Numbers 36:11

Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to cousins on their father's side.

Study Bible

Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad
These five daughters are significant figures in the narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. Their story begins in Numbers 27, where they courageously approach Moses to claim their inheritance rights, as their father died without male heirs. This act highlights the progressive nature of God's law, allowing for the protection and provision of women in a patriarchal society. Their names are mentioned multiple times, emphasizing their importance and the justice of their cause. The inclusion of their names in the biblical text underscores the value of each individual in God's eyes, regardless of gender.

were married to cousins on their father’s side
This marriage arrangement was in accordance with the command given by Moses in Numbers 36:6-9, which was intended to keep the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh. This reflects the cultural and legal practices of ancient Israel, where land inheritance was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and economic stability. By marrying within their father's clan, the daughters ensured that their father's name and property remained within the tribe, fulfilling the law and preserving the family lineage. This also prefigures the New Testament teaching of spiritual inheritance and the importance of maintaining faith within the community of believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah
These are the daughters of Zelophehad, who were granted the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of a male heir. Their account is significant in the context of inheritance laws in ancient Israel.

2. Zelophehad
A member of the tribe of Manasseh, who died without male heirs. His daughters' appeal for inheritance rights led to a change in the law, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons.

3. Tribe of Manasseh
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. The daughters' inheritance was within this tribe, highlighting the importance of tribal identity and land inheritance.

4. Cousins on their father’s side
The daughters married within their tribe to preserve the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh, as instructed by Moses to maintain tribal boundaries and inheritance rights.

5. Moses
The leader of Israel who, under God's guidance, established the laws regarding inheritance and ensured the daughters of Zelophehad received their rightful inheritance.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Fairness
The account of Zelophehad's daughters illustrates God's concern for justice and fairness, ensuring that everyone receives their rightful inheritance. This teaches us about God's character and His desire for equity among His people.

Courage to Seek Change
The daughters' boldness in approaching Moses serves as an example of how we can seek change and justice within our communities, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Preservation of Community and Family
The instruction for the daughters to marry within their tribe underscores the importance of maintaining community and family ties, which can be applied to how we value and preserve our own familial and spiritual communities.

Obedience to God's Commands
The daughters' compliance with the command to marry within their tribe demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's laws, which is a principle that remains relevant for believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Zelophehad's daughters challenge traditional views on inheritance and gender roles in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from their example?

2. In what ways does the resolution of the daughters' inheritance issue reflect God's justice and fairness, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives?

3. How does the requirement for the daughters to marry within their tribe highlight the importance of community and family, and how can we apply this to our spiritual communities today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the account of Zelophehad's daughters and the New Testament teaching on equality in Christ, as seen in Galatians 3:28?

5. How can we demonstrate the same courage and faith as Zelophehad's daughters when facing challenges or injustices in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 27:1-11
This passage details the initial appeal of Zelophehad's daughters to Moses and the subsequent ruling that allowed them to inherit their father's land, setting a precedent for inheritance laws in Israel.

Joshua 17:3-6
This passage confirms the fulfillment of the daughters' inheritance rights, showing the continuity and faithfulness of God's promises to His people.

Galatians 3:28
This New Testament verse speaks to the equality of all believers in Christ, reflecting the breaking down of social barriers, similar to how the daughters of Zelophehad challenged and changed societal norms regarding inheritance.