Bava Batra 120: Yocheved, Zelophchad's Daughters, and Authority

The rabbis look for proofs that might indicate that Yocheved also inherited.  Her age of 130 years, her place of birth in Egypt, her lineage - Levi, and her beauty that may have returned to her in her elder years are all used to justify this interpretation.  

Zelophchad's daughters are discussed in greater depth, as well.  Malka, Tirza, Hogla, Milka and Noa are treated as equal in stature due to their description as vatiyena, married.  This word shares the root for 'equal spiritual status'.  Was one of these daughters more wise than the others?  What was their order of birth?  Like in so many of our biblical stories, the order of their birth is meant to dictate which sibling holds authority, benefits from inheritance and receives the portion of the firstborn.  

Regarding their inheritance, the rabbis further investigate the marriages of Zelophchad's daughters.  They were said to be able to choose any husband that was fit for each of them.  But wouldn't the halachot of inheritance require that they marry within their tribe?  The rabbis suggest that the wisdom of these daughters is proven by their choice of men who were fit for them - and these men were of their tribe and thus fit for them.

In a similarly themed discussion, the Gemara examines the responsibilities of those chosen as heads of their tribes.  In particular, who is permitted to dissolve vows - to act as a judge?  The rabbis consider the role of three laypeople who might place judgement.  Who is permitted to dissolve vows - a husband? A head of his tribe? A halachic authority?  What about dissolving a vow regarding the dissolution of consecrated property?

These considerations are particularly Jewish.  The rabbis are figuring out 
- the rights of women
- the ordering of people in positions of authority
- how to dissolve vows
- when to apply halachot leniently and when to apply it stringently
- what makes a person wise
- how to choose a husband
- the ins and outs of managing consecrated property
- who inherits a portion of the land of Israel
- and more

This all happens over the course of one daf!  Their arguments are both orderly and chaotic; logical and based on minchag, tradition.  Very ambitious - and very natural.