Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Zelophehad is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Israelite journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Zelophehad's account is primarily found in the Book of Numbers and is significant for its implications on inheritance laws among the Israelites.Genealogy and Family Zelophehad was the son of Hepher, the grandson of Gilead, and a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. He is noted for having no sons, only daughters. His daughters are named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah (Numbers 26:33). This detail becomes crucial in the narrative concerning the inheritance rights of women. The Inheritance Issue The primary account of Zelophehad's daughters is found in Numbers 27:1-11. After Zelophehad's death in the wilderness, his daughters approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They presented their case, stating, "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" (Numbers 27:3). They requested an inheritance among their father's brothers, arguing that their father's name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons. 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 decision established a legal precedent in Israel, allowing daughters to inherit if there were no sons, thus preserving the family name and property within the tribe. Further Legal Clarification The issue of inheritance by daughters was revisited in Numbers 36:1-12. The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh raised a concern that if Zelophehad's daughters married outside their tribe, their inheritance would transfer to another tribe, thereby diminishing the land holdings of Manasseh. In response, the LORD commanded through Moses that the daughters of Zelophehad 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 Zelophehad's account is significant for its impact on Israelite inheritance laws and the rights of women. It highlights the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries and family heritage within the context of the Promised Land. The narrative of Zelophehad and his daughters is a testament to the justice and fairness upheld in the laws given to the Israelites, reflecting God's concern for equity and the preservation of family lineage. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ZelophehadSmith's Bible Dictionary Zelophehad(first-born), son of Zepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh. (Joshua 17:3) (B.C. before 1450.) He was apparently the second son of Hepher. (1 Chronicles 7:15) Zelophehad came out of Egypt with Moses, but died in the wilderness, as did the whole of that generation. (Numbers 14:35; 27:3) On his death without male heirs, his five daughters, just after the second numbering in the wilderness, came before Moses and Eleazar to claim the inheritance of their father in the tribe of Manasseh. The claim was admitted by divine direction. (Numbers 26:33; 27:1-11) ATS Bible Dictionary ZelophehadA descendant of Joseph, whose death in the wilderness, leaving five daughters and no sons, led to the establishment of a law that in such cases daughters should inherit the patrimony of their father; but they were not to marry out of their tribe, Numbers 26:33 27:1-11 Joshua 17:3,4. Easton's Bible Dictionary First-born, of the tribe of Manasseh, and of the family of Gilead; died in the wilderness. Having left no sons, his daughters, concerned lest their father's name should be "done away from among his family," made an appeal to Moses, who, by divine direction, appointed it as "a statute of judgment" in Israel that daughters should inherit their father's portion when no sons were left (Numbers 27:1-11). But that the possession of Zelophehad might not pass away in the year of jubilee from the tribe to which he belonged, it was ordained by Moses that his daughters should not marry any one out of their father's tribe; and this afterwards became a general law (Numbers 36). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZELOPHEHADze-lo'-fe-had (tslophchadh, meaning unknown): Head of a Manassite family who died without male issue (Numbers 26:33; Numbers 27:1, 7; 36:2, 6, 10, 11 Joshua 17:3 1 Chronicles 7:15). His daughters came to Moses and Eleazar and successfully pleaded for a possession for themselves (Numbers 27:1). This became the occasion for a law providing that in the case of a man dying without sons, the inheritance was to pass to his daughters if he had any. A further request is made (Numbers 36:2) by the heads of the Gileadite houses that the women who were given this right of inheritance should be compelled to marry members of their own tribe, so that the tribe may not lose them and their property. This is granted and becomes law among the Hebrews. Strong's Hebrew 8656. Tirtsah -- daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city... 8655, 8656. Tirtsah. 8657 . daughter of Zelophehad, also a Canaanite city. Transliteration: Tirtsah Phonetic Spelling: (teer-tsaw') Short Definition: Tirzah ... /hebrew/8656.htm - 6k 4244. Machlah -- a daughter of Zelophehad, also a Gileadite 6765. Tselophchad -- a man of Manasseh Library The First Blast of the Trumpet How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them. Intercession Every Christian's Duty Numbers The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Thesaurus Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)... But that the possession of Zelophehad might not pass away in the year of jubilee from the tribe to which he belonged, it was ordained by Moses that his ... /z/zelophehad.htm - 11k Zelophehad's (1 Occurrence) Zeloph'ehad (8 Occurrences) Mahlah (5 Occurrences) Tirzah (17 Occurrences) Milcah (10 Occurrences) Machir (20 Occurrences) Daughters (246 Occurrences) Eleazar (74 Occurrences) Descendant (32 Occurrences) Resources Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what was Tirzah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Numbers | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)Numbers 26:33 Numbers 27:1 Numbers 27:7 Numbers 36:2 Numbers 36:6 Numbers 36:10 Numbers 36:11 Joshua 17:3 1 Chronicles 7:15 Subtopics Zelophehad: His Daughters Petition for his Inheritance Related Terms |
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