1 Chronicles 7:15

KJV

And Machir took to wife [the sister] of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name [was] Maachah;) and the name of the second [was] Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Machir {H4353} took {H3947} to wife {H802} the sister of Huppim {H2650} and Shuppim {H8206}, whose sister's {H269} name {H8034} was Maachah {H4601};) and the name {H8034} of the second {H8145} was Zelophehad {H6765}: and Zelophehad {H6765} had daughters {H1323}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Makhir's wife was from the families of Hupim and Shupim, and his sister's name was Ma'akhah. M'nasheh's second son was Tz'lof'chad, and Tz'lof'chad had daughters.

Berean Standard Bible

Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters.

American Standard Version

And Machir took a wife of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister’s name was Maacah; and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had daughters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:15 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Manasseh, a son of Joseph. This verse meticulously records a key family connection involving Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, and introduces Zelophehad, whose unique family situation—having only daughters—serves as a subtle but powerful foreshadowing of a pivotal legal and theological development concerning inheritance rights for women in ancient Israel, highlighting divine justice and the meticulous preservation of tribal lineage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Chronicles 7 is embedded within the comprehensive genealogical records that dominate the first nine chapters of the book, tracing Israel's lineage from Adam through its various tribes. These lists are far more than mere dry recitations; they function as foundational documents for the post-exilic community, re-establishing identity, land rights, and the unbroken continuity of God's covenant with His people. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 meticulously details the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verse 15 directly follows the mention of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn son, in [1 Chronicles 7:14](/1_chronicles/7-14 "1 Chronicles 7:14 - Machir's Descendants"), and precedes further elaboration on the Manassite and Ephraimite clans. The brevity of the entry for Zelophehad, especially when contrasted with the detailed narratives found elsewhere in the Pentateuch, underscores the Chronicler's selective focus, highlighting names with broader significance for the nation's history and legal precedents. This terse mention serves as a deliberate literary device, relying on the audience's familiarity with the full narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, inheritance was fundamentally patrilineal, meaning it passed exclusively from father to son. This deeply entrenched system was crucial for ensuring the perpetuation of family names, maintaining tribal identities, and, most critically, preserving the land allotments received during the conquest of Canaan. Land was not merely property; it was considered an inalienable inheritance, a divine gift to be kept perpetually within the designated family and tribe, as explicitly outlined in passages like [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Land Allotment by Tribe"). Consequently, the absence of male heirs posed a significant threat to a family's continuity and its claim to its ancestral land. The seemingly simple phrase "Zelophehad had daughters" in this context immediately signals a unique and potentially problematic situation, setting the stage for the groundbreaking legal precedent established in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Zelophehad's Daughters' Inheritance") and further clarified in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Marriage Laws for Heiresses"). This detail, though brief, powerfully reflects the Chronicler's awareness of and emphasis on the legal and social structures vital to Israel's identity and land tenure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, despite its succinctness, contributes significantly to several overarching themes present in 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **meticulous preservation of lineage and identity**, a core function of the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, which sought to connect the post-exilic community to their covenant heritage and reaffirm their place in God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it subtly introduces the profound theme of **divine justice and provision**, particularly for the vulnerable or those whose circumstances fall outside conventional societal norms. The case of Zelophehad's daughters, powerfully hinted at here, stands as a remarkable example of God's attentiveness to individual pleas for fairness and His willingness to establish new laws to ensure equity, as vividly demonstrated in [Numbers 27:6-7](/numbers/27-6 "Numbers 27:6-7 - God's Affirmation of Zelophehad's Daughters' Plea"). Lastly, the verse highlights the enduring **importance of inheritance, both physical and spiritual**, emphasizing the lasting value of land and name within Israel. This concept later finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual inheritance promised to believers in Christ, as richly described in [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"), where believers are predestined to obtain an inheritance in Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Machir (Hebrew, _māḵîr'_):** From the root meaning "sold" or "salesman," Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh, Joseph's elder son. He is a prominent and foundational figure in the Manassite tribe, whose descendants played a significant role in the settlement of Transjordan (east of the Jordan River), as noted in [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Settle Gilead"). His genealogical prominence ensures that his marital connections, even briefly noted, are of considerable importance for linking families and clans within the broader tribal structure, affirming the continuity of the Manassite lineage.
