The Daughters of Zelophehad

Question

Numbers 27 tells of the succession of the throne and the daughters of Zelophehad. Based on this text alone, is it possible for a woman to succeed to a throne?

Answer

As far as the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27, I think its context addresses the rights of women to a clear and recognized legal position within the sphere of property law, but not specifically to the ruling of a nation or the church. They appealed their case to Moses. They were still members of a tribe of Manasseh with male leadership and male priests who still worshiped God. Numbers 27 says nothing concerning the succession of a throne. We should NEVER take a verse or set of verses and interpret them in isolation from the rest of the Bible.

With regards to women and the succession of a throne, you may desire see our answer: Women in Secular Leadership.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).