the nation and its people.

Significantly, as Jacob returned to the land from his sojourn with Laban (where the promise of numerous descendents began to be fulfilled--see Gen. 29:31---30:24), the Lord appeared to him, again assuring him that the promised inheritance would be his.

Just as Abraham and Isaac had done, Jacob built an altar to the Lord in Bethel, which means “House of God.” In addition to testifying to God’s presence, building an altar symbolically anticipated the nation of Israel’s eventual occupation of the land.

The severe famine that struck the land (Gen. 41:53–57; 43:1) appeared to be a major obstacle to the promised inheritance. Thus God assured Jacob that He had His purposes in bringing him and his family into Egypt (Gen. 46:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have your ever felt like God was leading you in exactly the wrong direction necessary for accomplishing His purposes?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 5:22-6:8
Even from eternity I am He . . . I act and who can reverse it? - Isaiah 43:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book, Eternity in Their Hearts,Don Richardson provides numerous accounts of previously unevangelized people who had a particular legend handed down from ages past. Despite widely-scattered geographic regions, these tales are remarkably similar, often describing some type of “book of knowledge” that had been taken away from the group because of transgression. Yet this book would someday be restored--brought back by people from far away.

That’s pretty amazing considering these people groups were illiterate! Somehow God had prepared their hearts for the advent of missionaries who would bring both the Word of God and literacy.

This type of “heart preparation” may be close to what the Jews in Egypt received. The story of God’s promise to their ancestor Abraham must have been recounted over and over. However hard it may have been to believe, it’s possible there wasn’t a descendent of Abraham who didn’t know the story.

Eventually God raised up a leader for His oppressed people in Egypt. Yet even Moses seemed to have a hard time believing that the promise given to Abraham would soon begin to be fulfilled. So, after forty years of desert training, the Lord reiterated to Moses the promise of the inheritance given to Abraham.

First, God reminded Moses of who He was (Ex. 6:2) and that He was the same One who had appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 3). Then, He reminded Moses that He had not forgotten the covenant in which He promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendents (v. 4). In fact, God’s promise of the land to Abraham became the basis of the nation’s confidence that God would deliver them from Egypt and lead them to the promised land (v. .
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s easy to lose sight of eternity, perhaps because heaven often seems far off.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 15:1-21
Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? - Exodus 15:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
You don’t have to remember much about Greek mythology to know that Mount Olympus was the home of the Greek gods and goddesses. From its peak, Zeus hurled down lightning bolts on those who had earned his displeasure. A pantheon of deities “controlled” human destinies from the unapproachable heights of this mountain.

The association between mountains and gods was common in the ancient world. Critics of the Bible like to believe that this explains the origins of today’s passage, but we will see significant differences between ancient mythologies and the idea of the mountain of God’s inheritance (Ex. 15:17).

For one thing, this passage is a praise hymn composed by Moses to the Lord, extolling Him for His miraculous acts of deliverance. The immediate context of this passage is the crossing of the Red Sea, when the entire nation was safely delivered from Egypt, but when Pharaoh’s army was drowned (vv. 1, 4–5).

The ten plagues “proved” beyond any doubt God’s complete sovereignty over Egyptian gods--no wonder Moses exclaimed that no other “god” could ever be like the One True God (v. 11). Whereas Canaanite and Egyptian deities were limited to a specific geographic region, God’s mighty acts revealed His sovereignty over the entire earth.

Furthermore, God identified Himself on the basis of relationship (for example, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”) and not on the basis of any particular location. That’s important, because verse 17 says that God actually was leading His people to the mountain of His “inheritance” (probably a reference to the entire promised land) to establish them firmly there. In ancient mythologies, people were driven from the gods’ mountain, not graciously planted and nurtured on it!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although most of us don’t think of God inhabiting a certain place, we may be guilty of thinking He inhabits a certain time--Sunday morning.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 19:1-6; Deuteronomy 7:6-11
[H]e is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. - Deuteronomy 7:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
When Scott Siegel knew that God wanted him to ask Charis to be his wife, he prayed to find just the right diamond for her ring. This diamond needed to reflect her purity, her radiance, and above all, her preciousness--both in his sight, but more importantly, in God’s sight.

Many people think of diamonds as precious possessions, but how many believers think of themselves in this way? Yet this is exactly what 1 Peter 2:9–10 says! This truth is rooted in the Old Testament. Yesterday we saw that the promised land to which God was leading His people was His own special possession (Ex. 15:17). Today we’ll see that the people themselves were also His own special possession (Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6).

