IN THIS chapter the daughters of Zelophehad come before us once more. In chapter 27 we saw how brightly their faith shone out in their asking for the inheritance of their father in the land the Lord had given them. We saw too how God in His goodness was pleased to meet their request.
But now another danger presents itself and we see the wisdom and grace of God in meeting it. If they were to marry outside their tribe, the inheritance might through them pass out of the tribe’s possession and even the year of jubilee would not restore it again; it would be lost forever.
The Lord guarded against such a happening and commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, “Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry.” Thus the inheritance of each tribe would be secured to it perpetually. The inheritance God gave must remain with those to whom it was given. Nothing must alter it.
What a proof of God’s loving care. And He has done no less for us His heavenly people. Blessed be His name, nothing shall prevent any of His own from enjoying for eternity the inheritance He has prepared for them that love Him.
Peter tells us of “an inheritance, incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.” (1 Pet. 1:4,54To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:4‑5)). Thus we learn that God is keeping the inheritance for us, and He is keeping us for the inheritance.
With this we close this precious Book! What a wonderful record of grace it is! God has brought His people safely through that waste, howling wilderness; the long journey is at an end at last, and just across the Jordan lies the promised land of their inheritance.
And surely, dear young Christian friends, we too are almost at the end of our wilderness journey. The glory land is not far off. Faith can sing,
The glory shines before me,
I am not far from home.
Our blessed Saviour and Lord is coming soon to take us there.
ML-09/22/1974