Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. (Numbers 27:3)
Perhaps the sisters had drawn up a petition to be read to the assembled jury. They began by drawing attention to the fact that their father was included among those spoken of in ch. 26:64, 65 who had already reached their 20th year when they came out of the land of Egypt.
Died in his own sin.
That is, personal sin of which all were guilty and not a sinof open defiance or of willful neglect. For the mistakes of the fathers the children could in no wise be held accountable (Num. 16:27-30; Eze. 18:20).
Had no sons.
The daughters were legitimate issue, and therefore felt that an inheritance portion should be granted them. Compare the experience of Absalom, who had no male issue (2 Sam. 18:18). Unless further provision were made, their family name and line would die out. Even if they should marry and have sons to perpetuate their family name, they would have no property to pass on to the sons.
Not in the company.
Their father, Zelophehad, was a Manassite. The fact that he was not, but apparently, then, might have been, in the company of Korah, suggests that members of various tribes participated in that revolt. Inasmuch as their father had not provoked the divine anger upon that occasion (ch. 16:11), the daughters felt that they should receive an inheritance.