Overview
Hepher was a descendant of Manasseh through his son Gilead. His lineage is significant in Israel's tribal inheritance records, particularly because his son Zelophehad's daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—brought a landmark case before Moses regarding women's rights to inherit family property when there were no sons.
Key Scriptures
"The sons of Gilead: Jeezer, Ellek, Hepher, and Shemida" (Numbers 26:30, ESV). "And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters" (Numbers 26:33, ESV). "And Manasseh's son was Asriel; whom his concubine the Aramitess bare: she bare Machir the father of Gilead" (Joshua 17:2, KJV). "But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters" (Joshua 17:3, ESV).
Application
Hepher's family history demonstrates God's concern for justice and the inclusion of marginalized groups in His covenant community, challenging us to advocate for the rights and dignity of those often overlooked.