The Daughters of Zelophehad are notable figures in the Old Testament, specifically within the narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. Their account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, with additional references in Joshua and Chronicles. These five sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are the daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph.

Biblical Account

The account of the Daughters of Zelophehad is introduced in Numbers 26:33, where they are mentioned in the census of the Israelites. Their account unfolds in Numbers 27:1-11. Zelophehad, their father, died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. According to the inheritance laws of the time, property was passed through male descendants, which meant that Zelophehad's name and family line risked being lost.

In a bold and unprecedented move, the daughters approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They presented their case, saying, "Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the followers of Korah, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Moses brought their case before the LORD, who affirmed the daughters' request. The LORD instructed Moses, "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" (Numbers 27:7). This divine ruling established a new legal precedent in Israel regarding inheritance rights, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons.

Further Developments

The issue of inheritance for the daughters is revisited in Numbers 36. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, thus diminishing the land holdings of Manasseh. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters could marry anyone they wished, provided they married within their father's tribal clan. This ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe.

The daughters complied with this command, as recorded in Numbers 36:10-12, marrying their cousins within the tribe of Manasseh. This resolution preserved the tribal inheritance and maintained the integrity of the tribal allotments.

Legacy and Significance

The account of the Daughters of Zelophehad is significant for several reasons. It highlights the importance of preserving family heritage and property within the tribal system of Israel. Their case led to a modification of the inheritance laws, demonstrating the adaptability of the Mosaic Law to address specific situations and ensure justice.

Moreover, the narrative underscores the value of faith and courage. The daughters' respectful yet assertive approach to Moses and the leaders exemplifies a model of advocacy and trust in God's justice. Their account is a testament to God's concern for fairness and the protection of the vulnerable within the community.

The Daughters of Zelophehad are also mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6, where their inheritance is confirmed as the land is distributed among the tribes in the Promised Land. Additionally, 1 Chronicles 7:15 briefly references their lineage, further cementing their place in the biblical record.

Their account remains a powerful example of faith, justice, and the progressive unfolding of God's law in response to the needs of His people.