Why Moses Brought the Daughters of Zelophehad's Case to God

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Pinchas 9:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

Another interpretation (of Numbers 27:5): "And Moses brought their case <before the Lord>." Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish said: Our Master Moses knew this law; but they came first before the chiefs of tens. They said to them: It is a law concerning inheritance, and this is not for us, but for those greater than we. They came before the chiefs of fifties. When they saw that the chiefs of tens had honored them, the chiefs of fifties said: For [us] also there are (here) those greater than we. And so too for the chiefs of hundreds, and so too for the chiefs of thousands, and so too for the princes. They all answered them in this same manner, for they did not wish to open their mouths before one who was greater than they. Moses said: If I tell them the law, I shall be taking away their greatness. He said to them: For me also there is one greater than I. Therefore "And Moses brought their case <before the Lord>." He answered them: Yes (Numbers 27:7): "The daughters of Zelophehad speak rightly" — for the Holy One, blessed be He, conceded to their words.

Themes

HumilityMoses

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Legends of the JewsLot's Daughters Named Their Sons Shame and ModestyJewish tradition says it does. Absolutely. God sees it all, and nothing goes unrewarded. Not even a respectable word. Think about Lot's daughters. A pretty uncoMekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben YochaiWhy the Holy One Spoke to Moses From the ThornbushMoses tended his flock at the edge of the desert when a thornbush burned without burning away. Why a thornbush, the sages asked, of all the trees God could haveMekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben YochaiSeven Days the Holy One Pressed Moses to Accept the MissionThe conversation at the burning bush was not a single exchange. Rabbi Elazar ben Arakh counted the days hidden inside Moses' own words of refusal. When Moses fiMekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben YochaiThe Anger of the LORD and the Parable of the Reluctant StewardThe Torah says God's anger flared against Moses (Exodus 4:14), and the sages bent close to understand why. Rabbi Elazar ben Arakh insisted that God dealt with MMekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben YochaiMoses Cries Out for the People Who Would Stone HimThe mob is closing in, and the sages pause to praise Moses for what he does not do. A lesser leader, cornered by people who quarrel with him and reach for stoneMekhilta DeRabbi Shimon Ben YochaiHow a Greeting of Peace Comes Before the Praise of GodWhen word reaches Moses that Jethro is near, he does not send a servant out to greet him. A whole procession streams from the camp: Moses, Aaron, Aaron's sons N