But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh)Zelophehad belonged to the clan of Gilead within the tribe of Manasseh, tracing his line through Joseph. His family therefore shared fully in the covenant inheritance promised to Israel. Although branches of Manasseh had settled east of the Jordan, Joshua 17 concerns the tribal inheritance in Canaan, where Zelophehad’s household was entitled to a lasting portion among its people. Num 26:29-34 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… had no sons but only daughters. Zelophehad died without a male heir, a circumstance that could have caused his name and property to disappear from the tribal records. His daughters brought their case before Moses, Eleazar, the leaders, and the whole congregation. The Lord ruled that they were right to receive their father’s inheritance, preserving both Zelophehad’s name and his family’s place within Manasseh (Numbers 27:1–11). 1Ch 2:34-35 Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters.… These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah acted together in faith and obedience, seeking the inheritance God had allotted to their family. Their names are preserved in Scripture because the Lord established their appeal as a matter of justice in Israel. Later, they married within the tribe of Manasseh so that their inheritance would remain connected to their father’s clan and would not pass to another tribe (Numbers 36:1–12). Num 27:1-11 Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher… Persons / Places / Events 1. ZelophehadA descendant of Manasseh, son of Joseph. He had no sons, only daughters, which was significant in the context of inheritance laws in ancient Israel. 2. Hepher Father of Zelophehad, part of the lineage of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. 3. Gilead A region east of the Jordan River, also a descendant in the lineage of Manasseh. 4. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah The daughters of Zelophehad who approached Moses to claim their inheritance rights, setting a precedent for inheritance laws for women in Israel. 5. Manasseh One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph, and significant in the division of the Promised Land. Teaching Points Courage in FaithZelophehad's daughters demonstrated courage by approaching Moses and the leaders to claim their inheritance. This teaches us to boldly approach God and seek justice in accordance with His will. God's Justice and Fairness The account illustrates God's fairness and justice, as He provided a way for the daughters to receive their inheritance. It reminds us that God values justice and equity. Role of Women in God's Plan The inclusion of Zelophehad's daughters in the inheritance laws shows that women have a significant role in God's plan. This encourages us to recognize and support the contributions of women in the church and society. Obedience to God's Commands The daughters' actions were in line with God's commands, showing the importance of obedience and trust in God's provision. Legacy and Inheritance The passage encourages us to consider the spiritual legacy we leave behind and the importance of passing on faith and values to the next generation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of Zelophehad's daughters challenge traditional views on inheritance and gender roles in biblical times?2. In what ways can we demonstrate courage and faith in our own lives when facing societal norms that may seem unjust? 3. How does the inclusion of women in the inheritance laws reflect God's character and His view of justice? 4. What lessons can we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad about approaching God with our requests and concerns? 5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a spiritual legacy for future generations, similar to the inheritance sought by Zelophehad's daughters? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 27:1-11This passage details the initial request of Zelophehad's daughters to Moses for an inheritance, highlighting their faith and courage. Numbers 36:1-12 Discusses the conditions under which the daughters could marry to ensure the inheritance remained within the tribe, emphasizing the importance of tribal integrity. Galatians 3:28 While not directly related, this verse speaks to the equality of all in Christ, reflecting the breaking of traditional barriers, similar to the daughters' challenge to inheritance norms.
People Abiezer, Asher, Asriel, Canaanites, Eleazar, Ephraimites, Gileadites, Helek, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Issachar, Jezreel, Joseph, Joshua, Machir, Mahlah, Makirites, Manasseh, Manassites, Milcah, Noah, Nun, Perizzites, Rephaites, Samuel, Shemida, Tappuah, Tirzah, ZelophehadPlaces Bashan, Beth-shan, Dor, En-dor, En-tappuah, Gilead, Ibleam, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Kanah, Megiddo, Michmethath, Napheth, Shechem, Taanach, TappuahTopics Daughters, Except, Gilead, Hepher, Hoglah, However, Machir, Mahlah, Makir, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Milcah, Names, Noah, Sons, Tirzah, Zelophehad, Zeloph'ehadDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 17:1-18 5235 boundary Library Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee. The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Original Sin Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" Joshua Links Joshua 17:3 NIVJoshua 17:3 NLT Joshua 17:3 ESV Joshua 17:3 NASB Joshua 17:3 KJV Joshua 17:3 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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