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Numbers 27:7 - Daughters demand inheritance justice

Numbers 27:7 - במדבר 27:7

Hebrew Text

כֵּן בְּנוֹת צְלָפְחָד דֹּבְרֹת נָתֹן תִּתֵּן לָהֶם אֲחֻזַּת נַחֲלָה בְּתוֹךְ אֲחֵי אֲבִיהֶם וְהַעֲבַרְתָּ אֶת־נַחֲלַת אֲבִיהֶן לָהֶן׃

English Translation

The daughters of Żelofĥad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.

Transliteration

Ken b'not Tzlofchad dovorot naton titen lahem achuzat nachala b'toch achei avihem v'ha'avarta et-nachalat avihen lahen.

Hebrew Leining Text

כֵּ֗ן בְּנ֣וֹת צְלׇפְחָד֮ דֹּבְרֹת֒ נָתֹ֨ן תִּתֵּ֤ן לָהֶם֙ אֲחֻזַּ֣ת נַחֲלָ֔ה בְּת֖וֹךְ אֲחֵ֣י אֲבִיהֶ֑ם וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־נַחֲלַ֥ת אֲבִיהֶ֖ן לָהֶֽן׃
כֵּ֗ן בְּנ֣וֹת צְלׇפְחָד֮ דֹּבְרֹת֒ נָתֹ֨ן תִּתֵּ֤ן לָהֶם֙ אֲחֻזַּ֣ת נַחֲלָ֔ה בְּת֖וֹךְ אֲחֵ֣י אֲבִיהֶ֑ם וְהַֽעֲבַרְתָּ֛ אֶת־נַחֲלַ֥ת אֲבִיהֶ֖ן לָהֶֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Case of the Daughters of Tzelofchad

The verse (Bamidbar 27:7) recounts Hashem's ruling in response to the petition of the daughters of Tzelofchad, who sought to inherit their father's portion in Eretz Yisrael since he had no sons. This became a foundational case in Jewish inheritance law.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the phrase "כֵּן בְּנוֹת צְלָפְחָד דֹּבְרֹת" ("The daughters of Tzelofchad speak right") indicates that their claim was correct both in its legal reasoning and in the timing of their request. They demonstrated wisdom by approaching Moshe during his teaching of inheritance laws (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11).

Halachic Implications

This ruling established several key principles in Jewish law:

  • Inheritance Rights: Daughters inherit when there are no sons (as codified by Rambam in Hilchos Nachalos 1:3).
  • Divine Justice: The Midrash (Sifri 27:7) notes this case shows Hashem's attribute of justice, as He affirmed their righteous claim.
  • Legal Process: The Talmud (Bava Basra 119b) derives from here that difficult cases should be brought to the highest court.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the daughters' love for Eretz Yisrael was exceptional - they didn't want just material inheritance, but a spiritual connection to the Land. This explains why the Torah stresses "אֲחֻזַּת נַחֲלָה" - a permanent hereditary possession.

Grammatical Insight

The double language "נָתֹן תִּתֵּן" ("thou shalt surely give") teaches, according to the Sifri, that their inheritance rights applied both in the immediate division of land and for all future generations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 119b
The verse is discussed in the context of the daughters of Zelophehad and their right to inherit their father's portion in the land of Israel, highlighting the legal principles of inheritance.
📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the righteousness of the daughters of Zelophehad and their role in establishing laws of inheritance for women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the story of the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27:7?
A: The daughters of Zelophehad—Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milkah, and Tirtzah—approached Moshe (Moses) with a question about inheritance since their father died without sons. They asked why their father's name should be lost just because he had no sons. Hashem agreed with them, and this verse establishes that daughters can inherit when there are no sons.
Q: Why is the ruling about the daughters of Zelophehad important in Jewish law?
A: This ruling is a foundational case in Jewish inheritance laws (Halacha). It teaches that fairness and justice are central to Torah law. The Rambam (Maimonides) later codifies these inheritance laws in Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Nachalos), showing how daughters inherit when there are no sons. It also highlights the Torah's respect for women's rights in property matters.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah) praises the daughters of Zelophehad for their wisdom, righteousness, and love for the Land of Israel. They teach us to seek justice respectfully and to trust in Hashem's fairness. Their courage in speaking up also shows that Torah values sincere questions and proper advocacy for what is right.
Q: How does the inheritance law in Numbers 27:7 apply today?
A: In Orthodox Jewish law, the ruling still applies: if a man passes away without sons, his daughters inherit his portion (as detailed in Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat). This ensures family continuity and fairness. However, if there are sons, the general inheritance laws differ, showing the balance between tradition and the Torah's progressive ruling in this case.