1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which [were] on the other side Jordan;
6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.
7 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 Entappuah.
8 [Now] Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh [belonged] to the children of Ephraim;
9 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:
10 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.
11 And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean 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.
12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out [the inhabitants of] those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
13 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.
14 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?
15 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.
16 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 Bethshean and her towns, and [they] who [are] of the valley of Jezreel.
17 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]:
18 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.
Overview of Joshua Chapter 17
Joshua Chapter 17 details the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, which is divided into two sections: the descendants of Machir and the descendants of Gilead. This chapter highlights the challenges faced by the tribe in claiming their land and the interactions with other tribes, particularly Ephraim.
Key Themes
- Inheritance and Land Distribution: The chapter emphasizes the importance of land as a divine promise and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Israel.
- Identity and Legacy: The distinctions between the families within the tribe of Manasseh are significant, showcasing the importance of lineage and heritage.
- Conflict and Cooperation: The interactions between the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim illustrate the complexities of tribal relations in Israel.
Structure of the Chapter
- Verses 1-2: The Inheritance of Manasseh
- Verses 3-6: The Daughters of Zelophehad
- Verses 7-11: The Boundaries of Manasseh
- Verses 12-18: The Challenges in Possessing the Land
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: The Inheritance of Manasseh
These verses introduce the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing that it is the firstborn of Joseph. The inheritance is described, highlighting that Machir, the firstborn, received land in Gilead. This sets the stage for understanding the division of land among the descendants of Joseph.
Verses 3-6: The Daughters of Zelophehad
This section addresses a significant legal and social issue regarding inheritance rights for women. Zelophehad’s daughters petition for their father’s inheritance, which reflects a progressive step in Israelite law regarding women’s rights. Their successful claim is a pivotal moment in the narrative, illustrating God’s provision and the importance of justice.
Verses 7-11: The Boundaries of Manasseh
The geographical boundaries of Manasseh are delineated here. The text provides a detailed description of the land, reinforcing the importance of land ownership. The mention of neighboring tribes, such as Ephraim and Issachar, highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes and the complexities of territorial claims.
Verses 12-18: The Challenges in Possessing the Land
Despite receiving their inheritance, the tribe of Manasseh faces challenges in fully possessing the land. The text reveals their struggle against the Canaanites, who are described as strong and well-fortified. This section emphasizes the theme of faith and perseverance, as the tribe is encouraged to drive out the inhabitants despite their initial fears.
Conclusion
Joshua Chapter 17 illustrates the complexities of land distribution among the tribes of Israel, particularly focusing on the tribe of Manasseh. It highlights the importance of inheritance, the role of women in society, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Israelites in fulfilling God’s promises. The chapter serves as a reminder of the faith required to overcome obstacles and the significance of community and cooperation among the tribes.