The context for Exodus 19 is important. Recall that the people had just experienced God’s redemptive acts that delivered them out of Egypt (Ex. 14–15). Following this, the people miraculously received manna and quail (Ex. 16), water from rocks, and victory over their enemies (Ex. 17). Such actions revealed God’s special care and love for His people, and today’s passages reemphasize this truth.

Exodus 19:5 introduces two very important concepts: covenant obedience and God’s election, or unmerited choice, of the nation. Although some people think that this verse puts a condition on God’s promises, God’s covenant was evidence of His love and choice of the nation. Obeying God’s covenant flowed from the people’s special status and demonstrated their love for Him.

God’s holy commands showed the people how they would be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6; Deut. 7:6). In essence, because they were to occupy God’s holy land, they needed to abide by His holy commands (Ex. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you think of yourself as a treasured possession? Because this concept is a bit hard to grasp, why not make it more concrete through the following activity?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 18:20-24; Deuteronomy 18:1-2
I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites. - Numbers 18:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The life of George Mueller is a picture of complete dependence upon the Lord. Burdened by the plight of England’s numerous orphans, Mueller opened a children’s home in Bristol in 1836. So sure was Mueller of God’s ability to provide all the material needs of the orphanage, he resolved to bring every need to the Lord in prayer. For the remaining 68 years of his life, the Bristol children’s home, as well as others built later, were completely run by faith. Some of these homes continue to operate today.

In many respects, the Levites were to have been a similar “object lesson,” illustrating to the rest of the nation a life completely dependent upon the Lord. A little background is helpful here.

Early on, the Levites had been set apart for the priestly office (Ex. 32:26–29). The direct descendents of Aaron were priests, while the remaining descendents of Levi assisted them. Together the priests and Levites were entrusted with teaching the Law, maintaining the sanctuary, and offering sacrifices--in short, they were to foster and ensure proper worship.

When the promised land was allotted, a portion was given to each of the tribes of Israel (Num. 26:52–56)--each tribe, that is, except the Levites (Num. 18:20; Deut. 18:1). Although the Levites were not to receive land, they were to receive the tithes (Num. 18:21, 24) and offerings (Deut. 18:1) from the people, and special cities (Num. 35:28).

Most importantly, however, the “inheritance” of the Levites was God Himself (Num. 18:20; Deut. 18:2). Thus the Lord used the Levites as a picture of several important spiritual realities.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God still uses tithes to provide for those set apart in a special way for His service.

Although we’re all in His service, some are called to ministries in which they are dependent upon the body of Christ for their support.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Leviticus 25:1-28
Blessed is he who has regard for the weak . . . the LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land. - Psalm 41:1, 2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Every major U.S. earthquake results in modifications to building codes for commercial buildings and private homes. Strict regulations dictate how houses must be attached to their foundations and where--even if--brick may be used. New building projects require countless permits and inspections. Even existing buildings must sometimes be retrofitted to become compliant.

At times, the number of codes to be met must seem unbearable to architects and contractors. But in the end, everyone knows why such attention to structural detail is so important--newer building codes have dramatically decreased earthquake-related deaths in the United States.

As you read through today’s passage, you may have felt that you too were reading a series of “codes.” Why so many laws and regulations about the land even before any of the twelve tribes had stepped foot in it? Since the land was God’s divine gift to His people, it had to be possessed and protected accordingly. The gift of the land was not to be abused through over- farming (Lev. 25:1–7). Moreover, by leaving the land fallow every seven years, the poor would receive needed care (vv. 5–7).

Today’s passage shows that God had also ensured the protection of each Israelite family’s land allotment. The land, which ultimately belonged to God, could not be sold permanently (v. 23). Therefore, poor individuals (or their descendents) who had been forced to sell their land to survive would have the opportunity to make a fresh start in the Jubilee year (v. 10). The Jubilee was a gracious provision to preserve human life and dignity and to protect the gift of God’s inheritance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Strict earthquake building codes exist because legislators believe human life is precious and worth protecting.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-19
Do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. - Deuteronomy 6:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
A popular guide to downhill skiing contains the following caution about off-limits areas: “Ski patrollers don’t close trails just because they like to string ropes. Trails are closed because of a hazard . . . Ducking a rope is illegal . . . doing so may get you hurt or even killed.”

