“And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and is a continuation of the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. In this chapter, a census is taken to count the number of men eligible for military service among the twelve tribes of Israel.
Zelophehad:Zelophehad was a man from the tribe of Manasseh. He had no sons but had five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Zelophehad’s daughters play a significant role in a later passage concerning inheritance laws.
The Daughters of Zelophehad:The mention of Zelophehad’s daughters is important because it highlights a unique situation in ancient Israelite culture. Inheritance laws at that time were generally based on male descendants, with land and property passing from fathers to sons. However, Zelophehad had no sons, so his daughters became a special case.
Legal Rights and Inheritance:In Numbers 27:1-11, the daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole assembly, raising a concern about their father’s inheritance. They argued that since their father had died without any sons, his name and inheritance should not be lost within their tribe.
God’s Response:Moses brought their case before God, and the Lord responded by affirming the rights of the daughters of Zelophehad. God instructed Moses to grant them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers. The Lord also established a new legal provision allowing daughters to inherit their father’s property if there were no sons. This decision ensured that the inheritance remained within the tribe of Manasseh.
Significance:The story of the daughters of Zelophehad demonstrates that God is just and fair. It emphasizes the value and significance of women in society and their right to inherit property. This passage challenges the prevailing cultural norms of the time and establishes an important precedent for the treatment of women’s rights in matters of inheritance.
Application:This passage reminds us that God cares about justice and fairness. It encourages us to advocate for equal rights and treatment for all people, irrespective of gender or social status. It also highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance when facing challenging circumstances, trusting that He can provide solutions and bring about positive change.
In summary, Numbers 26:33 introduces us to the daughters of Zelophehad, who played a significant role in shaping inheritance laws within the Israelite community. It serves as a reminder of God’s concern for justice and fairness and encourages us to value the rights and contributions of all individuals.
