Background and Context

Zelophehad was a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. He lived during the time of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt. Zelophehad is primarily known through the narrative concerning his daughters, which is recorded in the Book of Numbers. He died without leaving any sons, which presented a unique challenge regarding the inheritance of his land.

Biblical Account

The account of Zelophehad and his daughters is found in Numbers 27:1-11. Zelophehad had five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These women 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" (Numbers 27:3).

The daughters 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 God responded affirmatively to their request. The LORD instructed Moses, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly shall give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and transfer the inheritance of their father to them" (Numbers 27:7).

Legal Precedent and Significance

The case of Zelophehad's daughters set a significant legal precedent in Israelite inheritance law. God established a new statute for the Israelites, stating that if a man died without a son, his inheritance should pass to his daughter. If he had no daughter, the inheritance would go to his brothers, then to his father's brothers, and finally to the nearest relative in his clan (Numbers 27:8-11).

This ruling underscored the importance of maintaining family inheritance within the tribe and clan, ensuring that land remained within the family lineage. It also highlighted the value and rights of women within the Israelite community, as God acknowledged their claim and provided for their inheritance.

Further Developments

The issue of Zelophehad's daughters is revisited in Numbers 36. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised a 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, but only within their father's tribal clan, ensuring that the inheritance remained within the tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 36:6-9).

Theological Implications

The narrative of Zelophehad's daughters illustrates God's justice and fairness in dealing with His people. It demonstrates His willingness to address and rectify societal issues, ensuring that His laws are equitable and just. The account also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the marginalized and His provision for those who might otherwise be overlooked or disenfranchised.

Conclusion

The account of Zelophehad and his daughters is a testament to the adaptability and fairness of God's law, as well as a recognition of the rights and dignity of women within the covenant community. It serves as a reminder of God's commitment to justice and the preservation of family heritage among His people.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.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 36:1
And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
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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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1 Chronicles 7:15
And Machir took to wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maachah;) and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.
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How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... eminent man of their tribe dead, whose name was Zelophehad, who left ... but left daughters;
and asked him whether these daughters might inherit his land or ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how the hebrews.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... lay his case before God, as Moses did that of the daughters of Zelophehad, and pray ...
When Daniel humbled and afflicted his soul, and interceded for the Lord's ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org

Why should we care about how the Israelites camped and traveled? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org

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