The Hebrew word Choglâh H2295 refers to an Israelitess named Hoglah. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The word's derivation is uncertain, but it is consistently used to identify one of the five daughters of Zelophehad.
Hoglah H2295 is introduced in the context of a legal and genealogical matter. She and her sisters, Mahlah H4244, Noah H5270, Milcah H4435, and Tirzah H8656, are identified as the daughters H1323 of Zelophehad H6765 Numbers 26:33. Their father had no sons H1121, which prompted them to approach H7126 the leadership of Israel to claim their father's inheritance (Numbers 27:1, Joshua 17:3). Their lineage is meticulously recorded, tracing back from their father Zelophehad, son of Hepher H2660, son of Gilead H1568, son of Machir H4353, to Manasseh H4519, the son of Joseph H3130 Numbers 27:1.
Several related words are crucial for understanding the narrative of Hoglah H2295 and her sisters:
- H6765 Tsᵉlophchâd (Zelophehad): The father of Hoglah and her four sisters. The entire narrative revolves around securing the inheritance of Zelophehad Numbers 36:2.
- H1323 bath (daughter): This term defines the status of Hoglah and her sisters. Their identity as daughters without male siblings is the basis of their claim Joshua 17:3.
- H1121 bên (son): The absence of a son in Zelophehad's family created the inheritance crisis that Hoglah and her sisters sought to resolve Numbers 26:33.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (family): The resolution to the inheritance issue was tied to preserving the family unit and its land. The daughters were instructed to marry within the family of their father's tribe Numbers 36:6.
The narrative significance of Hoglah H2295 is tied to the collective action of her and her sisters.
- Genealogical Identity: Hoglah is always listed with her sisters, and their identity is established through their detailed lineage within the families H4940 of Manasseh H4519, son of Joseph H3130 Numbers 27:1.
- Female Inheritance: The story of Zelophehad's daughters sets a legal precedent. Their case establishes the right for daughters H1323 to receive an inheritance when no sons H1121 are present Joshua 17:3.
- Preservation of Lineage: The final resolution ensures the family's inheritance remains within the tribe. Hoglah H2295 and her sisters were married H802 to their father's H1730 brothers' sons H1121, thus keeping the property within their clan Numbers 36:11.
In summary, Choglâh H2295 is not just a personal name but represents a key figure in a foundational Old Testament legal narrative. As one of the five daughters of Zelophehad, her story is integral to the establishment of women's inheritance rights in Israel and underscores the biblical importance of maintaining family and tribal lineage.
TRV