Daughters of Zelophehad

https://odb.org/2025/11/07/working-together-in-christ

Numbers 27:1–7 (NIV): 27 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward 2 and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.”
5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD, 6 and the LORD said to him, 7 “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.

In Numbers 27:1-7, Zelophehad’s five daughters act as one in their request to receive their father’s inheritance in the promised land. Their boldness in making the request (they followed proper protocol in approaching the leaders at the tent of meeting) is an example of both faith and humility. There was no provision in Israel at that time for women to receive an inheritance; it was only passed through the men.

Moses models the character of a good spiritual leader in responding to their request. Since there was no precedent for women to receive an inheritance, he inquired of God, who said, “You must certainly give them property” (v. 7). The courage of the women and the character of Moses led to a positive solution where the good of the people was served. As we face challenges today, we can seek God’s wisdom for ways to serve together well in Christ. (J.R. Hudberg, ODB Insight, 7 November 2025)

In my view, the story of Zelophehad illustrates excellently God’s wisdom in dealing with a difficult situation. A situation where there was no precedent. It speaks of unity and humility having achieved something out of the ordinary. It brought about a situation where justice and fair play prevailed. Zelophehad were not among the Korah followers who rebelled against Moses. He died without any sons. Nevertheless he was amongst those who were delivered out of Egypt and his family should be entitled to their portion in the Promised Land. His daughters made the plea – why should his name disappear from his clan just because he had no sons?

Jewish inheritance laws are still patrilineal in that property passes only to sons unless the family has no daughters although in modern times they could circumvent the law by bestowing gifts prior to their demise. Jewish identity however is still passed on through the mothers (matrilineal). But at least the daughters of Zelophehad had created that exception in the law. That exception could not be denied as God Himself spoke in their favour. Pretty amazing when we comsider that modern laws are man-made.

What can we learn from this? I believe that when there are situations of injustice affecting us or matters within our control, we should seek the LORD for a solution. Not all situations have precedents. Pray and seek God, He will give us a fair and just solution.

Have a good weekend, everyone! May we bask in the glory of His presence this Sunday as we worship Him in spirit and in truth! For those of us involved in ministry this Sunday, may His anointing be upon us and may He use our fingers, voices and ears to lead the congregation into a wonderful and meaningful time of personal and corporate worship!