Numbers 27:1-5 | The Way of Scripture

Numbers 27:1-5

How do Zelophehad’s daughters bring their inheritance question?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached 2 the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan because he had no sons? Give us property among our father’s brothers.” 5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD,

What is the context?

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah stand before Moses, Eleazar, the leaders, and the congregation at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. They explain that their father died in the wilderness, was not part of Korah’s rebellion, and left no sons.

They ask why his name should disappear from his clan merely because he had no son, and request a possession among their father’s relatives. Moses brings their case before the Lord rather than dismissing it or inventing an immediate answer.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley sees faith in the promised land in their request for a share before its conquest. The USCCB notes connect the reference to Korah with the question of losing an inheritance through that rebellion. The daughters distinguish their father’s own sin from participation in that particular revolt; they do not describe him as sinless.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

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