Numbers 26:33  (Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah.) (NIV)

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Preachers and parishioners alike struggle to pronounce certain biblical names. I have found it best to give it my best shot with confidence and keep moving. 

Some biblical names sound funny. For example, consider the daughters of Zelophehad in today’s verse and mentioned also in Numbers 27:1-11 and 36:1-12. Saying the name Hoglah in the manner of those of us who grew up in East Texas is guaranteed to make boys laugh. Calling a girl a hog is hilarious to the average sixth-grade male. 

An aunt told me years ago about Texas Governor Jim Hogg. She said he had three daughters named Ima, Ura, and Wera. This is not true. He did have a daughter named Ima. Again, seventh-grade boys studying Texas History will actually read this part of the textbook and snicker. They might even call someone they consider unattractive by the late governor’s daughter’s name. 

Before we giggle at Zelophehad’s daughters’ names, let’s consider what they mean. Hoglah means Partridge. The partridge’s distinct movements make it look like it is dancing. Mahlah’s name is associated with Justice, Equality, and Resilience. Noah is a well-known name meaning Motion or Movement, like dancing. It can also mean Initiative. Milkah means Queen or Counsel. Tirzah means Delight. 

This certainly spins the story in a different direction than badly-behaved boys would lead us to believe. These names reflect their parents’ love and affection. They speak of the hopes and dreams of those who raised them. 

Those hopes and dreams led these strong-minded young women to argue a case before what was the Wilderness version of the Supreme Court. Their case was about family honor, property rights, and the fact that God loves girls just as much as, and maybe more than, snickering boys. 

These women moved from a place of loss to a place of favor and delight that almost assuredly led to celebrative dancing. 

Let’s keep in mind that even if someone, anyone, is mocked or loathed in this old world, God loves him or her just as if he or she were the only person alive. He wants his highest and best for that one everyone else puts down or works to keep away. 

God loves everyone, and so should we. When one of those unloved souls comes into his family, all of heaven celebrates. Ima glad of that.

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I will seek God’s highest and best for everyone, including those who are laughed at or despised. 

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Our Father, thank you for loving everyone, including me. Use us to bless those whose blessing appears to have run out. Set their feet to dancing at your grace, mercy, and kindness. Amen.