Numbers 36:11
*Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married their uncles’ sons.* (v.11) This verse demonstrates how these five women, who previously appealed to Moses for a share in the Promised Land (Numbers 27:1–7 NASB-95), obey the additional stipulation given in the final chapter of Numbers. In ancient Israel, inheritance and land possession were sacredly tied to a family’s lineage, determining both economic stability and tribal identity. The daughters’ choice to marry within their tribe preserved their father’s inheritance and honored God’s command for the land not to transfer from one tribe to another (Numbers 36:6–7 NASB-95).
*Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah…married their uncles’ sons.* (v.11) indicates that this obedience took place while Israel was still encamped in the plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, around 1406 BC. Moses was nearing the end of his life, and the nation was preparing to enter Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. Each of these daughters fits into the Israelite timeline just before the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 2 NASB-95). Their marrying “their uncles’ sons” brought them into alignment with the cultural and legal structures of ancient Israel and demonstrated a commitment to maintain tribal division of land. In this way, they helped exemplify what it meant to honor both family lineage and divine instruction.
Their obedience foreshadows a larger biblical principle regarding inheritance—eventually, in Christ, believers gain full inheritance as sons and daughters of God (Galatians 3:28–29 NASB-95). Just as Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah trusted God’s provision for their inheritance, so too believers today can find assurance in God’s promises. Their story stands as a testimony that God values both faith and faithful obedience, working through individuals who honor His word in even the most practical matters of daily life.
This verse highlights the importance of obedience in preserving family inheritance and reveals God’s care for all within His covenant.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Joel 3:1-3 meaning. When the LORD restores the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, He will judge the Gentile nations for the way they treated His covenant people.
- Numbers 11:4-9 meaning. Not only did the Israelites complain to the LORD. The "rabble" also voiced their demands and disappointments. The main complaint in this section was about food. The rabble and the Israelites bemoaned the lack of the type of food they had when in Egypt. The only food available to them was the manna which was given to them by the LORD.
- Numbers 10:33-36 meaning. Verses 33 – 36 give an account of the first leg of the journey from Mount Sinai. It was a three-day trek. The ark led the way on their journey. The cloud guided them as to when they were to move during the day and when they needed to camp for the night. Moses also composed two prayers, one for when they departed from a place and another for when they camped.