Bible Study - Joshua 17

S - Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, "The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers." So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
Joshua 17:3–4 ESV

O - Commentary:
Special note is taken of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a great-great grandson of Manasseh. Because their father died without sons they, as the Lord had declared in this and other such cases, should receive the inheritance (cf. Num. 27:1–11). They now went to the high priest Eleazar (Aaron's son, Josh. 24:33) who with Joshua and the tribal leaders oversaw the allotments to the tribes (cf. 19:51). These five women claimed and received their portion within the territory of Manasseh. This incident is significant, for it shows a concern for the rights of women at a time when most societies regarded them as mere chattel.

Donald K. Campbell, "Joshua," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 360.

A - God sees us. These five daughters could have been overlooked by culture and customs. Instead, they stood on earlier declarations and were given their land. We need to be bold and confident in the things God has for us. He knows what is best and promises to provide for us the things we need.

R - Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to You. Thank You for Your daily provision that meets our needs. Empower us to be confident in the things You have called us to do, while recognizing that You are our source. We can approach today with strength and humility.