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Numbers 26:33 - Daughters inherit land rights?

Numbers 26:33 - במדבר 26:33

Hebrew Text

וּצְלָפְחָד בֶּן־חֵפֶר לֹא־הָיוּ לוֹ בָּנִים כִּי אִם־בָּנוֹת וְשֵׁם בְּנוֹת צְלָפְחָד מַחְלָה וְנֹעָה חָגְלָה מִלְכָּה וְתִרְצָה׃

English Translation

And Żelofĥad the son of Ḥefer had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Żelofĥad were Maĥla, and No῾a, Ḥogla, Milka and Tirża.

Transliteration

U'tzlofchad ben-Chefer lo-hayu lo banim ki im-banot, ve'shem b'not Tzlofchad Machla ve'No'a Chogla Milka ve'Tirtza.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּצְלׇפְחָ֣ד בֶּן־חֵ֗פֶר לֹא־הָ֥יוּ ל֛וֹ בָּנִ֖ים כִּ֣י אִם־בָּנ֑וֹת וְשֵׁם֙ בְּנ֣וֹת צְלׇפְחָ֔ד מַחְלָ֣ה וְנֹעָ֔ה חׇגְלָ֥ה מִלְכָּ֖ה וְתִרְצָֽה׃
וּצְלׇפְחָ֣ד בֶּן־חֵ֗פֶר לֹא־הָ֥יוּ ל֛וֹ בָּנִ֖ים כִּ֣י אִם־בָּנ֑וֹת וְשֵׁם֙ בְּנ֣וֹת צְלׇפְחָ֔ד מַחְלָ֣ה וְנֹעָ֔ה חׇגְלָ֥ה מִלְכָּ֖ה וְתִרְצָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Case of Tzelofchad's Daughters

The verse (Bamidbar 26:33) introduces Tzelofchad's daughters, who play a pivotal role in later discussions about inheritance laws in the Torah (Bamidbar 27:1-11). Rashi explains that this mention prepares the reader for their bold petition to Moshe regarding their father's inheritance, demonstrating their righteousness and love for the Land of Israel.

Significance of Their Names

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11) derives meaning from each daughter's name, reflecting their spiritual qualities:

  • Machla - From the root "to forgive," as they sought to rectify their father's situation (some suggest Tzelofchad died during the sin of the spies).
  • Noa - From "movement," as they moved the hearts of the Sages with their arguments.
  • Choglah - From "circle," as their case circled through all courts until reaching Moshe.
  • Milka - From "kingship," as they were worthy to be queens.
  • Tirtzah - From "desire," as they desired the Land of Israel.

Their Righteousness

The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) praises Tzelofchad's daughters as "wise, expounders, and righteous." They:

  • Waited until Moshe was teaching inheritance laws before presenting their case
  • Spoke respectfully and logically
  • Demonstrated exceptional Torah knowledge by framing their argument based on their father's circumstances

Halachic Impact

Rambam (Hilchos Nachalos 1:3) codifies that their case established the precedent that daughters inherit when there are no sons. The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) notes this was a hidden law that Hashem revealed through their merit. Their love for Eretz Yisrael motivated them to seek their inheritance, setting an eternal example of attachment to the Land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Batra 119b
The daughters of Zelophehad are discussed in the context of inheritance laws, particularly their claim to inherit their father's portion in the land of Israel.
📖 Sanhedrin 8a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the merit of the daughters of Zelophehad and their role in the legal development of inheritance laws.
📖 Sotah 30a
The daughters of Zelophehad are mentioned in relation to their wisdom and righteousness, which led to the divine decree in their favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah mention Zelophehad's daughters by name?
A: The Torah mentions Zelophehad's daughters by name (Machlah, Noa, Hogla, Milka, and Tirzah) because they played a significant role in Jewish law. Later in the Torah (Numbers 27), they petitioned Moshe (Moses) for the right to inherit their father's portion in the Land of Israel since he had no sons. Their request was granted by Hashem, establishing an important legal precedent for inheritance laws (Rashi on Numbers 27:1).
Q: What is the significance of Zelophehad not having sons?
A: In the Torah's inheritance laws at that time, land was typically passed down through sons. Since Zelophehad had no sons, this created a legal question about who would inherit his portion in the Land of Israel. This situation led to the daughters' bold request and Hashem's ruling that daughters could inherit when there were no sons, showing the Torah's fairness and adaptability (Talmud Bava Batra 117b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Zelophehad's daughters?
A: Zelophehad's daughters teach us the importance of seeking justice within the framework of Torah law. They approached Moshe respectfully to present their case, demonstrating that one should not remain silent about perceived injustices. Their story shows that sincere questions about Torah law are valued and can lead to new halachic (Jewish legal) rulings (Midrash Tanchuma Pinchas 7).
Q: How does the story of Zelophehad's daughters apply today?
A: The story teaches that Torah law has mechanisms to address fairness and societal needs. Just as Zelophehad's daughters' case led to an adjustment in inheritance laws, halacha (Jewish law) continues to address new situations while staying true to Torah principles. It also reminds us to advocate for what's right in a respectful, Torah-based manner (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:1-3).
Q: Why are the daughters' names listed in this verse before their story is told?
A: The Torah lists the daughters' names here (Numbers 26:33) before their story is told in Numbers 27 to emphasize their importance. Rashi explains that this shows their righteousness - they were worthy of having the law revealed through them. The order also prepares us for their significant role in the upcoming narrative about inheritance laws (Rashi on Numbers 26:33).