“Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father.”
This verse is part of a narrative in the book of Numbers that deals with the allocation of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In this particular incident, five daughters of a man named Zelophehad approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire congregation at the entrance of the Tabernacle. The daughters’ names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
The daughters came forward with a concern regarding their inheritance rights. Their father had died in the wilderness, and he had no sons. In the cultural context of that time, the inheritance of land was primarily passed down to male heirs. The daughters, aware of this tradition, expressed their desire not to be deprived of their father’s portion of the Promised Land solely because he had no sons.
Their plea was based on the principle of justice and fairness. They believed that their father’s name should not be lost among his family just because he didn’t have any male descendants. They requested that they be granted a possession of land among the brethren of their father so that his name and heritage would continue.
This appeal presented a challenge to Moses and the leaders, as there was no precedent for this situation. They brought the matter before the Lord, who responded with instructions regarding the inheritance of land in such cases. God affirmed the rights of the daughters and directed Moses to give them a possession of land among their father’s brothers. This ruling set a new precedent, ensuring that if a man had no sons, his daughters would inherit his property.
The story of Zelophehad’s daughters highlights several important principles:
- Gender Equality: The case of Zelophehad’s daughters demonstrates that God values fairness and equality among all individuals, regardless of gender. It challenged the traditional understanding of inheritance rights, affirming that women have a rightful claim to property and inheritance.
- God’s Justice: The daughters’ plea for justice was heard and addressed by God. It emphasizes that God is concerned with matters of justice and fairness, and He intervenes to rectify situations where injustice may occur.
- God’s Guidance: When faced with a complex situation, Moses sought God’s guidance. The Lord responded by providing clear instructions, demonstrating the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and direction in making decisions.
- The Importance of Family Legacy: Zelophehad’s daughters recognized the significance of preserving their family’s name and inheritance. Their request reflects a desire to honor their father’s memory and ensure the continuation of his lineage, underscoring the importance of family and heritage.
Overall, Numbers 27:4 teaches us valuable lessons about equality, justice, seeking God’s guidance, and the significance of family legacy. It serves as a reminder that God’s principles are timeless and applicable in every generation.
