Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah are five sisters mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. They are the daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph. Their account is significant in biblical history as it addresses issues of inheritance and women's rights within the Israelite community.

Biblical Account:

The narrative of these five sisters is primarily found in Numbers 27:1-11 and Numbers 36:1-12. Their father, Zelophehad, died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. According to the inheritance laws at the time, property was passed through male heirs, which meant that Zelophehad's name and family line risked being lost. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah courageously approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present their case.

In Numbers 27:4 , they asked, "Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives." Moses brought their case before the LORD, and God responded affirmatively, instructing Moses in Numbers 27:7 , "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly must give them property as an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer their father’s inheritance to them."

This divine ruling established a precedent for inheritance rights for daughters in Israel, provided there were no sons. It was a significant development in the legal and social structure of the Israelite community, ensuring that the family name and property could be preserved through female descendants.

Further Developments:

The issue of their inheritance is revisited in Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of tribal land if the daughters married outside their tribe. In response, God commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad could marry anyone they wished, but only within their father's tribal clan, to ensure that the inheritance would remain within the tribe. Numbers 36:10-12 records that the daughters obeyed this command and married their cousins on their father's side.

Legacy:

The account of Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah is a testament to their faith, courage, and the justice of God. Their actions not only secured their own inheritance but also brought about a change in the law that would benefit future generations of Israelite women. Their account is a powerful example of how God values justice and equity, and it highlights the importance of advocating for what is right within the framework of God's law.

References in Other Scriptures:

The daughters of Zelophehad are also mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6, where their inheritance is confirmed as the Israelites are dividing the land of Canaan. This passage reaffirms the earlier decision and underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to them.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The account of these five sisters is often cited in discussions about women's rights and roles within the biblical narrative. It demonstrates that women, too, have a place in God's covenant community and can be agents of change within the societal structures of their time. Their account is a reminder of the importance of seeking justice and the willingness of God to listen to the pleas of His people.