Zelophehad had not joined Korah’s rebellion (16:1–50).If he had taken part in that rebellion, he may have lost his property rights because of his sin (see 15:30; compare 1 Kings 21:7–16).
Israelite society was patriarchal and patrilineal. This means that family ancestry and property were passed down through the male line. Normally, sons inherited their father’s land.
Zelophehad had no sons. His daughters wanted their father’s land to remain in their family. They asked for property rights equal to those given to sons. Their request was reasonable and based on a desire to preserve their family’s inheritance.