Introduction:
Zelophehad's daughters 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 and is significant for its implications on inheritance laws and women's rights within the Israelite community.

Biblical Account:
Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. His daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—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 brothers" (Numbers 27:3-4).

Divine Response:
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 precedent for inheritance rights, ensuring that if a man died without a son, his inheritance would pass to his daughters.

Legal Precedent:
The case of Zelophehad's daughters led to a broader legal statute regarding inheritance. The LORD commanded Moses to communicate the following law to the Israelites: "If a man dies and leaves no son, you are to transfer his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it" (Numbers 27:8-11). This law ensured that property remained within the tribe and family, preserving tribal integrity and familial lineage.

Further Developments:
Later, the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage. They feared that if Zelophehad's daughters married outside their tribe, their inherited land would transfer to another tribe. In response, Moses, following the LORD's command, instructed that the daughters of Zelophehad could marry anyone they wished, provided they married within their father's tribal clan. This ruling is recorded in Numbers 36:6-9 , ensuring that tribal land remained within the tribe.

Significance:
The account of Zelophehad's daughters is significant for several reasons. It highlights the importance of preserving family and tribal inheritance within the Israelite community. It also demonstrates the willingness of the Israelite legal system, under divine guidance, to adapt and address new situations, particularly concerning women's rights and inheritance. The narrative underscores the value of justice and equity in the community, as well as the importance of maintaining the integrity of tribal boundaries.

Conclusion:
The account of Zelophehad's daughters is a testament to the evolving understanding of inheritance laws in ancient Israel and the role of women within that society. Their account is a powerful example of faith, courage, and the pursuit of justice, as they sought to preserve their father's legacy and secure their rightful place within the community of Israel.