The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a unique place in biblical history, particularly through the narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad. These women are celebrated for their faith and courage in seeking justice and inheritance rights, setting a precedent in Israelite law.

Background

The daughters of Zelophehad were part of the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, had no sons, only five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their account is primarily recorded in the Book of Numbers, with further references in Joshua and Chronicles.

Biblical Account

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).

Moses brought their case before the LORD, who affirmed their claim, saying, "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 legal precedent for inheritance rights for daughters in Israel when no sons were present.

Further Developments

The issue of inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad reappears in Numbers 36. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of land to other tribes if the daughters married outside their tribe. The LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters could marry anyone they wished, provided they married within their father’s tribal clan. This ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe of Manasseh.

Legacy

The daughters of Zelophehad are remembered for their boldness and faith in approaching Moses and the leaders of Israel. Their actions not only secured their own inheritance but also contributed to the establishment of a more equitable legal system regarding inheritance rights for women in Israel. Their account is a testament to the importance of justice and the recognition of women's rights within the biblical narrative.

Their legacy is further acknowledged in Joshua 17:3-6, where it is recorded that they received their inheritance among their father's brothers, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. The daughters of Zelophehad stand as remarkable figures within the Tribe of Manasseh, exemplifying faith, courage, and the pursuit of justice in accordance with God's will.Numbers 27:1-7
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is the Prayer of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org

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