Eat Mor Chickin, Obey Mor God
In Numbers 36:1-13, we come across the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, a family from the tribe of Manasseh. A few chapters back in Numbers 27, these five daughters approached Moses with a dilemma: their father had died with no sons, and under the inheritance laws of the time, their family line risked being cut off. Moses brought their case before the Lord, and God responded with compassion and justice, granting them the right to inherit their father's land.
But now here in Numbers 36:1-13, another issue arises. What would happen to that inheritance when these daughters got married? In ancient Israel, when a woman married, she joined her husband’s tribe. If the daughters married outside their tribe, their inherited land would transfer to another tribe, altering the tribal boundaries God had established in Numbers 26.
God responds again, providing both clarity and protection. He instructs that the daughters must marry within their father’s tribal clan to preserve the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh. The daughters obey, honoring both God’s provision and His boundaries.
I think about Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-Fil-A. He was a strong Christian business owner who made a bold decision when he first started the fast-food chain, to never open his restaurants on Sundays. People told him that he was crazy, that it would cost him millions. Sunday was one of the busiest days for restaurants.
Yet for Cathy, honoring the Sabbath Day was non-negotiable. He saw his business as a stewardship from God and he wanted to obey God’s principles even if it meant limiting profit. He wanted to operate within God’s boundaries and God’s guidelines. '
The purpose statement of Chick-Fil-A since it was established is "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
Today, Chick-Fil-A grew into one of the most successful fast-food chains in the United States. Remaining closed on Sunday didn’t ruin the business, it actually defined its identity and legacy as a Christian-based restaurant that was obedient to God’s command of the Sabbath. The decision by Cathy has inspired generations of Christian business owners to prioritize their faith, their obedience to God, over financial gain and profit.
In a similar way, the daughters of Zelophehad could have married within other tribes but they would have lost their inheritance. They could have prioritize their desires over God’s decision. Yet they chose to remain in the boundaries God has established through His wisdom and protection. It is within these boundaries that the daughters would continue the familial clan and preserve their inheritance for generations to come.
