# Overview Joshua Chapter 17 continues detailing the allotment of land west of the Jordan River, specifically focusing on the inheritance given to the tribe of #Manasseh, one of the sons of #Joseph. This chapter highlights the unique situation of the daughters of #Zelophehad, who, because their father had no sons, petitioned for and received an inheritance among their father's brothers, as previously granted by #Moses. This event underscores the justice and provision of #God for all His people, ensuring that even those without male heirs receive their rightful inheritance. The land allotment for Manasseh is described, including its borders and the cities within its territory, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Joseph. The chapter also addresses the challenges faced by the tribe of Manasseh, particularly regarding the Canaanites who inhabited the land. Despite being a large and powerful tribe, they were initially unable to fully drive out the Canaanites and had to subject them to forced labor. Furthermore, the tribe of #Ephraim, also descended from Joseph, expresses their dissatisfaction with their allotted land, feeling it insufficient for their growing population. #Joshua, in response, encourages them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the remaining Canaanites, emphasizing the need for faith and diligence in claiming their inheritance. This narrative reflects the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to fully possess the land promised to them by God, requiring both divine guidance and human effort. ## Theological Insights Joshua 17 provides key insights into the distribution of the #PromisedLand among the tribes of #Israel, specifically focusing on the tribe of #Manasseh, one of the two sons of #Joseph. This chapter highlights several theological themes significant within the biblical narrative. Firstly, the inheritance of the tribe of #Manasseh, particularly the daughters of Zelophehad, underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the #OldTestament. The daughters’ request for their inheritance as detailed in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]] and reiterated in Joshua 17 shows the fulfillment of God’s promises and the inclusivity of God’s law, which takes into account the needs of those who might otherwise be marginalized in a patriarchal society. Moreover, this chapter reflects on the theme of human responsibility in the divine plan. The descendants of #Joseph, including #Manasseh, express their dissatisfaction with their allotted land, arguing that it is insufficient due to their large numbers. In response, Joshua challenges them to expand into the forested hill country, urging them to clear the land and drive out the #Canaanites, demonstrating the balance between divine provision and human initiative. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God’s promises often require human cooperation and action, as seen throughout scripture, including the mandate for the Israelites to conquer and settle the land in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 1]]. Additionally, the presence of the #Canaanites with iron chariots in the land allocated to #Manasseh reveals the ongoing struggle between the people of God and the surrounding nations. This scenario emphasizes the persistent challenge of living out faith amidst adversity and opposition, a theme prevalent throughout the history of Israel and echoed in the struggles of the early #Church in the #NewTestament. Lastly, this chapter reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, as well as the need for the tribes of #Israel to trust in His provision and strength, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The narrative in Joshua 17 encourages believers to rely on God's promises and to take bold steps of faith in their journey of faith, mirroring the call to trust in God echoed in passages like [[Proverbs/Proverbs Chapter 3]]:5-6. ## Thematic Connections ### Inheritance and Fulfillment of God's Promises Joshua 17 continues the theme of the inheritance of the #PromisedLand, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of #Joseph, specifically the tribes of #Manasseh and #Ephraim. This theme is connected to the original promise made to #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12]], where God assured the land to Abraham's descendants. The division of the land among the tribes in Joshua reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. ### The Challenge of Possessing the Land The chapter highlights challenges faced by the tribe of #Manasseh in fully possessing their allotted land, particularly due to the presence of the Canaanites with iron chariots. This is reminiscent of the Israelites' earlier struggles to trust God's provision and power, as evidenced in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 13]] when the spies expressed fear about the inhabitants of the land. The theme underscores the recurring biblical motif of trusting in God's strength rather than fearing human obstacles. ### Unity and Division Among the Tribes The dialogue between the tribe of #Manasseh and #Joshua regarding their inheritance touches on themes of unity and division within the nation of #Israel. The tribes express concerns about their lot and seek additional land, which Joshua addresses by encouraging them to clear the forested hill country. This interaction reflects the need for cooperation and understanding among the tribes, a theme that resonates with earlier stories of tribal interactions in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 1]] and [[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 11]]. ### The Role of Leadership and Guidance #Joshua's role as a leader is emphasized as he provides guidance and encouragement to the tribe of #Manasseh. His leadership mirrors that of #Moses, who similarly guided the Israelites through challenges, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 18]]. This theme highlights the importance of God-appointed leaders who provide wisdom and direction, ensuring that the community remains aligned with God's purposes. ### The Importance of Faith and Obedience The chapter reflects the broader biblical theme of faith and obedience as prerequisites for receiving God's promises. The tribe of #Manasseh is reminded that despite the presence of strong opponents, their success depends on trusting and obeying God's commands. This connection is seen in the Israelites' journey throughout the wilderness, such as the lessons learned in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 1]], emphasizing the necessity of faith in God's power and promises. