There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En–tappuah.
Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;
And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:
Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth–shean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto?
And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth–shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.
And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
Joshua 17 details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, a significant portion of Joseph's descendants. This chapter reveals not only the geographical distribution but also important lessons about perseverance, faith, and God's provision for those who seek Him.
The Allotment of Manasseh (Joshua 17:1-13)
Manasseh, as the firstborn of Joseph (17:1), received a substantial inheritance. It's important to remember that half of the tribe had already been granted land east of the Jordan River (see Joshua 13:29-31). The remaining half now received their portion west of the Jordan (17:7-11). However, a troubling pattern emerges, mirroring that of Ephraim (Joshua 16:10): Manasseh failed to completely drive out the Canaanites from their allotted territory (17:12-13). This lack of complete obedience and perseverance would become a recurring source of trouble for Israel in the years to come, a "thorn in Israel's side". It serves as a reminder that partial obedience is disobedience. God calls us to complete commitment and diligent action in following His commands.
The Daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 17:3-6)
Embedded within the narrative of land distribution is the remarkable story of the five daughters of Zelophehad (17:3). These women, lacking male heirs, approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders, reminding them of the Lord's commandment concerning their family (17:4). According to the custom of the time, land inheritance passed from fathers to sons. Without sons, these daughters would have been excluded, their father's name fading into obscurity.
However, these daughters had previously demonstrated remarkable faith and foresight. Years earlier, they had pleaded with Moses for an inheritance within the territory of Manasseh (Numbers 27:1-4). Moses, in turn, sought the Lord's guidance, and God instructed him to grant the daughters their father's inheritance (Numbers 27:5-7). God even established a precedent, declaring that "When a man dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter" (Numbers 27:8).
In faithful adherence to the Lord's instruction given in Moses' time, Joshua and the leaders justly granted the women their inheritance (17:4-5). This episode highlights God's justice, compassion, and provision for those who are often marginalized. It also underscores the importance of remembering and honoring God's word, even when it challenges societal norms. The daughters of Zelophehad serve as a powerful example of faith, courage, and persistence in seeking what is rightfully theirs according to God's law.
The Complaint of Joseph's Descendants and Joshua's Encouragement (Joshua 17:14-18)
As Joseph's descendants, both Ephraim and Manasseh, grew in number, they approached Joshua with a request for more land (17:14). They felt their current allotment was insufficient for their expanding population. Joshua, acknowledging their concerns, directed them to a forested area that they could clear and possess (17:15).
However, the people expressed fear of the Canaanites who inhabited the region, particularly those with iron chariots (17:16). This reveals a lack of faith and a focus on the perceived strength of their enemies rather than the power of God.
Joshua, ever the courageous and inspiring leader, rebuked their fear and encouraged them to trust in their own strength and God's provision (17:18). He reminded them that their vast numbers were not a problem but an advantage. By working together, they could overcome the Canaanites and claim the additional land. Joshua's response emphasizes the importance of a proper perspective. What they perceived as a limitation, Joshua saw as a strength. He challenged them to embrace the challenge, trust in God's power, and take action.
This passage reminds us that God often calls us to step out in faith and confront challenges that seem daunting. It is in these moments that we discover our true strength and witness God's faithfulness in providing for our needs. Like Joshua, we should encourage one another to overcome fear and embrace the opportunities God has placed before us.
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En–tappuah.
Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;
And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:
Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth–shean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.
Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto?
And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth–shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.
And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:
But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
Joshua 17 details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, a significant portion of Joseph's descendants. This chapter reveals not only the geographical distribution but also important lessons about perseverance, faith, and God's provision for those who seek Him.
The Allotment of Manasseh (Joshua 17:1-13)
Manasseh, as the firstborn of Joseph (17:1), received a substantial inheritance. It's important to remember that half of the tribe had already been granted land east of the Jordan River (see Joshua 13:29-31). The remaining half now received their portion west of the Jordan (17:7-11). However, a troubling pattern emerges, mirroring that of Ephraim (Joshua 16:10): Manasseh failed to completely drive out the Canaanites from their allotted territory (17:12-13). This lack of complete obedience and perseverance would become a recurring source of trouble for Israel in the years to come, a "thorn in Israel's side". It serves as a reminder that partial obedience is disobedience. God calls us to complete commitment and diligent action in following His commands.
The Daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 17:3-6)
Embedded within the narrative of land distribution is the remarkable story of the five daughters of Zelophehad (17:3). These women, lacking male heirs, approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders, reminding them of the Lord's commandment concerning their family (17:4). According to the custom of the time, land inheritance passed from fathers to sons. Without sons, these daughters would have been excluded, their father's name fading into obscurity.
However, these daughters had previously demonstrated remarkable faith and foresight. Years earlier, they had pleaded with Moses for an inheritance within the territory of Manasseh (Numbers 27:1-4). Moses, in turn, sought the Lord's guidance, and God instructed him to grant the daughters their father's inheritance (Numbers 27:5-7). God even established a precedent, declaring that "When a man dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter" (Numbers 27:8).
In faithful adherence to the Lord's instruction given in Moses' time, Joshua and the leaders justly granted the women their inheritance (17:4-5). This episode highlights God's justice, compassion, and provision for those who are often marginalized. It also underscores the importance of remembering and honoring God's word, even when it challenges societal norms. The daughters of Zelophehad serve as a powerful example of faith, courage, and persistence in seeking what is rightfully theirs according to God's law.
The Complaint of Joseph's Descendants and Joshua's Encouragement (Joshua 17:14-18)
As Joseph's descendants, both Ephraim and Manasseh, grew in number, they approached Joshua with a request for more land (17:14). They felt their current allotment was insufficient for their expanding population. Joshua, acknowledging their concerns, directed them to a forested area that they could clear and possess (17:15).
However, the people expressed fear of the Canaanites who inhabited the region, particularly those with iron chariots (17:16). This reveals a lack of faith and a focus on the perceived strength of their enemies rather than the power of God.
Joshua, ever the courageous and inspiring leader, rebuked their fear and encouraged them to trust in their own strength and God's provision (17:18). He reminded them that their vast numbers were not a problem but an advantage. By working together, they could overcome the Canaanites and claim the additional land. Joshua's response emphasizes the importance of a proper perspective. What they perceived as a limitation, Joshua saw as a strength. He challenged them to embrace the challenge, trust in God's power, and take action.
This passage reminds us that God often calls us to step out in faith and confront challenges that seem daunting. It is in these moments that we discover our true strength and witness God's faithfulness in providing for our needs. Like Joshua, we should encourage one another to overcome fear and embrace the opportunities God has placed before us.