John Calvin Commentary Numbers 27:1

"Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah." — Numbers 27:1 (ASV)

Then came the daughters of Zelophehad. A narrative is introduced here concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, from the family of Machir, who demanded to be admitted to a share of their family's inheritance. The decision of this question might have been difficult, unless God Himself had removed all doubt by His decree.

For, since women are not named in the law regarding inheritance, it would seem that they were not to be considered in the division of the land. Indeed, God established this as the general rule. However, a special exception is made here, i.e., that whenever a family lacks male heirs, females should inherit to preserve the family name.

I am aware that this is a debatable point, as there are obvious arguments both for and against it, but let the decree God pronounced be sufficient for us.

Although (the daughters of Zelophehad) pleaded before Moses for their own private advantage, the discussion still arose from a good principle, since they would not have been so anxious about the succession if God’s promise had not been as certain to them as if they were at that moment demanding to be put in possession of it. They had not yet entered the land, nor were their enemies conquered; yet, relying on the testimony of Moses, they pursued their claim as if peaceful possession of their rights were to be granted to them that very day.

And this must have had the effect of confirming the expectations of all the people, when Moses consulted God concerning a matter of importance and declared by revelation what was just and right. For the discussion, being openly raised before them all, must have encouraged them, at least to imitate these women.