“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.”
Joshua 17:3 is part of a larger passage found in Joshua 17:1-6. This passage describes the division of the land among the remaining tribes of Israel. In this specific verse, we learn about a man named Zelophehad, who was from the tribe of Manasseh.
Zelophehad had no sons but only daughters. In the ancient Israelite society, land inheritance typically passed from father to son, so this presented a challenge for Zelophehad and his family. Since he had no sons, there was a concern about the continuity of his family line and the inheritance of their land.
The mention of Zelophehad’s genealogy-his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather-is significant because it establishes his lineage and rightful claim to the land. It highlights that Zelophehad is a descendant of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and thus entitled to an inheritance in the Promised Land.
The names of Zelophehad’s five daughters are also provided: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These names carry significance and reflect the cultural and historical context of the time. Names in the Bible often carried meanings or symbolized certain characteristics or attributes.
The mention of Zelophehad and his daughters is not only significant within the context of land inheritance but also has wider implications. Their story demonstrates the importance of addressing and accommodating the needs and rights of individuals who do not fit traditional societal norms or expectations. In this case, the daughters of Zelophehad challenge the traditional notion of male inheritance and demonstrate that their family should not be left without an inheritance simply because they are daughters and not sons.
Their case is brought before Moses and the leaders of Israel later in Numbers 27:1-11. The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses and Eleazar the priest, presenting their case for receiving their father’s inheritance. Moses consults with God, who confirms that the daughters of Zelophehad are correct in their claim and should indeed inherit their father’s portion of the land. This ruling establishes a precedent in Israelite law, ensuring that if a man has no sons, his daughters can inherit his property.
This story highlights the importance of justice, fairness, and inclusivity within the Israelite society. It shows that God cares about the rights of individuals, regardless of their gender, and is willing to intervene to ensure that justice is served.
In summary, Joshua 17:3 introduces us to Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh who had no sons but only daughters. It emphasizes the significance of Zelophehad’s lineage and the names of his daughters. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent story of Zelophehad’s daughters claiming their inheritance, which exemplifies God’s concern for justice and inclusivity within the Israelite community.