Today is International Women’s Day. I will be sharing a few lessons learned from my personal study of God’s word and also from my mother.
For a couple of years now, I have been part of a ministry, whispers and fringes. – a women’s group that studies the scriptures together and shares insights of what they learnt all within a shared bible plan app. As we progressed through the Old Testament, following the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land in the book of Numbers, we were introduced to 5 women, who were the daughters of a man called Zelophehad.
Numbers 27: 1 – 11 (Please read!).
The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah..
When we read the biblical accounts in our age, we tend to compartmentalize the people in biblical times and not relate to them as human beings just like us. Yes, they had the same emotions, faced the same challenges, and required basic human needs like food, shelter, and clothing to start. The difference lies in the time scale and in significant differences in culture, society, and environment. For context, this was a time when women weren’t even included in the census; only men were counted and documented. Also, inheritance was only shared among the males in the family.
They were bold
These 5 women wrote a petition. The timely manner in which they presented their case should also be noted. They understood the times, like the Sons of Issachar, and acted on their request for a property to preserve their father’s name, just as it was distributed to the other sons in the household. What bold move are you supposed to make today, woman of God?
They were learned
Knowledge is understanding and wisdom is the application of knowledge. By the wisdom of God, they started with their father so that no elder could dismiss their case. See, there is a reason why they acknowledged their father’s death. A part of their father’s generation died due to rebellion by following Korah. To avoid a dismissal of the case in the event that the elders or judges lumped Zelophehad in with the rebels, the girls clarified their father’s innocence. “He was not among the Korah’s followers who rebelled against the Lord; he died because of his own sins…” What do you have to do and what do you have to know today, woman of God?
They were persistent but did things the right way
A woman is made in the image of God and loved equally by God. Genesis 5:2 (NLT): He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human.” The daughters petitioned through the right channel by going before Moses, Eleazer, the priest, and the tribal leaders. These were the authorities established and validated by God. We are in the age of a social media explosion and a sudden burst of influence. There are numerous platforms and voices speaking out on different topics each minute. Some speakers are seasoned and rightly sent as ministers in this fallen world, while many more are unseasoned. Discretion and the wisdom of God should be prioritized in who we give our listening ears to. First, do not replace the word of God and your personal devotion with curated short messages floating around. Imagine what would have become of the girls if they had gone to an influencer who gained popularity only because of a passing trend within the community but had no access to Moses? Remember, Zelophehad’s daughters presented their case to Moses, which was duly submitted before the Lord.
They were successful
There is something about trailblazers; they are not afraid of an unmarked forest. They see the overwhelming work and refuse to be intimidated. Many don’t take such paths; they wait for others to do the work, which may be okay too. However, blessed are the pioneers whom the Lord uses to define a path that is often overlooked by others to follow. Because of Zelophehad’s daughters, God revised the laws governing the inheritance allotment to include daughters in the Israelite communities. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV) says, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” The book of Numbers concluded with their story in chapter 36: 10-12, recording their obedience in making sure the land was theirs.
Lessons from my own mother
My parents had four girls, and I am the first. My mother, of blessed memories, took it as an assignment to help us see our value as a part of society. By her principles, no gender is exempt from contributing to and building a better society. She exemplified diligence, tact, principles (You have to be a principled woman), and submission to God. In surrender to the Lord lies the secret ingredient of doing great things.
Today, as I think of her, I am reminded of a striking quote: “A society grows great when elders plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
When we consider the pioneering work of many great women in biblical times and beyond, we will appreciate how far the Lord has brought women and how grand the Lord’s thoughts are towards males and females alike.
A quick update: By the grace of God, I successfully defended my dissertation on February 25th, 2026. The Lord has allowed me and enabled me to get to this point. I return the glory to God!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
