Topical Encyclopedia Mahlah is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. The narrative concerning Mahlah and her sisters—Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—appears in the Book of Numbers and is significant for its implications on inheritance laws in ancient Israel.Biblical Account The account of Mahlah and her sisters is primarily found 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, stating, "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" (Numbers 27:3). They requested an inheritance among their father's brothers, arguing that their father's name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons. Moses brought their case before the LORD, and the LORD responded affirmatively, saying, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You are to give them 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 for daughters in Israel when no sons were present. Legislative Implications The case of Mahlah and her sisters led to a significant amendment in the inheritance laws of Israel. The LORD instructed Moses to communicate the following statute to the Israelites: "If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter" (Numbers 27:8). This legislation ensured that the property and name of a family could be preserved through female descendants in the absence of male heirs. Further clarification and reinforcement of this law are found in Numbers 36:1-12. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage to men from other tribes. In response, the LORD commanded that the daughters of Zelophehad marry within their father's tribal clan, ensuring that the inheritance would remain within the tribe. This additional legislation balanced the rights of daughters to inherit with the preservation of tribal boundaries and properties. Theological and Cultural Significance The narrative of Mahlah and her sisters highlights the justice and equity inherent in God's law. It underscores the value and dignity of women within the covenant community, granting them rights and protections in a patriarchal society. This legislation reflects God's concern for the preservation of family heritage and the equitable distribution of land, which was central to the identity and stability of the Israelite tribes. Mahlah and her sisters are remembered as pioneers of justice, whose courage and faith led to a divine ruling that protected the rights of women and ensured the continuity of family names and properties within the tribes of Israel. Their account is a testament to the adaptability and fairness of God's law in addressing the needs and circumstances of His people. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 26:33And 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. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 27:1-7 Resources Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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