Topical Bible: Israel: The Daughters of Zelophehad Sue for an Inheritance

◄ Israel: The Daughters of Zelophehad Sue for an Inheritance ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the daughters of Zelophehad is a significant narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This account highlights issues of inheritance, justice, and the role of women within the Israelite community. The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are notable for their boldness and faith in seeking justice within the framework of Mosaic Law.

Biblical Context

The narrative is set during the Israelites' wilderness journey, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The land was to be divided among the tribes of Israel, with inheritances typically passing through male descendants. Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died without leaving any sons, which presented a legal and social dilemma regarding the inheritance of his land.

The Petition

In Numbers 27:1-11, 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 relatives" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Divine Response

Moses brought their case before the LORD, who affirmed the daughters' claim. The LORD instructed Moses, "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" (Numbers 27:7). This divine ruling established a precedent for inheritance laws in Israel, allowing daughters to inherit if a man died without sons.

Legal Precedent

The LORD further commanded Moses to establish a broader legal framework for inheritance: "If a man dies and has no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it" (Numbers 27:8-11). This legal provision ensured that the inheritance remained within the family and tribe, preserving the tribal allotments as intended.

Further Developments

The issue of the daughters' inheritance reappears in Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of land to other tribes through marriage. In response, the LORD commanded that the daughters marry within their father's tribal clan to prevent the inheritance from passing to another tribe. The daughters complied, marrying their cousins, thus preserving the integrity of the tribal inheritance.

Significance

The account of the daughters of Zelophehad is a testament to the justice and fairness inherent in God's law. It underscores the importance of preserving family and tribal heritage while also recognizing the rights of individuals, regardless of gender. This narrative illustrates the adaptability of Mosaic Law to address unique circumstances and the willingness of God to listen to the pleas of His people, ensuring that justice is served within the community of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 27:1-11
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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Joshua 17:3-6
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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