Numbers 36:11
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons:
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּֽהְיֶ֜ינָה
H1961
וַתִּֽהְיֶ֜ינָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מַחְלָ֣ה
For Mahlah
H4244
מַחְלָ֣ה
For Mahlah
Strong's:
H4244
Word #:
2 of 11
machlah, the name apparently of two israelitesses
וּמִלְכָּ֛ה
and Milcah
H4435
וּמִלְכָּ֛ה
and Milcah
Strong's:
H4435
Word #:
5 of 11
milcah, the name of a hebrewess and of an israelite
בְּנ֣וֹת
the daughters
H1323
בְּנ֣וֹת
the daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
7 of 11
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
לִבְנֵ֥י
brothers' sons
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
brothers' sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Zelophehad was from the tribe of Manasseh (grandson of Gilead, Numbers 26:33). The family received land in both Transjordan and Canaan proper (Joshua 17:3-6). The daughters' marriages to cousins ensured their father's name and line continued—the original concern that prompted their petition (Numbers 27:4). This case shaped Israel's inheritance law permanently.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's preservation of these women's names in Scripture encourage you about His notice of faithful obedience?
- What does this case teach about how cultural practices (like cousin marriage) can serve biblical principles without being universal commands?
- In what areas might God be calling you to sacrifice personal preference for the good of your spiritual community?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their father's brothers' sons—The specific naming of all five daughters and their marriages to paternal cousins (Hebrew benei dodeihem, בְּנֵי דֹדֵיהֶם, 'sons of their uncles') provides concrete historical closure to their case. Cousin marriage, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, kept property within the extended family while fulfilling the tribal endogamy requirement. Their obedience ensured Manasseh's territory remained intact.
These women's names are preserved in Scripture—not erased despite their unusual situation. God honors those who trust His justice and submit to His wisdom. Their story demonstrates that biblical feminism isn't modern individualism but covenant faithfulness that benefits the entire community.