Who Was Hoglah in the Bible?

Hoglah was a notable woman from the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. She lived during the time when the Israelites were in Egypt and during their wilderness journey. Hoglah is first mentioned in Numbers 26:33, where she is listed as one of the daughters of Zelophehad, alongside her sisters Mahlah, Noah, Milcah, and Tirzah. The story of Hoglah and her sisters is further detailed in Numbers 27:1-11 and Numbers 36:1-12, highlighting their significant role in the development of inheritance laws for Israel.

The Daughters of Zelophehad and Inheritance Laws

The narrative involving Hoglah and her sisters centers around a pivotal moment in Israelite law and culture. When their father, Zelophehad, died without leaving any sons, the sisters faced the prospect of losing their family’s inheritance because the existing laws did not provide for daughters to inherit property. In an unprecedented move, the sisters approached Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the entire assembly to present their case.

Numbers 27:1-2 describes their approach: “The daughters of Zelophehad, son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, ‘Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among Korah’s followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons.'”

The sisters argued that their father’s name should not disappear from his clan simply because he had no sons, and they requested an inheritance among their father’s relatives. Moses brought their case before the Lord, and God responded positively to their plea. The Lord instructed Moses to grant them their father’s inheritance, setting a precedent for future inheritance laws in Israel.

This decision, recorded in Numbers 27:7, was groundbreaking: “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them.” This ruling established a new legal standard that allowed daughters to inherit if there were no sons, ensuring that families could maintain their lineage and property.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Hoglah and her sisters’ story offers several valuable lessons for modern Christians. One significant lesson is the importance of standing up for justice and righteousness. The daughters of Zelophehad demonstrated courage and initiative by advocating for their rights in a male-dominated society. Their actions reflect a deep faith in God’s justice and a commitment to ensuring fairness and equity within their community.

This narrative encourages modern believers to advocate for justice and equality, following biblical principles. It challenges Christians to confront and address injustices in their own communities, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, reflecting the image of God in every person.

Another lesson is the value of women in the biblical narrative and their active roles in shaping history and laws. The inclusion of Hoglah and her sisters in the biblical text underscores the significance of women’s contributions and the recognition of their rights. This story encourages modern Christians to affirm and uphold the worth and dignity of women, recognizing their valuable roles in the church and society.

Connection to a Loving God

The story of Hoglah and her sisters also illustrates God’s care and justice. God’s response to their plea demonstrated His concern for fairness and the protection of the vulnerable. By allowing the daughters of Zelophehad to inherit, God showed that His laws were not static but responsive to the needs of His people, ensuring justice and righteousness were upheld.

For modern believers, this reflects the nature of God as a loving and just Father who listens to the cries of His people and responds with compassion. It reassures Christians that God is attentive to their needs and concerns, and He desires justice and equity for all.

Connection to Jesus Christ

The narrative of Hoglah and her sisters can be seen as a precursor to the inclusive nature of the Gospel brought by Jesus Christ. Just as the inheritance laws were expanded to include daughters, Jesus’ ministry broke down barriers, extending God’s grace and salvation to all people, regardless of gender, social status, or ethnicity.

In the New Testament, Jesus consistently affirmed the worth and dignity of women, often engaging with them in ways that were counter-cultural at the time. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God, where all are invited to participate in God’s family.

Conclusion

Hoglah, along with her sisters, played a crucial role in shaping Israel’s inheritance laws, ensuring justice and fairness for women in a patriarchal society. Their story, recorded in the book of Numbers, serves as a powerful example of faith, courage, and advocacy for justice. For modern Christians, the lessons from Hoglah’s life encourage us to stand up for what is right, value every individual, and recognize the inclusive nature of God’s love and justice.

The story also highlights God’s responsiveness to the needs of His people and the inclusive nature of His kingdom, foreshadowing the Gospel’s message of grace and equality in Jesus Christ. Through the example of Hoglah and her sisters, believers are reminded of the importance of justice, equity, and the active participation of women in God’s redemptive history.