Num 27:1-7 | MHM | STEP | Numbers 27:1 – The Daughters of Zelophehad. This section tells the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, who were in a unique situation because their father died without any sons. Their case was important and mentioned several times in the Bible, showing how unusual it was in Israel for a family to have only daughters as heirs. Their story is about faith, respect for their family, and justice for women. What happened to them set an example for future cases and led to a new law about inheritance in Israel.

‏ Numbers 27:1-7

Numbers 27:1 – The Daughters of Zelophehad.

This section tells the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, who were in a unique situation because their father died without any sons. Their case was important and mentioned several times in the Bible, showing how unusual it was in Israel for a family to have only daughters as heirs. Their story is about faith, respect for their family, and justice for women. What happened to them set an example for future cases and led to a new law about inheritance in Israel.

v. 2: The daughters of Zelophehad brought their request to Moses, the leaders, and the whole congregation at the entrance of the tabernacle . They spoke up for themselves, asking for justice, since it is the job of leaders to defend those who cannot defend themselves (Psalm 82:3 ^a). Their case was honest and clear, so they did not need anyone to speak for them.

v. 3: They explained that their father had not taken part in Korah’s rebellion, but died for his own sins . This meant that there was no special reason why their family should lose its inheritance. It is comforting for parents to know that, even if they suffer for their own mistakes, their children will not be punished for crimes they did not commit.

v. 4: The sisters asked for a share of land among their father’s relatives, so that his name would not disappear from his tribe . This showed their faith that God would give Israel the Promised Land, even though they had not yet conquered it (Psalm 60:6,7 ^b). They also wanted to honor their father’s memory and believed that God’s promises included them, even as women (Galatians 3:28 ^c).

v. 5: Moses brought their case before the Lord, instead of deciding it on his own (Numbers 27:5 ^d). God cares about the problems of families as well as nations, and He guides leaders to make fair decisions.

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v. 7: God said the daughters were right and told Moses to give them land among their father’s relatives . This shows that those who seek a share in God’s promises will not be turned away.