On a much more glorious and profound level, today’s passage teaches a similar principle. God’s commands were designed for the benefit of the people when they conquered and possessed the land (Deut. 6:18). His commandments were like ropes blockading the dangers of sin. Ducking these “ropes,” or disregarding His holy laws, would also result in hurt or even death.

The primary command in today’s passage is complete devotion to the Lord (vv. 4–5) and obedience to His commands. Verse 6 refers back to the second statement of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5 (cf. Ex. 20).

These were God’s commands, they were about life--life as God had intended and life as it was to be lived in the promised land. Thus the people were to have these commandments in their heart (v. 6), to impress them upon their children, and to ponder them throughout the day (v. 7).

This strong exhortation to live by God’s commands was an extremely important preparation to enter the land. Because of the land’s lavish abundance, the people could easily forget the Provider (v. 12) by focusing on the provision.

Only by steadfastly focusing on the Lord would the people avoid being ensnared by foreign gods. The jealousy of God (v. 15) reveals His special care and love for His beloved children, because worship of any other “god” only leads to ruin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Material abundance is often accompanied by the temptation to focus on the provision and to forget the One who is the Provider.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 26:52-56; Deuteronomy 19:14
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong. - Proverbs 23:10–11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most little children have a highly developed understanding of fairness, particularly with regard to allotted portions of dessert!

The concept that each individual is entitled to an equal share of the cake rarely needs to be explained or reviewed. Deep down, there is the awareness that life is governed by certain inalienable rules. When these rules are properly adhered to (meaning that everyone gets the same sized piece of cake) dessert time goes pretty well; real (or perceived) disregard to these rules results in discord.

Equitable distribution is also important to God, as today’s passage shows. Numbers 26 records the second census taken prior to entering the land. The first census was a military one taken in preparation for the land’s conquest. Between that census and the one recorded here, however, was a sad series of disobedient actions that eventually wiped out the original generation that had been led out of Egypt (Num. 26:63–65).

The census recorded in today’s passage was taken in preparation of the division of the promised land. Like the first census, this one occurred prior to the actual occupation of the land. An entire disobedient, unbelieving generation had to be rooted out, but God was faithful to His promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendents.

The allotment of the promised land was based on the needs of each tribe--larger tribes received more land, smaller ones received less land (v. 54). The actual allotment was carried out by lot. This process may have involved specially marked stones that were thrown, much like dice (Num. 33:54). The use of lots was an ancient means of entrusting the final outcome of decisions or distribution of land into God’s hands. Although the land was divided according to tribes’ needs, its ultimate distribution was under God’s control.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Moving boundary markers directly defied God’s wisdom in distribution.

Although we probably haven’t moved any ancient stones lately, we may have defied God’s wisdom by coveting what God has given to others, such as natural talents and abilities, spiritual gifts, a loving spouse, or a good family.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 27:1-11; 36:1-13
With righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. - Isaiah 11:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
James B. Duke, who made a fortune in tobacco, textiles, and hydroelectric power, was committed to philanthropic causes. When he died in 1925, his estate, valued in the hundreds of millions, went to his only child, Doris, who carried on the family tradition of charity by giving away over $400 million.

Apart from the staggering sums of money, the fact that James Duke left his money to his daughter should not be surprising--after all it’s generally assumed that an inheritance will pass to an individual’s offspring, even if that offspring is female.

In ancient Israel, however, inheritances normally passed to sons, who provided for their sisters until they married. Today’s passage records a surprising new development. A certain man, Zelophehad, died with no sons, but five daughters. Fearful that their family’s share in the promised land would be jeopardized by the absence of male heirs, these five daughters brought their case before Moses (Num. 27:1–3).

It’s clear that Moses took the daughters’ appeal seriously, for he brought it before the Lord, who then “ruled” that the daughters had a right to inherit. Additionally, a new order of succession for inheritance was established (Num. 27:8–11). This “case law” was important, because in ancient Israel the family name was integrally linked to its property. If the inheritance were to pass out of the family, the family name was threatened (v. 4).

Numbers 36 emphasizes how important it was to keep the land within the tribe to whom it had been given. To prevent the land from passing out of the family through marriage, a new stipulation was added to Numbers 27--inheriting daughters were to marry within their own tribe (36:6).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage shows that God protects justice, especially in cases where individuals might be overlooked.