They were faithful daughters who trusted God’s provision in receiving a rightful inheritance.
In “But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah” (v.3) we encounter an exceptional family situation within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes descended from Joseph. Manasseh’s territory generally covered regions on both sides of the Jordan River, with a significant portion west of the Jordan in central Israel. This verse places emphasis on the lineage, noting that Zelophehad, who lived during the great exodus and wilderness period (approximately 1446-1406 BC), had only daughters. That detail sets the stage for a unique legal case regarding inheritance rights (Numbers 27:1‒7).
The verse makes note of Zelophehad being “the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh” (v.3), placing him firmly in the tribal heritage. Historically, this genealogical tracing shows how Israelite families cherished their line of descent from Jacob, through Joseph, and down to Manasseh. Zelophehad’s life would have spanned the tail end of Israel’s forty-year journey in the wilderness, leading into the time they took possession of the Promised Land under Joshua around 1406 BC. These events confirm that Zelophehad’s family was present during a transitional period in Israel’s history, moving from nomadic wandering to established settlement.
Because he had no sons, “only daughters” (v.3)—named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—this verse foreshadows the significant role these daughters played in shaping inheritance customs for Israel. Their petition to inherit their father’s portion (Numbers 27:1-11) revealed God’s inclusive provision for preserving each family’s name and belongings within their tribe. Later, in the New Testament, followers of Christ are also declared heirs in God’s family (Romans 8:17), a principle reminiscent of how God made a place for Zelophehad’s daughters.
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Joshua 17:3 meaning
In “But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah” (v.3) we encounter an exceptional family situation within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the tribes descended from Joseph. Manasseh’s territory generally covered regions on both sides of the Jordan River, with a significant portion west of the Jordan in central Israel. This verse places emphasis on the lineage, noting that Zelophehad, who lived during the great exodus and wilderness period (approximately 1446-1406 BC), had only daughters. That detail sets the stage for a unique legal case regarding inheritance rights (Numbers 27:1‒7).
The verse makes note of Zelophehad being “the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh” (v.3), placing him firmly in the tribal heritage. Historically, this genealogical tracing shows how Israelite families cherished their line of descent from Jacob, through Joseph, and down to Manasseh. Zelophehad’s life would have spanned the tail end of Israel’s forty-year journey in the wilderness, leading into the time they took possession of the Promised Land under Joshua around 1406 BC. These events confirm that Zelophehad’s family was present during a transitional period in Israel’s history, moving from nomadic wandering to established settlement.
Because he had no sons, “only daughters” (v.3)—named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—this verse foreshadows the significant role these daughters played in shaping inheritance customs for Israel. Their petition to inherit their father’s portion (Numbers 27:1-11) revealed God’s inclusive provision for preserving each family’s name and belongings within their tribe. Later, in the New Testament, followers of Christ are also declared heirs in God’s family (Romans 8:17), a principle reminiscent of how God made a place for Zelophehad’s daughters.