This is the third time in the book of Joshua where female characters are presented as examples of faith. We had Rahab in Joshua 2:1–24 and Joshua 6:1–27, then Achsah in Joshua 15:1–63, and now the daughters of Zelophedad. The fact that women are held up as examples of faith is a testimony to the historicity and authenticity of the Bible. In the patriarchal culture at the time, women were not generally held up as heroes to be emulated, certainly not in opposition to men who complain and make lots of excuses, like we find here in Joshua 16:1 – 17:18.
3 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.