* **Maachah (Hebrew, _maʿăḵâ'_):** This name, meaning "depression" or "crushing," is given to Machir's wife. The specific detail that she is "the sister of Huppim and Shuppim" is crucial for precise genealogical identification. While Huppim (H2650) and Shuppim (H8206) are less commonly known figures, their inclusion serves to firmly place Maachah within a specific family line, demonstrating the meticulous nature of the Chronicler's record-keeping and the significance of inter-clan or inter-tribal connections for establishing and preserving ancestral claims and identities.
* **Zelophehad (Hebrew, _ṣəlāp̄ḥāḏ'_):** The meaning of this name is uncertain, though interpretations range from "first-born rupture" to "shadow of fear." Zelophehad is the pivotal figure in this verse due to the unique circumstance of his family. The simple statement that he "had daughters" without sons is the key to his enduring significance, as it immediately brings to mind the unique and divinely sanctioned legal case of his five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—who successfully petitioned Moses for their father's inheritance, as detailed in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Case of Zelophehad's Daughters"). This brief mention in 1 Chronicles, therefore, serves as a powerful cross-reference to one of the Old Testament's most significant legal precedents regarding women's rights and inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Machir took to wife [the sister] of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister's name [was] Maachah;)":** This opening clause establishes a critical marital union within the tribe of Manasseh. Machir, a foundational figure and firstborn of Manasseh, marries Maachah. The parenthetical "whose sister's name [was] Maachah" is a textual clarification, confirming that the sister of Huppim and Shuppim is indeed Maachah. This detail underscores the meticulousness of the genealogical record, ensuring accurate identification and tracing of family lines, which was vital for land rights, tribal identity, and the proper functioning of ancient Israelite society. It highlights the Chronicler's commitment to precision in documenting lineage.
* **"and the name of the second [was] Zelophehad:":** This phrase introduces the second significant individual in the verse, Zelophehad. The "second" here likely refers to another descendant or a second notable individual in the lineage being traced, though his exact relationship to Machir (whether a direct son or a more distant descendant within the broader Manassite family tree) is concisely stated. His introduction sets the stage for the critical information that follows, distinguishing him as a figure of particular note whose circumstances held profound implications for Israelite law and social structure.
* **"and Zelophehad had daughters.":** This seemingly simple statement is the theological and historical crux of the verse, carrying immense weight despite its brevity. In a patriarchal society where inheritance passed exclusively through sons, the absence of male heirs for Zelophehad presented a unique and challenging situation. This declaration serves as a direct and intentional foreshadowing of the landmark case found in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - Zelophehad's Daughters' Plea for Inheritance"), where Zelophehad's five daughters courageously and successfully petitioned Moses and Eleazar for their father's inheritance, leading to a new divine law that allowed daughters to inherit in the absence of sons. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail, even in a terse genealogy, highlights its enduring significance for Israel's legal and social history, emphasizing divine justice, provision, and the adaptability of God's law to ensure equity.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 7:15, though embedded within a dense genealogical list, employs several subtle but highly effective literary devices that elevate its significance beyond a mere factual record. The primary device at play is **Conciseness**, where a vast amount of historical, legal, and theological significance is packed into a few carefully chosen words. The phrase "and Zelophehad had daughters" is a prime example, functioning as a powerful shorthand that immediately evokes a well-known and pivotal narrative from the Pentateuch. This conciseness leads directly to **Allusion** and **Foreshadowing**, as the verse anticipates and alludes to the detailed account of Zelophehad's daughters in [Numbers 27](/numbers/27 "Numbers 27 - The Landmark Case of Inheritance") and [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Further Laws on Inheritance and Marriage"). For the original audience, intimately familiar with these foundational narratives, the mere mention of Zelophehad would instantly trigger recognition of this landmark legal precedent concerning women's rights and inheritance. Finally, the entire verse functions as a component of a larger **Genealogical Record**, which, while seemingly factual, is itself a sophisticated literary and historical form designed to establish identity, legitimate claims to land and covenant blessings, and meticulously preserve the historical memory and continuity of God's covenant people. The precise naming and relationship-tracing serve to underscore the divine ordering and preservation of Israel's tribal structure, ensuring that every family's place within the nation was affirmed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:15, though a mere genealogical entry, offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. It underscores God's meticulous care for His people, not just corporately as a nation, but individually, down to the intricate details of family lines and inheritance. The seemingly mundane record of names and relationships points to a divine hand orchestrating the preservation of tribal identity and land tenure, which were foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God and their promised inheritance. More significantly, the brief mention of Zelophehad's daughters highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice and equity, even challenging established patriarchal norms when necessary. It reveals a God who hears the cries of the marginalized and provides innovative, divinely-inspired solutions to ensure fairness and the perpetuation of family lines and names, demonstrating His character as a just, compassionate, and adaptable lawgiver. This divine intervention ensures that no family's inheritance or name is unjustly lost due to circumstances beyond their control, reflecting a God who champions the vulnerable.

