Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the daughters of Zelophehad?
A: The daughters of Zelophehad were five sisters—Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—who lived during the time of the Israelites in the wilderness. They are known for their courageous appeal to Moshe regarding inheritance rights when their father died without sons (Numbers 27:1-11).
Q: Why is Numbers 36:10 important?
A: This verse highlights the fulfillment of Hashem's command regarding the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad. It teaches the importance of following divine commandments precisely and shows how their case established a legal precedent for women's inheritance rights in Jewish law (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:11).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the daughters of Zelophehad?
A: The daughters of Zelophehad teach us to seek justice within the framework of Torah law. They approached Moshe respectfully to clarify a halachic matter, demonstrating that sincere questions about divine commandments are encouraged (Talmud, Bava Batra 119b). Their story also shows the value of women's voices in Torah discussions.
Q: How does this verse apply today?
A: This verse reminds us that Jewish law evolves through proper channels—just as the daughters of Zelophehad brought their case to Moshe, we must seek guidance from Torah authorities today. It also reinforces that women have important rights and roles in halachic matters (Rambam, Hilchot Nachalot 1:1-3).
Q: What does 'as Hashem commanded Moshe' mean in this context?
A: This phrase emphasizes that the daughters of Zelophehad followed Hashem's earlier instruction (Numbers 27:7) exactly as given. Rashi explains that it praises their obedience—they married within their tribe as commanded (Numbers 36:6), ensuring their inheritance remained with the tribe of Menashe (Rashi on Numbers 36:10).
The Verse in Context
The verse (Bamidbar 36:10) describes the obedience of the daughters of Tzelofchad—Machlah, Noa, Choglah, Milcah, and Tirtzah—to Hashem's command regarding their inheritance in Eretz Yisrael. This follows their earlier petition (Bamidbar 27:1-11) where they requested a portion in the land since their father had no sons, and Hashem granted their request with specific conditions.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi emphasizes that the daughters of Tzelofchad acted precisely as Hashem commanded Moshe, without deviation. He notes that this demonstrates their righteousness and commitment to fulfilling the divine will, even when it involved personal sacrifice (as they were required to marry within their tribe to preserve the land inheritance). Rashi derives from this that their initial request was also l'shem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven), not for personal gain.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Rambam (Hilchos Nachalos 1:3) cites this episode as the source for the halacha that daughters inherit when there are no sons. He emphasizes that this was not merely a one-time ruling but established an eternal principle in Torah law. The daughters' case became a precedent for how halacha adapts to ensure justice while maintaining the Torah's framework.
Moral Lessons