Topical Encyclopedia 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. His account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and is significant for its implications on inheritance laws among the Israelites.Genealogy and Family Zelophehad was a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. His lineage is outlined in Numbers 26:33, which states, "Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, but only daughters, and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah." This genealogical detail is crucial as it sets the stage for the legal and social issues that arise due to his lack of male heirs. The Inheritance Issue The primary narrative involving Zelophehad occurs in Numbers 27:1-11. After Zelophehad's death in the wilderness, his daughters approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation to address the issue of their father's inheritance. They argued that their father's name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons. Numbers 27:4 records their plea: "Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s brothers." Moses brought their case before the LORD, and God responded affirmatively to their request. Numbers 27:7 states, "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 divine ruling established a precedent for inheritance rights, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons, thus preserving the family name and property within the tribe. Further Legal Implications The case of Zelophehad's daughters is revisited in Numbers 36, where additional stipulations are provided to ensure that the inheritance remains within the tribe. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh expressed concern that if the daughters married outside their tribe, the land would transfer to other tribes. In response, God commanded through Moses that the daughters must marry within their father's tribal clan. Numbers 36:6-7 states, "This is what the LORD commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father. No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal inheritance of his fathers." Legacy and Significance The account of Zelophehad and his daughters is significant for several reasons. It highlights the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries and inheritance within the Israelite community. It also demonstrates the adaptability of Mosaic Law to address specific social issues, ensuring justice and equity within the community. The account underscores the value of advocacy and the willingness of leaders to seek divine guidance in resolving complex issues. Zelophehad's daughters are often celebrated for their courage and wisdom in approaching the leadership and advocating for their rights, setting a precedent for future generations. Their account is a testament to the importance of family, inheritance, and the preservation of one's heritage within the biblical narrative. Concordance Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence)Numbers 36:6 Thesaurus Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence). Numbers 36:6 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded concerning the ... /z/zelophehad's.htm - 6k Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences) Zelotes (2 Occurrences) Tirza Mahlah (5 Occurrences) Abiezer (7 Occurrences) Resources Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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