Breakdown of Joshua 17:3-6

"Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest and Jo…" — It's easy to just see a list of names, but the detailed genealogy given here isn't just for show; it's the critical foundation for why these five daughters, not sons, are about to inherit land, a rad…

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Joshua 17:3-6

What does Joshua 17:3-6 mean?

It's easy to just see a list of names, but the detailed genealogy given here isn't just for show; it's the critical foundation for why these five daughters, not sons, are about to inherit land, a radical concept in that day! This emphasis on their specific male lineage proves their right to the inheritance, highlighting that God's plan for justice and family continuity sometimes overrides cultural norms.

Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers.” So according to the mouth of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Joshua 17:3-6 means

This passage focuses on the tribe of Manasseh, a half-tribe of Joseph, receiving their allotted land in Canaan. It specifically introduces the case of Zelophehad's daughters, who are about to claim their inheritance despite custom dictating that only males could inherit. This sets the stage for a significant legal and social precedent within Israel, as these women had previously petitioned Moses for their rightful place among their father's kin.

The Father of Five Daughters

This verse lists five daughters by name, a rare focus in Old Testament genealogies. What makes these women so significant?

Joshua 17:3 introduces us to Zelophehad, a man from the tribe of Manasseh. The text specifically highlights that he had no sons, only five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. This detail is crucial because, in ancient Israelite culture, inheritance typically passed through the male line. The emphasis on these daughters, and their father's lack of sons, sets the stage for a pivotal moment in how God’s law addressed inheritance for women.

A Precedent for Women's Inheritance

Why does the Bible take the time to name Zelophehad's daughters? It's because their story changes everything about inheritance law.

The naming of Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah isn't just genealogical trivia; it's the introduction to a groundbreaking legal precedent. Because Zelophehad died without male heirs, his daughters petitioned Moses (as detailed in Numbers 27) for their father's inheritance. God, through Moses, established a new principle: daughters could inherit their father's land if there were no sons. This wasn't just about fairness; it was about ensuring that a family's name and portion of the Promised Land wouldn't disappear. This passage in Joshua shows the implementation of that divine decree, as these very daughters are now receiving their allocated inheritance.

Honoring Family Name and Legacy

In a world that could erase a man's name without male heirs, how did these women preserve their father's legacy?

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What Joshua 17:3-6 means

What does Joshua 17:3-6 mean?

What Joshua 17:3-6 means

The Father of Five Daughters

A Precedent for Women's Inheritance

Honoring Family Name and Legacy

Ask Sola about this verse

What Joshua 17:3-6 means

The Father of Five Daughters

A Precedent for Women's Inheritance

Honoring Family Name and Legacy

Ask Sola about this verse

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