Numbers 36:11

Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to cousins on their father's side.

Study Bible

Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah
These names represent the five daughters of Zelophehad, who are significant figures in the narrative of Israel's journey to the Promised Land. Their account is a testament to the progressive nature of God's law, as they successfully petitioned for the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of a male heir (Numbers 27:1-11). The mention of their names here underscores their importance and the recognition of women's rights in a patriarchal society. Each name carries its own meaning and significance: Mahlah means "sickness," Tirzah means "delight," Hoglah means "partridge," Milcah means "queen," and Noah means "motion." These meanings reflect the diverse experiences and roles of women in biblical history.

the daughters of Zelophehad
Zelophehad's daughters are a unique example of faith and courage. Their account is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of justice and equality. In a time when women had limited rights, their boldness in approaching Moses and the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance is a powerful reminder of God's fairness and the value He places on each individual, regardless of gender. This account also illustrates the adaptability of the Mosaic Law to address new situations, ensuring that justice prevails.

married cousins on their father’s side
This phrase indicates the daughters' compliance with the command given by God to Moses, ensuring that their inheritance remained within their tribe (Numbers 36:6-9). By marrying within their father's family, they preserved the tribal allotment and maintained the integrity of the inheritance system established by God. This decision reflects the importance of family and tribal identity in ancient Israel, as well as the communal responsibility to uphold God's commands. It also demonstrates the balance between individual rights and communal obligations, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah
These are the daughters of Zelophehad, who were granted the right to inherit their father's land in the absence of a male heir. Their account is significant in the context of inheritance laws in ancient Israel.

2. Zelophehad
A member of the tribe of Manasseh, who died without male heirs. His daughters' appeal for inheritance rights led to a change in the law, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons.

3. Tribe of Manasseh
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. The daughters' inheritance was within this tribe, highlighting the importance of tribal identity and land inheritance.

4. Cousins on their father’s side
The daughters married within their tribe to preserve the inheritance within the tribe of Manasseh, as instructed by Moses to maintain tribal boundaries and inheritance rights.

5. Moses
The leader of Israel who, under God's guidance, established the laws regarding inheritance and ensured the daughters of Zelophehad received their rightful inheritance.

Teaching Points

God's Justice and Fairness
The account of Zelophehad's daughters illustrates God's concern for justice and fairness, ensuring that everyone receives their rightful inheritance. This teaches us about God's character and His desire for equity among His people.

Courage to Seek Change
The daughters' boldness in approaching Moses serves as an example of how we can seek change and justice within our communities, trusting in God's guidance and provision.

Preservation of Community and Family
The instruction for the daughters to marry within their tribe underscores the importance of maintaining community and family ties, which can be applied to how we value and preserve our own familial and spiritual communities.

Obedience to God's Commands
The daughters' compliance with the command to marry within their tribe demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's laws, which is a principle that remains relevant for believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Zelophehad's daughters challenge traditional views on inheritance and gender roles in ancient Israel, and what can we learn from their example?

2. In what ways does the resolution of the daughters' inheritance issue reflect God's justice and fairness, and how can we apply these principles in our own lives?

3. How does the requirement for the daughters to marry within their tribe highlight the importance of community and family, and how can we apply this to our spiritual communities today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the account of Zelophehad's daughters and the New Testament teaching on equality in Christ, as seen in Galatians 3:28?

5. How can we demonstrate the same courage and faith as Zelophehad's daughters when facing challenges or injustices in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 27:1-11
This passage details the initial appeal of Zelophehad's daughters to Moses and the subsequent ruling that allowed them to inherit their father's land, setting a precedent for inheritance laws in Israel.

Joshua 17:3-6
This passage confirms the fulfillment of the daughters' inheritance rights, showing the continuity and faithfulness of God's promises to His people.

Galatians 3:28
This New Testament verse speaks to the equality of all believers in Christ, reflecting the breaking down of social barriers, similar to how the daughters of Zelophehad challenged and changed societal norms regarding inheritance.