Topical Bible: Noah: A Daughter of Zelophehad, Special Legislation in Regard to the Inheritance of

◄ Noah: A Daughter of Zelophehad, Special Legislation in Regard to the Inheritance of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Noah, one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, is a significant figure in the Old Testament narrative, particularly in the context of inheritance laws for the Israelites. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, where she, along with her sisters—Mahlah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approaches Moses with a legal and familial concern that leads to a pivotal change in Israelite inheritance law.

Background and Context

Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. According to the prevailing inheritance customs, property and land were passed down through male heirs. The absence of a male heir in Zelophehad's family meant that his name and property would be lost from his clan, a situation that his daughters found unjust.

The Petition

In Numbers 27:1-4 , the daughters of Zelophehad present their case before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They argue, "Our father died in the wilderness, yet he was not among the followers of Korah who banded together against the LORD; 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."

Divine Response and Legislation

Moses brings their case before the LORD, who responds affirmatively to their request. In Numbers 27:6-7 , the LORD says 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."

This divine ruling establishes a new legal precedent in Israel: if a man dies without a son, his inheritance is to be transferred to his daughters. This legislation is further detailed in Numbers 27:8-11 , outlining a hierarchy of inheritance that includes daughters, brothers, paternal uncles, and the nearest relative within the clan.

Further Developments

The case of Zelophehad's daughters is revisited in Numbers 36, where concerns arise about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh express worry that if the daughters marry outside their tribe, their inherited land would transfer to another tribe, thus diminishing the land holdings of Manasseh.

In response, Moses, under the LORD's guidance, commands that the daughters of Zelophehad must marry within their father's tribal clan. Numbers 36:6 states, "This is what the LORD commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad: They may marry anyone they please, as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father."

Significance

The account of Noah and her sisters is a remarkable example of faith and courage, as they respectfully challenge the status quo to seek justice and preserve their father's legacy. Their successful petition not only secures their inheritance but also leads to a broader legal reform that ensures the protection of family property within the tribes of Israel. This narrative underscores the importance of justice, equity, and the preservation of family heritage within the covenant community of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:33
And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 27:1-7
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 36:1
And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 17:3-7
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index