Tirzah is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. Her account is prominently featured in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. Tirzah, along with her sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, and Milcah—played a significant role in the establishment of inheritance laws for women in ancient Israel.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Tirzah and her sisters is found in Numbers 27:1-11. Zelophehad, their father, died in the wilderness without leaving any sons. According to the prevailing customs, inheritance was passed through male descendants, which would have left Zelophehad's lineage without a share in the Promised Land. Recognizing the potential injustice, Tirzah and her sisters 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, and God responded affirmatively, saying, "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.

Special Legislation

The case of Tirzah and her sisters led to a significant legal development in Israelite society. The LORD instructed Moses to establish a broader legal framework for inheritance, which is detailed in Numbers 27:8-11. This legislation provided a hierarchy of inheritance: if a man had no son, his inheritance would go to his daughter; if no daughter, then to his brothers; if no brothers, then to his father's brothers; and if no paternal uncles, then to the nearest relative in his clan.

Further clarification of this law is found in Numbers 36, where the leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns about the potential transfer of tribal land through marriage. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad could marry anyone they wished, but only within their father's tribal clan, ensuring that the inheritance would remain within the tribe.

Significance

The account of Tirzah and her sisters is a testament to the importance of justice and equity in the eyes of God. It highlights the willingness of the LORD to address societal norms and ensure that His people live according to principles of fairness. The daughters of Zelophehad are remembered for their courage and faith, as they respectfully sought justice and were instrumental in shaping the inheritance laws of Israel. Their account is a powerful reminder of God's concern for the marginalized and His commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of all His people.Numbers 27:1-11
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 17:3,4
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

Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.org

Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Elah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus