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Joshua 17 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war. ²So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. ³But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. ⁴They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. ⁵Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan, ⁶because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. ⁷Now the border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethath near Shechem, then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. ⁸The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim. ⁹From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea. ¹⁰Ephraim’s territory was to the south, and Manasseh’s was to the north, having the Sea as its border and adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. ¹¹Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements. ¹²But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. ¹³However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely. ¹⁴Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” ¹⁵Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” ¹⁶“The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” ¹⁷So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, ¹⁸because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

Joshua

Joshua 17

Inheritance, Challenge, and the Call to Courageous Possession

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Objective

To reveal the division of the land among the tribe of Manasseh, the unique inheritance of Zelophehad’s daughters, and the call to courageously claim God’s promise despite formidable opposition.

Overview

Joshua 17 unfolds the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing the inheritance rights extended to daughters in the absence of sons. The chapter highlights the tension between God’s promise and the reality of remaining Canaanite inhabitants, culminating in Joshua’s exhortation to the tribe of Joseph to assert their strength and possess the land fully despite the presence of iron-chariot-wielding enemies.

Detailed Analysis

Event Description

The chapter opens with the allotment of land to Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph, through his son Machir, described as a man of war who received Gilead and Bashan. The narrative details the distribution among Manasseh’s families, underscoring the tribal divisions and the extension of inheritance beyond sons to daughters, a notable exception in Israelite custom.

Central Themes

God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises to tribes

the recognition of women’s inheritance rights in the absence of male heirs

the importance of tribal identity and land possession.

Cultural & Historical Context

In ancient Israel, land inheritance typically passed through male heirs, but the case of Zelophehad’s daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) reflects a divine command preserving family inheritance and tribal boundaries (Numbers 27:1-11). This preserves tribal integrity and honors God’s covenant promises. The mention of Machir as a man of war aligns with the cultural value of martial prowess in securing and holding land.

Key Verse

Joshua 17:3-4

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

The Inheritance of Manasseh and the Legacy of Machir

A rugged landscape of fertile hills and broad plains, divided by clear borders. In the foreground, five determined daughters stand before a priest and leader, their faces resolute, symbolizing inheritance and justice granted by divine command. Behind them, the warrior Machir surveys the land, a figure of strength and promise.

The Boundaries and Challenges of Manasseh’s Territory

A map-like vista showing overlapping tribal territories with cities nestled among hills and rivers. Shadowy figures of Canaanite inhabitants remain within city walls, while Israelite banners fly nearby. The tension of coexistence is palpable, with an atmosphere of uneasy peace and pending conflict.

The Challenge to Joseph’s Descendants: Courage to Claim the Land

A dense, dark forest on a mountain slope, alive with the threat of giants and iron chariots glinting ominously in the valley below. In the foreground, a group of strong, determined Israelites wield axes and swords, preparing to cut down the trees and face the enemy, their faces lit by a hopeful dawn breaking through the trees.

Song

Joshua 17 Song

Verse 1:

From the hills of Machir’s might, The daughters stand in morning light, With voices firm, they claim their right, Inheritance by God’s own sight.

Verse 2:

Borders drawn with hand divine, Cities held where shadows twine, Yet faith commands the heart to shine, To clear the woods and claim the vine.

Chorus:

Rise up, O tribe of Joseph strong, Possess the land where you belong, Though giants stand and chariots roar, God’s promise calls you to the fore.

Bridge:

Though iron wheels may thunder near, Courage casts away the fear, The Lord who gave the land is here, His strength will make the pathway clear.

Final Chorus:

Rise up, O tribe of Joseph strong, Possess the land where you belong, Though giants stand and chariots roar, God’s promise calls you to the fore.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Recognize and claim the inheritance God has given you, including the rights and blessings that may come in unexpected ways.

Face personal challenges and fears with courage, trusting God’s power to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Community & Society

Encourage just and equitable treatment within the community, honoring God’s commands even when cultural norms differ.

Support one another in confronting communal challenges, standing united to claim God’s promises for the body of Christ.

Global Perspective

Advocate for the dignity and rights of those marginalized or overlooked, reflecting God’s justice in the wider world.

Engage in faithful stewardship and courageous action to overcome global injustices and spiritual opposition.

Conclusion

Joshua 17 reveals the unfolding of God’s promise through inheritance, the honoring of divine justice in granting land to daughters, and the persistent call to courageously possess the land despite formidable opposition. It teaches that faith requires action, that God’s promises endure amid challenges, and that obedience includes claiming what God has given with strength and trust.