Tirzah is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, as recorded in the Old Testament. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers, with additional references in Joshua and 1 Chronicles. Tirzah, along with her sisters Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, and Milcah, is noted for her role in a significant legal precedent regarding inheritance rights for women in ancient Israel.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Tirzah and her sisters is introduced in Numbers 26:33, where they are listed as the daughters of Zelophehad, who had no sons. The absence of a male heir in their family presented a challenge under the existing inheritance laws, which traditionally favored male descendants.

In Numbers 27:1-11, 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, who affirmed the daughters' request, 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 new legal precedent, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons, thereby preserving the family lineage and property within the tribe.

Further Developments

The issue of inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad is revisited in Numbers 36. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised concerns that if the daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, thus diminishing the tribal land holdings. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters could marry anyone they wished, provided they married within their father's tribal clan. This ensured that the inheritance would remain within the tribe of Manasseh.

Legacy and Significance

Tirzah and her sisters are remembered for their courage and faith in approaching the leaders of Israel to seek justice. Their actions not only secured their own inheritance but also brought about a change in the law that would benefit future generations of Israelite women. Their account is a testament to the importance of justice and equity within the community of God's people.

The account of Tirzah and her sisters is also mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6, where it is recorded that they received their inheritance as the LORD had commanded. Additionally, 1 Chronicles 7:15 lists the daughters of Zelophehad, further affirming their place in the genealogical records of Israel.

Tirzah's account is a powerful example of how God’s laws provided for the protection and rights of individuals, regardless of gender, within the covenant community. Her legacy is one of faith, courage, and the pursuit of justice in accordance with God's will.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.
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Numbers 36:11
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father's brothers' sons:
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Joshua 17:3
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

8656. Tirtsah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city
... Tirzah. Word Origin from ratsah Definition daughter of Zelophehad, also
a Canaanite city NASB Word Usage Tirzah (18). Tirzah. From ...
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