Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the inheritance rights of daughters, particularly in the absence of sons, are addressed in the Old Testament. The primary passage concerning this issue is found in the Book of Numbers, which provides a legal precedent for the inheritance rights of daughters.
The Daughters of ZelophehadThe case of the daughters of Zelophehad is a significant biblical account that addresses the inheritance rights of females. Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died without leaving any sons. His daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses and the leaders of Israel to claim their father's inheritance. They argued that their father's name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons.
Numbers 27:1-11 records this event: "Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward... They stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and said, 'Our father died in the wilderness... and he had 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.'"
Moses brought their case before the LORD, and the LORD instructed Moses to grant their request, establishing a legal statute for Israel. The LORD said, "If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter" (
Numbers 27:8). This ruling ensured that daughters could inherit their father's property in the absence of male heirs, thus preserving the family lineage and property within the tribe.
Further Legal ClarificationsThe issue of female inheritance is further clarified in
Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of inherited land to other tribes through marriage. In response, the LORD commanded that daughters who inherit property must marry within their father's tribal clan to ensure that the inheritance remains within the tribe.
Numbers 36:6-9 states, "This is what the LORD commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, as long as they marry within their father’s tribal clan... No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal inheritance of his fathers."
Implications and SignificanceThe case of the daughters of Zelophehad set a precedent for the inheritance rights of women in Israelite society, highlighting the importance of maintaining family and tribal inheritance. This legal provision reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and fairness, ensuring that the absence of male heirs does not result in the loss of a family's property and legacy.
The biblical narrative underscores the value and dignity of women within the covenant community, recognizing their rights and roles in preserving family heritage. The inclusion of this legal statute in the Mosaic Law demonstrates God's concern for equitable treatment and the protection of family inheritance, even in a patriarchal society.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 27:1-8Then 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.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJoshua 17:1-6
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... good wishes for himself, his wives, his sons, the lords ... The children of these queens
ranked next in order ... were granted the permission to hold property in the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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