Is God sexist? There are a lot of opinions out there. In the world and in the church, but what does God say about Himself?
I love the story of Zelophehad’s daughters in the book of Numbers, chapter 27. Israel was a patriarhcal culture. Family lines and inheritance were traditionally determined by one’s gender. But then Zelophehad’s daughters came onto the scene. Their father had died and they had no brother, so they went to Moses to ask that their father’s property be passed to them instead of to their uncles.
Moses didn’t know how to answer them, so, being the unassuming leader that he was, he took it before the Lord. And God had their back! He told Moses that they were correct to ask for this; their request should be granted.
This had never been done before in all of Israel’s history! How humble of Moses to take their request to God instead of replying in a patronizing way, “This is a patriarchal society. Inheritance must stay within the men’s hands.” He took it to the Lord and the Lord found their request valid. It was not fair for them to lose inheritance and their father’s name to be erased simply because they did not have a brother. I love how God sticks up for them in the sight of all of Israel and makes a statute that will follow for years after.
But what if the daughters had not asked? What if they had just assumed that God was sexist and favored boys? I believe they would have lost out. Their inheritance would have gone to someone else. As a parent, I’m very willing to give my child what he asks for, if it’s fitting to give it. If he doesn’t ask, I assume he doesn’t want it, and I don’t press the issue. If he wants something, it’s very clear!
Perhaps God is like that. Of course, He provides all that we need, but what of our desires? If we want something, we are expected to come boldly to the throne where our Father sits and ask. What holds us back from our request? Do we have a correct view of God as a loving, generous Father? Or do we hang back, assuming that He is defined by the traditions of our cultures and churches. Let’s continue to remind our hearts of His goodness and present our requests before Him. Who knows what we’ll end up with?
