Numbers 27

Standing on Holy ground

And they stood before Moses, before Eleazar the priest, and before the leaders and all the congregation, by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, saying: ~ Numbers 27:2

Have you ever felt like you were standing in a place where the rules did not seem to account for your situation, yet you knew deep in your heart that God still cared about your future? There are moments in life when faith requires courage to speak up, patience to trust God’s process, and humility to follow His direction even when change feels uncomfortable. Numbers 27 shows us that God values obedience, righteous boldness, and faithful leadership, and those truths still matter for His people today.

1. God honors faith that steps forward with humility and courage.

The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses because they believed God’s promises applied to them too, even when tradition said otherwise. They did not demand or complain, they presented their case with trust in God’s justice.

When you face a situation where you feel overlooked or uncertain, bring your request to your heavenly Father in prayer before reacting. Then speak with wisdom and respect, trusting that God sees you and knows your heart. Take one small step of obedience instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

2. God’s guidance often comes through seeking Him, not assuming.

Moses did not make a quick decision on his own. He brought the matter before the Lord and waited for God’s answer and instruction. God responded clearly and affirmed what was right.

When you are making a decision about family, work, or ministry, pause and ask God for direction instead of relying only on experience, pressure or what look like the sensible thing to do. Open Scripture, pray specifically, and give God space to guide your next step. Clarity grows when you invite Him into the process.

3. God prepares the next season through faithful leadership and obedience.

Later in the chapter, Moses was instructed to commission Joshua as the next new leader of God’s people. God showed him that leadership is not about control, but about stewardship and preparation for what comes next.

If you are leading or serving others, look for ways to invest in people around you. Encourage growth, share wisdom, and release control where God is calling you to trust Him. Faithful leadership always points others toward God, not self.

There was a time that I was uncertain about my place and if I even had a future. When I finally brought these questions before the Lord, He showed me that He had a plan and purpose all along for my life.  It was immediately and I couldn’t see everything, but as I began to ask for direction, He started directing my steps to get me on track with what His design was for my life. Each time I chose to trust Him instead of forcing my own solution, He met me with direction and peace. It didn’t take long before I understood that asking God for clarity didn’t mean I was weak, it just showed a willing and humble heart to follow the life He had planned for me before the foundation of the world. Turning to Him for wisdom also showed me that following His lead, even when it stretched me, prepared me for responsibilities I could not have handled before.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God sees your situation, hears your prayers, and cares deeply about your future. Step forward in faith when He prompts you, seek His guidance before acting, and walk confidently in obedience knowing that He is faithful to lead you well.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 27

1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 

2 And they stood before Moses, before Eleazar the priest, and before the leaders and all the congregation, by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, saying: 

3 “Our father died in the wilderness; but he was not in the company of those who gathered together against the Lord, in company with Korah, but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. 

4 Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father’s brothers.”

5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord.

6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. 

8 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. 

9 If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. 

10 If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 

11 And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the relative closest to him in his family, and he shall possess it.’ ” And it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

Joshua the Next Leader of Israel

12 Now the Lord said to Moses: “Go up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. 

13 And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered. 

14 For in the Wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to hallow Me at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah, at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin.)

15 Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying: 

16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 

17 who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”

18 And the Lord said to Moses: “Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; 

19 set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight. 

20 And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 

21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the Lord for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him—all the congregation.”

22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 

23 And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Journal:

• Where might God be inviting you to step forward in faith right now
• What decision do you need to bring before the Lord instead of rushing ahead
• Who might God be calling you to encourage or prepare for their next season