Introduction:
The account of Zelophehad's daughters is a significant narrative found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This account highlights themes of obedience, faith, and the pursuit of justice within the framework of God's law. The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—are notable for their boldness and adherence to divine instruction, setting a precedent for inheritance rights among the Israelites.

Biblical Context:
Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, son of Joseph, died without leaving any sons. According to the prevailing customs and laws of inheritance, property was typically passed down through male heirs. The absence of a male heir in Zelophehad's family presented a unique challenge regarding the distribution of his inheritance.

The Petition:
In Numbers 27:1-11, the daughters of Zelophehad 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 the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Divine Response:
Moses brought their case before the LORD, and God responded affirmatively to their request. The LORD said to 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, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons, thereby ensuring the preservation of family inheritance within the tribe.

Obedience and Faith:
The daughters of Zelophehad demonstrated obedience to God's law by seeking a resolution through the proper channels and respecting the authority of Moses and the leaders. Their faith in God's justice and their courage to speak up for their rights were rewarded with a favorable judgment. This act of obedience not only secured their inheritance but also contributed to the development of Israelite inheritance laws.

Further Instructions:
Later, in Numbers 36, the heads of the families of the clan of Gilead, descendants of Manasseh, raised concerns about the potential transfer of land inheritance to other tribes through marriage. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad marry within their father's tribal clan. This ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe of Manasseh. The daughters obeyed this command, as recorded in Numbers 36:10-12: "So the daughters of Zelophehad did as the LORD had commanded Moses. Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married cousins on their father’s side."

Significance:
The account of Zelophehad's daughters is a testament to the importance of obedience to God's commands and the pursuit of justice within the community of faith. Their actions led to a significant legal reform that upheld the rights of women in inheritance matters, reflecting God's concern for justice and equity among His people. This narrative underscores the principle that obedience to God's law brings about righteous outcomes and serves as a model for addressing issues within the framework of divine guidance.