Zelophehad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel, and is noted for having no sons, only daughters. This detail becomes significant in the narrative concerning inheritance laws among the Israelites.

Genealogy and Family

Zelophehad is identified as the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, the son of Joseph (Numbers 27:1). His lineage places him within the half-tribe of Manasseh, which was one of the two tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob. Zelophehad had five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (Numbers 26:33).

The Inheritance Issue

The primary biblical account involving Zelophehad is found in the Book of Numbers. After the Israelites had been counted in the wilderness, the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation with a legal concern. They stated, "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 had no sons" (Numbers 27:3). They requested an inheritance among their father's brothers so that their father's name would not disappear from his clan.

Moses brought their case before the LORD, and God responded affirmatively, saying, "The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly. You certainly shall give them a possession of 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 the absence of sons, thereby ensuring the preservation of family property within the tribe.

Further Legal Implications

The case of Zelophehad's daughters is revisited in Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage. The LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad could marry anyone they wished, but only within their father's tribal clan, to prevent the inheritance from passing to another tribe. This ruling further clarified the laws of inheritance and marriage within the tribes of Israel.

Legacy

The account of Zelophehad and his daughters is significant for its impact on Israelite inheritance laws and its demonstration of God's justice and provision for His people. It highlights the importance of family lineage and property rights in ancient Israel and underscores the value placed on maintaining tribal integrity. The narrative also illustrates the active role women could play in seeking justice and influencing legal practices in biblical times.

Zelophehad's daughters are later mentioned in the Book of Joshua, where they receive their inheritance as promised (Joshua 17:3-6). Their account serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of upholding His commandments regarding family and community life.Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences)

Numbers 27:1
Then drew near 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.
(See RSV)

Numbers 27:7
'The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them.
(See RSV)

Numbers 36:2
and they said: 'The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for inheritance by lot to the children of Israel; and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters.
(See RSV)

Numbers 36:6
This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying: Let them be married to whom they think best; only into the family of the tribe of their father shall they be married.
(See RSV)

Numbers 36:10
Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad.
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Numbers 36:11
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons.
(See RSV)

Joshua 17:3
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.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:15
and Machir took a wife of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name was Maacah--and the name of the second was Zelophehad; and Zelophehad had daughters.
(See RSV)

Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences)
Zeloph'ehad. Zelophehad, Zeloph'ehad. Zelophehad's . Multi-Version
Concordance Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences). Numbers 27:1 Then drew ...
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Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

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Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence)

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