We tend to use the “theys” in our lives as a factual source. We don’t even have to hear an actual name; we just hear the “they” and take it as fact.

“They say the food is amazing.”

“They say college loans will be forgiven soon.”

“They say that she is bulimic.”

“They say that he is bad news.”

There are five sisters named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah in the Bible who most likely heard a lot of talk from  “they” that could’ve shaped their identities for the worse and ruined their lives.

When reading in Numbers 27, we learn about these five sisters, also known as the Daughters of Zelophehad. Zelophehad was a man from the tribe of Manassah who died in the wilderness. He had no sons, but only daughters. So here we pick up the story. These five women had lost their father and had no brothers. When the inheritance of the tribes were being handed out, they were not given a portion of the land because they were women. In the culture up until this point, inheritance only passes through sons. Since Zelophehad had no sons, it meant that his name, his land, and everything he had acquired in life would disappear.

In this situation, a lot of people were stating their opinions that were perceived as facts.

They said women had no rights.

They said Zelophehad’s inheritance was gone.

They said the five sisters would be outcasts.

They said these 5 women did not belong.

They said there was no hope.

And guess what? Until this point of the story, the “theys” were technically correct. The wilderness culture at this time in history did not allow women to have an inheritance. If the sisters listened to what “they” said, then the sisters would have been without hope, for in the natural realm the sisters were hopeless. But that isn’t the end of the story.

These five sisters didn’t agree with what “they” were saying. I can imagine them thinking to themselves, “our situation will never have hope if we don’t do something. Let’s cling to hope that God is good, even though we don’t see that goodness in the moment.” So, the sisters hoped against hope that God could be good, even when the circumstances were dire.

The daughters of Zelophehad then acted in a way that isn’t recorded in history of being done before: they went in front of Moses, the leaders, and the entire community to respectfully petition the law. This was radical for that time. Nobody, especially not women, rose up to challenge the cultural norms and legal structures set in place. Who knew how “they” would respond?

Even though it was radical what the five women did, something caused Moses and the others to listen, and Moses took their petition to the Lord. And the Lord listened and granted them favor. The Lord changed the inheritance law from that day forward, for them and also for every woman following them.

The women left that meeting with the favor of man and of God. The five daughters were given their father’s inheritance, and they also changed the legal structure for the generations to come. These women were who we originally coined the term “SLAY QUEEN!” for, because they were bold and courageous and made a huge difference not only in their own lives but in the generations to come.

Why did the daughters of Zelophehad act so radically and have such favor? I believe it is because these five women didn’t care about what “they” said.

They said women had no rights. God said women have all rights.

They said Zelophehad’s inheritance was gone. God said it was there for the women to receive.

They said the five sisters would be outcasts. God said they were special and chosen.

They said these 5 women did not belong. God said they belonged.

They said there was no hope. God said not only do you have hope, but you generations after you have hope too.

Let me ask you a question: What have “they” said to you that seems factual? Maybe “they” aren’t actually a factual source at all…

They say your past mistakes define you. God says He has made you a new creation.

They say your life is too hard to keep going. God says you will see His goodness in the land of the living.

They say you are lonely. God says He is closer than a brother, and a faithful friend, and a husband, and a father.

They say you are insecure. God says He is our foundation and that we can be secure in Him.

They say you are unloved. God says you are so loved that He gave His son’s life for you.

They say you are depressed. God says you have joy in Him.

They say you are confused and need direction. God says He is our guide and our way.

They say you are a doubter and unbeliever. God says He is the author of our faith.

They say you are in bondage. God says you’re set free!

They say you are in financial distress. God says He is the provider.

They say you will try everything and still come up empty. God says that He is our satisfaction.

They say you have to take matters into your own hands. God says He is vengeance. 

They say you are sick. God says you are healed.

When God steps into our lives, the “theys” no longer have the power. They don’t get to tell you who you are. Just as in this obscure story in Numbers, “they” lost their influence when God stepped into the scene. All the women had to do was bring their petition before the Lord.

If you are struggling with what “they” are saying over your life, I encourage you to petition God. We no longer have to do like these women, who had to go to the leaders in order to get through to God; instead, we can go straight to His throne room because we have full access to Him through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6 tells us “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God…” and the passage goes on to tell us how He listens to those prayers and petitions, He brings peace, and He helps us live well.

They don’t define you. Jesus does.

Do not listen to what “they” say over your life. If the five sisters would have listened to what “they” said, then they would’ve lost their lives. But, they knew there was a higher power, a higher authority, that could change their fate in a moment. Just as they did, I encourage you to find your identity in the one who has the final say, the strongest voice, and the miraculous power to change your entire circumstance with one word: Jesus. Listen to him. He changes everything.

“They” say a lot of things; but, who are “they” anyways?