The account of the daughters of Zelophehad is a significant narrative in the Old Testament that addresses issues of inheritance rights and the role of women within the Israelite community. This account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, with additional references in Joshua and Chronicles.

Biblical Context

Zelophehad was a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. He had no sons, only five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. The absence of a male heir posed a challenge under the existing inheritance laws, which traditionally passed property through the male lineage.

Petition for Inheritance

The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They presented their case, saying, "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 our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s brothers" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Divine Response

Moses brought their case before the LORD, and God responded affirmatively to their request. The LORD said to Moses, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly shall give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and transfer their father’s inheritance to them" (Numbers 27:7). This divine ruling established a precedent for inheritance rights, ensuring that the name and property of a man without sons would not be lost.

Legal Precedent

Following this decision, God instructed Moses to establish a broader legal framework for inheritance: "If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. And if his father has no brothers, you shall give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it" (Numbers 27:8-11). This law ensured that property remained within the extended family, preserving tribal and familial integrity.

Further Developments

The issue of the daughters' inheritance arose again in Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh expressed concern that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe. In response, God commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad could marry anyone they wished, provided they married within their father's tribal clan. This ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe of Manasseh.

Implementation in the Promised Land

The daughters of Zelophehad received their inheritance when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel in the Promised Land. Joshua 17:3-4 recounts their claim and the fulfillment of God's command: "Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, 'The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.' So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the LORD’s command" .

Significance

The narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad is a pivotal moment in biblical history, highlighting the importance of justice and equity within the community of Israel. It underscores the value of preserving family heritage and the adaptability of the law to address unique circumstances. This account also illustrates the active role women could play in shaping the legal and social structures of their time, as they courageously sought justice and received a favorable response from God.