* [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters of Zelophehad Petition Moses")
* [Numbers 36:1-12](/numbers/36-1 "Numbers 36:1-12 - The Law Regarding Heiresses' Marriages")
* [Joshua 17:3-6](/joshua/17-3 "Joshua 17:3-6 - Zelophehad's Daughters Receive Their Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief genealogical entry from 1 Chronicles 7:15, at first glance, might seem remote from contemporary life. However, its subtle yet powerful allusion to the story of Zelophehad's daughters offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is intimately involved in the intricate details of our lives, even those that seem mundane, overlooked, or challenging. Just as He ensured justice and provision for Zelophehad's daughters, challenging entrenched societal norms to uphold fairness and preserve their inheritance, so too does He care deeply for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and those whose voices are often unheard in our world. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart for justice, to actively advocate for those who are disadvantaged, and to courageously seek equitable solutions in our communities, workplaces, and beyond, reflecting God's own character. Furthermore, it highlights the profound importance of legacy—not merely physical inheritance, but the spiritual legacy we are building and passing on. We are called to be faithful stewards of the blessings, truths, and spiritual heritage we have received, ensuring that future generations inherit a vibrant faith, a deep understanding of God's character, and a commitment to His Word and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in biblical genealogies encourage you about His personal care for the specifics of your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can you, inspired by the courage of Zelophehad's daughters, advocate for justice and fairness in your sphere of influence, even when it challenges existing norms or expectations?**
* **Considering the importance of legacy in this verse, what kind of spiritual heritage are you intentionally building and passing on to future generations, and how does this verse motivate you to be more purposeful in that endeavor?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies so prevalent and important in the Bible, especially in books like 1 Chronicles?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies, particularly those that dominate the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, served several crucial and multifaceted purposes for ancient Israel. Firstly, they **established identity and continuity**, meticulously connecting the post-exilic community to their ancestral roots, the Abrahamic covenant, and the Davidic line, thereby reinforcing their place as God's chosen people and heir to His promises. Secondly, these records were vital for **legitimizing claims to land and inheritance**, ensuring that the land allotments received during the conquest of Canaan remained perpetually within their designated tribal and family lines, as vividly demonstrated by the case of Zelophehad's daughters. Thirdly, genealogies were essential for **authenticating priestly and royal lines**, confirming who was eligible to serve in the temple or rule as king, thereby maintaining order and divine authorization within Israel's religious and political structures. Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, they served as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises across countless generations, ultimately pointing towards the lineage of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all the promises made to Abraham and David, bringing salvation to all who believe. The meticulous nature of these records, even when seemingly tedious to modern readers, underscores their immense historical, legal, and theological significance for God's covenant people.

**What is the broader significance of "Zelophehad had daughters" beyond just a genealogical note?**

Answer: The phrase "Zelophehad had daughters" in [1 Chronicles 7:15](/1_chronicles/7-15 "1 Chronicles 7:15 - Zelophehad's Daughters Mentioned") is far more than a simple genealogical entry; it is a concise yet powerful allusion to a landmark legal and theological development in Israelite law and society. In a patriarchal society where inheritance typically passed exclusively through sons, Zelophehad's five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—faced the daunting prospect of their family name and ancestral land allotment being lost forever. Their courageous and unprecedented plea to Moses and Eleazar, recorded in detail in [Numbers 27:1-11](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1-11 - The Daughters' Plea for Inheritance"), led to a direct divine ruling from God Himself. This ruling established a revolutionary new legal precedent: if a man died without sons, his daughters could indeed inherit his property, thereby ensuring the perpetuation of his name and land within the tribe. A further ruling in [Numbers 36](/numbers/36 "Numbers 36 - Marriage of Heiresses") stipulated that such heiresses must marry within their own tribe to prevent the transfer of land between tribal inheritances. This entire case highlights God's profound commitment to justice, His willingness to adapt and expand laws to ensure fairness and equity, and His compassionate care for the vulnerable and marginalized. It powerfully demonstrates that His laws are not rigid and unyielding in a way that causes injustice, but are designed to uphold righteousness and preserve the well-being and inheritance of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:15 is a genealogical record from the Old Testament, its subtle reference to Zelophehad's daughters points to profound Christ-centered truths and the ultimate fulfillment found in the New Covenant. The meticulous preservation of lineage, vital for land inheritance and tribal identity in ancient Israel, ultimately foreshadows the perfect and eternal inheritance secured for believers through Jesus Christ. Just as Zelophehad's daughters secured their earthly inheritance through a divinely sanctioned legal precedent, so too do believers receive an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance in heaven, kept for them by God's power through faith in Christ ([1 Peter 1:4-5](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4-5 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). The divine justice and compassionate provision shown by God in establishing a new law for Zelophehad's daughters prefigure the ultimate act of divine justice and provision in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus, the true Son and heir of all things ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")), broke the power of sin and death, granting spiritual sons and daughters—those who believe in His name—access to an inheritance that transcends any earthly land or lineage. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of an enduring name and a secure future, ensuring that through Him, we are not merely adopted into God's family but become co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Co-heirs with Christ")) in God's eternal kingdom, receiving an inheritance that is eternal and glorious.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:33

And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad [were] Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 36:1

¶ And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:

Numbers 36:12

[And] they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father.

Numbers 27:1

¶ Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these [are] the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

Numbers 27:11

And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.