Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the inheritance of property by young women, particularly in the absence of a male heir, is a significant topic that highlights the intersection of family, law, and divine justice in ancient Israelite society. The primary biblical account that addresses this issue is found in the narrative of the daughters of Zelophehad, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters The account of Zelophehad's daughters is a pivotal moment in the biblical legal tradition. Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died without leaving a male heir. His daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting with a bold request. They asked for the right to inherit their father's property to preserve his name and legacy within their tribe. Numbers 27:3-4 records their plea: "Our father died in the wilderness, yet he was not among the followers of Korah who banded together against the LORD; he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s brothers." Divine Response and Legal Precedent Moses brought their case before the LORD, and the divine response established a new legal precedent for inheritance rights. Numbers 27:6-7 states: "And the LORD said to 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.'" This ruling not only granted the daughters their request but also set a broader legal framework for similar situations. It affirmed that in the absence of a male heir, daughters could inherit their father's property, ensuring the continuity of the family line and the equitable distribution of land within the tribes of Israel. Further Legal Clarification The issue of inheritance by daughters was further clarified in Numbers 36, where concerns were raised about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh expressed worry that if Zelophehad's daughters married outside their tribe, their inherited land would transfer to another tribe. In response, a stipulation was added that daughters who inherited land were required to marry within their father's tribal clan to keep the inheritance within the tribe. Numbers 36:6-7 records this directive: "This is what the LORD commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, as long as they marry within the clan of their father’s tribe. No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for each Israelite tribe is to retain the inheritance of its fathers." Significance in Biblical Law and Society The case of Zelophehad's daughters is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates the adaptability of biblical law to address specific social and familial circumstances, ensuring justice and fairness. It also highlights the value placed on preserving family heritage and tribal identity within the covenant community of Israel. Moreover, this account underscores the active role that women could play in seeking justice and advocating for their rights within the framework of God's law. The daughters of Zelophehad are remembered for their courage and faith, serving as an example of how individuals can seek righteous outcomes within the boundaries of divine instruction. In summary, the inheritance rights of young women in the absence of a male heir, as exemplified by the daughters of Zelophehad, reflect a nuanced approach to property rights and family legacy in ancient Israel, rooted in the principles of justice and covenantal faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 27:8And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Chaldaean Civilization The Iranian Conquest The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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