Hoglah: A Daughter of Zelophehad
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Hoglah is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, who is prominently mentioned in the Old Testament. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. Hoglah, along with her sisters Mahlah, Noah, Milcah, and Tirzah, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative concerning inheritance rights for women.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 26:33 : "Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons—only daughters—and the names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah."

2. Numbers 27:1-11 : This passage details the bold approach of Zelophehad's daughters to Moses and the leaders of Israel. They presented their case at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, arguing that their father's name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons. They requested a share of the inheritance among their father's brothers. The Lord instructed Moses to grant their request, establishing a legal precedent for inheritance rights for daughters in Israel.

3. Numbers 36:1-12 : This chapter addresses the concern of the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh regarding the inheritance of Zelophehad's daughters. They feared that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe. The Lord commanded that the daughters marry within their father's tribal clan to ensure the inheritance remained within the tribe of Manasseh.

4. Joshua 17:3-6 : The daughters of Zelophehad, including Hoglah, are again mentioned as they come before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders to claim their inheritance in the Promised Land. Their request is honored, and they receive an inheritance among their father's brothers, as the Lord had commanded through Moses.

Significance:

Hoglah and her sisters are notable for their courage and faith in approaching the leaders of Israel to claim their rightful inheritance. Their actions led to a significant legal and social change in Israelite society, ensuring that the rights of women were recognized in matters of inheritance. This narrative highlights the importance of justice and equity in the community of God's people.

The account of Hoglah and her sisters is often cited as an example of God's provision and care for all members of His covenant community, regardless of gender. It underscores the principle that God's laws are designed to protect and provide for His people, ensuring that each individual receives their due inheritance and place within the community.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, inheritance typically passed through the male line. The case of Zelophehad's daughters challenged this norm and demonstrated the flexibility and fairness of God's law in addressing unique situations. The resolution of their case reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and the protection of the vulnerable within society.

Hoglah's account, along with her sisters, serves as an enduring testament to the faithfulness of God in upholding His promises and ensuring that His people are treated with fairness and dignity. Their legacy is a reminder of the importance of advocating for justice and the rights of all individuals within the community of faith.
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Numbers 26:33
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Numbers 27:1
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Numbers 36:11
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons:
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Joshua 17:3
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Resources
Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org

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