Joshua 17
The Allotment for Manasseh
Overview
Manasseh receives territory on both sides of the Jordan, Zelophehad's daughters claim their inheritance, and Joseph's tribes request more land.
Introduction
Joshua 17 completes the Joseph tribes' allotment by describing Manasseh's territory. This chapter includes a remarkable story of women claiming their inheritance rights, notes about incomplete conquest, and a complaint from Joseph's descendants about insufficient land. Joshua's response challenges them to take initiative rather than merely requesting more.
Manasseh as Joseph's Firstborn (Verses 1-2)
[1-2] Manasseh was Joseph's firstborn. Makir, Manasseh's firstborn, was "the ancestor of the Gileadites," a warrior who received Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. The remaining Manassite clans—Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida—receive their allotment west of the Jordan. These represent the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph.
Zelophehad's Daughters Claim Their Inheritance (Verses 3-6)
[3-4] Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons, only daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah. These women approach Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders with a bold claim: "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives." They invoke the legal precedent established in Numbers 27:7">Numbers 27:7.
[5-6] "So Manasseh's share consisted of ten tracts of land besides Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with the sons." The women receive their father's portion, ensuring his name and inheritance continue through them.
Manasseh's Boundaries (Verses 7-13)
[7-10] Manasseh's western territory bordered Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. The boundary runs from Asher to Mikmethath east of Shechem, south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah. The land of Tappuah belongs to Manasseh, but the town itself on Manasseh's boundary belongs to Ephraim. The boundary continues to the Kanah Ravine, with some Manassite towns in Ephraim's territory. Manasseh's territory ends at the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by Asher to the north and Issachar to the east.
[11-12] Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh also had Beth Shan, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, Megiddo, and their surrounding settlements (the third in the list being Naphoth). "Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region."
[13] When the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor "but did not drive them out completely." Again, partial obedience rather than complete fulfillment of God's command.
Joseph's Tribes Request More Land (Verses 14-18)
[14] The people of Joseph complain to Joshua: "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the LORD has blessed us abundantly."
[15] Joshua's response is challenging: "If you are so numerous and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites." In other words: don't just complain—take initiative and expand by conquest.
[16] The Joseph tribes object: "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel." They fear the advanced military technology.
[17-18] Joshua speaks firmly to the houses of Joseph—Ephraim and Manasseh: "You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out."
Joshua refuses to simply give them more land without effort. Their size is an advantage, not a limitation. Iron chariots can be overcome by faith and action.
Key Takeaways
- Women's inheritance rights matter: Zelophehad's daughters received what God had promised.
- Incomplete obedience persists: "Did not drive them out completely" becomes a recurring problem.
- Complaints aren't always valid: Joseph's tribes had land—they needed to use it.
- Faith overcomes obstacles: Iron chariots seem insurmountable, but God is stronger.
- Initiative is expected: Joshua challenges them to clear land rather than just requesting more.
Reflection Questions
- What does the daughters of Zelophehad's bold claim teach about advocating for what is rightfully ours?
- Why does Scripture repeatedly note the failure to drive out the Canaanites completely?
- How does Joshua's response to Joseph's complaint challenge passive approaches to blessing?
- What "iron chariots" seem insurmountable in your life, and how might faith view them differently?
For Contemplation: Joseph's tribes wanted more land without more effort. Joshua essentially said, "You have what you need—now go take it." Are there blessings God has already given you that require your action to fully possess? What forests might you need to clear?
Note: This Bible study was generated by an AI assistant to help provide accessible explanations of Scripture. While carefully reviewed for accuracy, it should complement personal Bible reading and not replace guidance from qualified pastors and teachers.