The Daughters of Manasseh refer primarily to the descendants of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The most notable mention of the daughters of Manasseh in the Bible is the account of Zelophehad's daughters, who belonged to the tribe of Manasseh. This account is significant in biblical history and law, as it addresses issues of inheritance and the rights of women within the Israelite community.

Biblical Account:

The account of Zelophehad's daughters is found in the Book of Numbers. Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Concerned about their inheritance rights, the daughters approached Moses and the leaders of Israel with their case:

"Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the followers of Korah, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Moses brought their case before the LORD, who affirmed their claim, stating:

"The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly shall give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and you shall transfer the inheritance of their father to them" (Numbers 27:7).

This ruling established a precedent for inheritance laws in Israel, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons, thus preserving the family lineage and property within the tribe.

Further Developments:

The issue of inheritance for the daughters of Manasseh is revisited in Numbers 36. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns that if Zelophehad's daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, thus diminishing the land holdings of Manasseh. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses:

"This is what the LORD commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, as long as they marry within the clan of the tribe of their father" (Numbers 36:6).

This command ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe, preserving the tribal boundaries and heritage.

Significance:

The account of the daughters of Manasseh highlights the importance of family and tribal inheritance in ancient Israel. It underscores the value placed on maintaining tribal identity and land ownership, which were integral to the social and religious structure of the Israelite community. The case of Zelophehad's daughters also illustrates the progressive nature of biblical law in addressing the rights of women, providing them with a legal standing in matters of inheritance.

Cultural and Theological Implications:

The narrative of the daughters of Manasseh reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and equity. It demonstrates God's concern for fairness and the protection of the vulnerable within society. The inclusion of this account in Scripture serves as a testament to the adaptability of the law to meet the needs of the people while upholding divine principles.

In summary, the daughters of Manasseh, particularly through the account of Zelophehad's daughters, play a crucial role in the development of Israelite inheritance laws and highlight the balance between tradition and justice in the biblical narrative.