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Numbers 27:2 - Daughters seek inheritance justice.

Numbers 27:2 - במדבר 27:2

Hebrew Text

וַתַּעֲמֹדְנָה לִפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה וְלִפְנֵי אֶלְעָזָר הַכֹּהֵן וְלִפְנֵי הַנְּשִׂיאִם וְכָל־הָעֵדָה פֶּתַח אֹהֶל־מוֹעֵד לֵאמֹר׃

English Translation

And they stood before Moshe, and before El῾azar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the Tent of Meeting, saying,

Transliteration

Vatamodna lifnei Moshe velifnei Elazar hakohen velifnei hanesiim vechol-ha'edah petach ohel-moed lemor.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֜דְנָה לִפְנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֗ה וְלִפְנֵי֙ אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְלִפְנֵ֥י הַנְּשִׂיאִ֖ם וְכׇל־הָעֵדָ֑ה פֶּ֥תַח אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֖ד לֵאמֹֽר׃
וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֜דְנָה לִפְנֵ֣י מֹשֶׁ֗ה וְלִפְנֵי֙ אֶלְעָזָ֣ר הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְלִפְנֵ֥י הַנְּשִׂיאִ֖ם וְכׇל־הָעֵדָ֑ה פֶּ֥תַח אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֖ד לֵאמֹֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bamidbar 27:2) describes the daughters of Tzelofchad standing before Moshe, Elazar the Kohen, the princes, and the entire congregation at the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). This event marks their request for an inheritance in Eretz Yisrael, despite their father having died without sons.

Significance of Their Approach

Rashi (Bamidbar 27:1) notes that the daughters of Tzelofchad deliberately approached all the leadership tiers—Moshe, Elazar, the princes, and the congregation—to demonstrate their earnestness in seeking a halachic resolution. This reflects the principle of darchei noam (ways of pleasantness) in presenting halachic inquiries with proper respect for Torah authority.

The Location: Entrance of the Ohel Moed

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11) explains that the Ohel Moed was the designated place for seeking divine guidance. By standing at its entrance, the daughters of Tzelofchad emphasized their reliance on Torah law and their trust in Moshe’s ability to seek Hashem’s ruling.

Hierarchy of Leadership

  • Moshe: The ultimate prophet and teacher of Torah, whose authority was unchallenged (Rambam, Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 7:6).
  • Elazar the Kohen: Represented the continuity of the priestly role in transmitting halachic rulings (Sifri Bamidbar 134).
  • The Princes: The tribal leaders, who ensured the application of Torah law within their respective communities (Malbim, Bamidbar 27:2).
  • The Entire Congregation: Their presence signified public transparency and the communal acceptance of the eventual ruling (Abarbanel, Bamidbar 27:2).

Halachic Implications

The Ramban (Bamidbar 27:5) highlights that this episode established a precedent for women’s inheritance rights in Torah law. The daughters’ respectful yet assertive approach serves as a model for how to seek justice within the framework of halacha.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the daughters of Tzelofchad standing before Moshe and the leaders?
A: The daughters of Tzelofchad stood before Moshe, Elazar the Kohen, and the leaders to present their case about inheriting their father's portion in the Land of Israel (Bamidbar 27:1-4). This teaches the importance of seeking halachic (Jewish legal) guidance from Torah authorities, as Rashi explains that they came to clarify a point of inheritance law.
Q: Why did they present their case at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The entrance of the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed) was where Moshe received divine instruction and where important communal matters were addressed, as Ramban explains. By coming there, they showed respect for the proper place to seek Torah rulings.
Q: What can we learn from the daughters of Tzelofchad's approach?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) praises their wisdom and righteousness in presenting their case respectfully and logically. This teaches that when seeking justice or clarification in Torah law, one should approach with sincerity and proper conduct.
Q: Why were the princes and entire congregation present for this discussion?
A: Rashi explains that this public setting shows that Moshe didn't decide alone—he consulted with the leadership and community. This models the Jewish principle of seeking collective wisdom in Torah matters (Avot 4:1).
Q: How does this story relate to women's rights in Judaism?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 133) emphasizes that their righteous request led to a new Torah law about inheritance. This shows that Torah values justice and provides mechanisms for addressing concerns—when approached properly through halachic channels.