of uncertain derivation; probably a partridge; Choglah, an Israelitess; Hoglah. See also בֵּית חׇגְלָה.
Transliteration:Choglâh
Pronunciation:khog-law'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חׇגְלָה (Choglâh), Strong's number `{{H2295}}`, is primarily understood as a proper noun, the name of an Israelitess. Its derivation is explicitly stated as uncertain, a common characteristic for ancient personal names. However, the definition offers a compelling possibility: "probably a partridge." If this etymological link holds, the name might evoke characteristics of the bird, such as its swiftness, its distinctive call, or its habit of dwelling in rocky, desolate places. While the primary referent in the biblical text is a human individual, the potential connection to a natural phenomenon adds a layer of depth, hinting at a descriptive quality or perhaps even a wish for the child. The transliteration "Hoglah" is the common English rendering. The note to "See also בֵּית חׇגְלָה" (Beth Hoglah) points to a geographical location, a town in the tribal allotment, suggesting either a place named after the individual or a shared root with the animal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hoglah, the Israelitess, is one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, son of Hepher, son of Gilead, of the tribe of Manasseh. Her name appears consistently alongside her sisters—Mahlah, Noah, Milcah, and Tirzah—in a pivotal legal and theological narrative within the Pentateuch and Joshua. Their collective story is a testament to the adaptability and justice inherent in Mosaic Law.
The primary occurrences are:
* [[Numbers 26:33]]: Hoglah is first mentioned in the census of the Israelites, identifying her as a daughter of Zelophehad, who had no sons. This verse sets the stage for the inheritance crisis.
* [[Numbers 27:1]]: Here, Hoglah and her sisters boldly approach Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the leaders of the congregation, presenting their case for inheritance. Their father had died in the wilderness without male heirs, and they argued that their family name should not vanish from their clan. This direct appeal leads to a divine ruling.
* [[Numbers 36:11]]: This passage records the fulfillment of the divine ruling. Hoglah and her sisters marry their cousins (sons of their father's brothers), ensuring that their inheritance remains within the tribe of Manasseh, thus preventing tribal land from being alienated. This demonstrates a further refinement of the inheritance law.
* [[Joshua 17:3]]: As the Israelites enter Canaan and divide the land, Hoglah and her sisters again appear, receiving their inheritance among their father's brothers in the tribe of Manasseh, in accordance with the prior divine decree. This shows the practical application of the law.
The mention of "Beth Hoglah" (בֵּית חׇגְלָה), meaning "house of Hoglah" or "place of the partridge," in [[Joshua 15:6]] and [[Joshua 18:19]] refers to a boundary marker town between the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin. While likely related to the same root, its direct connection to the individual Hoglah is not explicitly stated, though it could imply a historical or legendary association.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of חׇגְלָה (Choglâh) naturally draws connections to several key biblical concepts and related terms:
* **Inheritance (נַחֲלָה - `{{H5159}}`):** The core theme surrounding Hoglah is the right to inherit land. This concept was fundamental to Israelite identity, covenant fulfillment, and the maintenance of tribal boundaries. The daughters of Zelophehad's petition profoundly shaped the legal understanding of inheritance.
* **Justice (מִשְׁפָּט - `{{H4941}}`):** God's ruling in favor of Hoglah and her sisters exemplifies divine justice, demonstrating a concern for the vulnerable and a willingness to adapt law to specific circumstances to ensure equity.
* **Daughters (בָּנוֹת - `{{H1323}}`):** The narrative elevates the status and rights of women within the legal framework of ancient Israel, particularly concerning property rights when male heirs were absent.
* **Zelophehad's Daughters:** The collective identity of Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah is crucial. They function as a unit, demonstrating courage and legal acumen.
* **Manasseh:** Their tribal affiliation is significant, as the subsequent ruling regarding their marriage was designed to prevent their inherited land from passing out of their ancestral tribe.
* **Partridge (חׇגְלָה):** If the etymological link holds, it connects the name to the natural world, possibly hinting at characteristics like resilience or swiftness.
### Theological Significance
The story of Hoglah and her sisters is replete with theological significance, offering profound insights into the character of God and the nature of His law:
* **Divine Responsiveness and Justice:** The most prominent theological point is God's direct and compassionate response to the petition of these women. Moses brings their case directly before the Lord, and God provides a clear, just ruling, establishing a new legal precedent ([[Numbers 27:6-8]]). This demonstrates God's attentiveness to the cries of His people and His commitment to fairness, even when it requires adjusting existing norms.
* **Flexibility and Wisdom of Torah:** The narrative illustrates that the Torah, while divinely revealed, was not an inflexible, static code. It possessed an inherent wisdom that allowed for adaptation and expansion through divine revelation, ensuring that justice could be served in unforeseen circumstances. This highlights God's dynamic engagement with His covenant people.
* **Importance of Land Inheritance:** The fervent desire of Hoglah and her sisters to secure their land inheritance underscores the theological significance of the land of Canaan. It was not merely property but a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and the basis of Israel's identity and future within the covenant.
* **Elevation of Women's Status:** Though ancient Israel was patriarchal, this account provides a powerful example of women asserting their rights and receiving divine affirmation. It showcases God's concern for the well-being and legal standing of women, challenging simplistic notions of female subjugation in the Old Testament. Their story is a testament to the value God places on every individual, regardless of gender or social standing.
### Summary
Hoglah (חׇגְלָה, `{{H2295}}`) is a significant proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, primarily identifying one of the five daughters of Zelophehad. While its etymological root is uncertain, it is possibly linked to the word for "partridge." Hoglah's biblical appearances are exclusively within the narrative concerning her and her sisters' courageous and successful petition for inheritance rights in the absence of a male heir, as recorded in Numbers and Joshua. This pivotal legal case established a crucial precedent in Israelite law, ensuring that family names and land inheritances would not be lost due to the lack of sons. Theologically, the story of Hoglah exemplifies God's profound justice, His responsiveness to the appeals of the vulnerable, and the dynamic, adaptable nature of His divine law, all while affirming the critical importance of land in Israel's covenant identity.
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