Joshua 17
Main Highlights
Joshua 17 details the territorial allocation for the tribe of Manasseh on the west side of the Jordan, outlining their specific boundaries and cities. Notably, the chapter highlights the equitable resolution of inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring they received their rightful portion alongside their male relatives. However, it also records Manasseh's failure to fully dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories, leaving pockets of resistance.
Key Verses
"Then the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war."— Joshua 17:1
"Then came up the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah."— Joshua 17:3
"Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land."— Joshua 17:12
Scholar Insight
"The Manassites were not strong enough to dislodge the Canaanites completely, but they still maintained a hold on their allotted area, just as Judah was successful in conquering the hill country but could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain (Judg 1:19). As the book of Judges will show, these pockets of resistance will continue to cause Israel problems later in her history." - Trent C. Butler, Joshua, Word Biblical Commentary
Questions
What do we learn about God?
God demonstrates His faithfulness and justice by remembering and upholding the inheritance rights of the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring equity within His covenant people. "Then came up the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh...and they stood before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua and before the chiefs, saying, 'The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.'" - Joshua 17:3-4.
How is Christ Connected?
The inclusion of the daughters of Zelophehad in the inheritance, despite traditional norms, foreshadows Christ's inclusive gospel, which breaks down barriers and grants spiritual inheritance to all who believe, irrespective of gender or status. "So there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons." - Joshua 17:5.
What Theology concept is taught?
The systematic theology concept taught is Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. While God faithfully allots the land, Manasseh's inability to fully dispossess the Canaanites illustrates the necessity of human obedience and diligent effort in cooperation with God's commands. "Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land." - Joshua 17:12.
Do we see Law or Grace?
The chapter illustrates the application of God's law regarding inheritance rights (Numbers 27) through the just allocation for Zelophehad's daughters, showcasing God's gracious provision of the land to His people. "So there fell to Manasseh ten portions...because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons." - Joshua 17:5.
Personal Application
Believers should respond with diligent obedience to God's commands, earnestly taking possession of what God has graciously provided, rather than settling for partial victory or compromise. "When the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely." - Joshua 17:13. This serves as a caution against incomplete obedience.
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