I happened to be perusing through an elementary level world history book recently and discovered a section on ancient Hebrew culture. After some interesting observations the author made this comment; "much like other ancient cultures, the Hebrews were also chauvinistic in there view of women. For example Hebrew women were not allowed to own property."
This author hadn't read Numbers 27. Not only is it factually inaccurate, but it assumes a modern individualistic view of persons. In Hebrew culture, the family was the basic social unit, not the individual. While this may seem foreign to our sensibilities, we would have difficulty finding evidence from our culture that our view is a superior one. We look at Numbers 26 and make the observation: God didn't want women to have property. And yet it was precisely because of God's design that everyone inherited property; through the family line. Furthermore, that property would remain forever in the line of the family; eliminating the potential for massive accumulation of wealth through strategic relationships.
God was removing selfish ambition from the equation while at the same time ensuring that each family was given an appropriate land section based upon their number.
When a husband and wife decide 'we have the right to individual happiness and we are not finding it with each other,' what happens to the kids? However, is it not true that when we stay within the boundaries of God's social design, this protects the family? Individualism and social order are not good bedfellows.
The most important decision I must make in carrying out God's plan for social order is simply this, is my life about me, or about others? I ask this in regards to my marriage, my family, my church, and my community. If we all chose to live for those around us, imagine the beautiful community of grace that is possible!?!
Let's courageously accept God's boundaries and discover the beauty of God's design together.
Aaron
