Joshua 17

Joshua 17 details the inheritance given to the tribe of Manasseh, particularly to the descendants of Joseph. The passage includes a special allotment for the daughters of Zelophehad, an early biblical example of inheritance rights for women. The chapter also records a request by the tribe of Joseph for additional land and Joshua’s response, which emphasizes effort and faithfulness in claiming God’s promises.

Joshua 17:1 (NKJV):
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan.

This verse sets the stage for the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons. The mention of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, emphasizes his importance as a warrior, which earned him territories in Gilead and Bashan, regions east of the Jordan River. This shows how military prowess influenced land distribution among Israel’s tribes.

Joshua 17:2-4 (NKJV):
2 And there was a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
3 But Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4 And they came near before Eleazar the priest, before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore, according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers.

These verses recount the special case of Zelophehad’s daughters, who received their father’s inheritance because he had no sons. Their request was based on a command God gave to Moses, ensuring fairness in inheritance rights. Their story demonstrates God’s concern for justice and the inclusion of women in property laws, making this a significant moment in biblical law regarding family and inheritance.

Joshua 17:5-6 (NKJV):
5 Ten shares fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan,
6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.

Manasseh’s tribe received a considerable portion of land, ten shares in total, including territories on both sides of the Jordan River. The inclusion of Zelophehad’s daughters alongside the sons of Manasseh in the inheritance highlights the fairness in dividing the land among male and female heirs, reinforcing the idea of equality before God’s promises.

Joshua 17:7-10 (NKJV):
7 And the territory of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath that lies east of Shechem; and the border went along south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.
8 Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.
9 And the border descended to the Brook Kanah, southward to the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and it ended at the sea.
10 Southward it was Ephraim’s, northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was its border. Manasseh’s territory was adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.

These verses provide a detailed description of the boundaries of Manasseh’s inheritance, which was adjacent to Ephraim, Asher, and Issachar. Some cities were shared between Ephraim and Manasseh, reflecting the close connection between the two tribes as descendants of Joseph. The description emphasizes the importance of clear boundaries for maintaining peace between the tribes.

Joshua 17:11-13 (NKJV):
11 And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth Shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns—three hilly regions.
12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.
13 And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

Manasseh's inability to fully drive out the Canaanites from some regions, such as Beth Shean and Megiddo, is noted here. Despite being strong enough to subdue them, the Israelites chose to impose forced labor rather than complete the conquest. This incomplete obedience to God’s command to fully remove the inhabitants sets the stage for future conflicts with the Canaanites, as partial victories often led to ongoing problems.

Joshua 17:14 (NKJV):
Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?”

The tribe of Joseph, which includes both Ephraim and Manasseh, felt that their large numbers warranted more land than what had been allotted. They approached Joshua, arguing that their size and the blessings they had received from God entitled them to greater territory. This highlights their desire for more resources, but also the potential for dissatisfaction with God's provision.

Joshua 17:15-18 (NKJV):

15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.”
16 But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.”
17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot,
18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

Joshua responded to their request by challenging them to expand into the forested highlands and take additional land through their own efforts. He encouraged them to overcome the Canaanites, despite their iron chariots, showing confidence in their ability to conquer. Joshua’s response emphasized that God's promises required faith and action, not simply passive waiting. This reinforced the need for trust in God’s strength rather than fearing powerful enemies.