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Inheritance of the Tribes In Joshua 17, the division of the land among the tribes of #Israel continues, with the focus on the allotment for the tribe of #Manasseh. This fulfillment ties back to the promise given to #Abraham concerning the land. In [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 12|Genesis 12:7]], God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of #Canaan. The distribution to Manasseh is a direct fulfillment of this covenant, showcasing God's faithfulness in providing the promised inheritance to the children of Israel. ### The Blessing of Joseph's Descendants The chapter also highlights the fulfillment of the blessing given to #Joseph by his father #Jacob, as recorded in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis 48:22]]. Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons, #Ephraim and #Manasseh, with a double portion of inheritance. This chapter illustrates the realization of that blessing, as Manasseh, Joseph's son, receives a significant portion of land. This act reaffirms the prophetic blessing and God's continual unfolding plan through the tribes of Israel. ### The Expansion of Territory Joshua 17 recounts how the descendants of Manasseh, needing more space due to their large population, are directed to expand their territory by conquering additional land. This expansion reflects the earlier promise to Israel of possessing the entire land of Canaan, as outlined in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 23|Exodus 23:30-31]], where God assured them of expanding their borders. The directive for Manasseh to clear the forested land for additional space symbolizes the ongoing fulfillment of this broader promise of territorial expansion and dominion. ### The Role of Faith and Obedience The challenge to possess the land fully, despite obstacles like the Canaanites with iron chariots, echoes the prophetic requirement of faith and obedience found in passages such as [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 7|Deuteronomy 7:17-24]]. God's promises often require an active response of trust and courage from His people. The tribe of Manasseh is reminded of this prevailing truth, fulfilling the ongoing call to trust in God's provision and power over formidable challenges. ## Verses - **Joshua 17:1** - "The next allotment of land was given to the half-tribe of #Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph's older son #Machir. Because the #Makirites were warriors, they were given #Gilead and #Bashan on the east side of the Jordan." - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 3]] - **Joshua 17:2** - "So the allotment was made to the other clans within the tribe of #Manasseh—#Abiezer, #Helek, #Asriel, #Shechem, #Hepher, and #Shemida. These clans represent the male descendants of #Manasseh son of #Joseph." - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26]] - **Joshua 17:3** - "However, #Zelophehad, a descendant of #Hepher, son of #Gilead, son of #Machir, son of #Manasseh, had no sons. He had only daughters, whose names were #Mahlah, #Noah, #Hoglah, #Milcah, and #Tirzah." - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]], [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 36]] - **Joshua 17:4** - "These women came to #Eleazar the priest, #Joshua son of Nun, and the Israelite leaders and said, 'The Lord commanded Moses to give us a grant of land along with the men of our tribe.' So #Joshua gave them a grant of land along with their uncles, as the Lord had commanded." - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]] - **Joshua 17:5** - "As a result, #Manasseh’s total allotment came to ten parcels of land, in addition to the land of #Gilead and #Bashan across the Jordan River," - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32]] - **Joshua 17:6** - "because the female descendants of #Manasseh received an inheritance along with the male descendants. The land of #Gilead was given to the rest of the male descendants of #Manasseh." - See also: [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]] - **Joshua 17:7** - "The boundary of the tribe of #Manasseh extended from the border of #Asher to #Micmethath, near #Shechem. Then the boundary went south from #Micmethath to the settlement near the spring of #Tappuah." - **Joshua 17:8** - "The land surrounding #Tappuah belonged to #Manasseh, but the town of #Tappuah itself, on the border of #Manasseh’s territory, belonged to the tribe of #Ephraim." - **Joshua 17:9** - "From the spring of #Tappuah, the boundary of #Manasseh followed the #Kanah Ravine to the Mediterranean Sea. Several towns south of the ravine were inside #Manasseh’s territory, but they actually belonged to the tribe of #Ephraim." - **Joshua 17:10** - "The land south of the ravine belonged to #Ephraim, and the land north of the ravine belonged to #Manasseh. #Manasseh’s boundary ran along the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea." - **Joshua 17:11** - "In addition, #Manasseh was given the towns of #Beth-shan, #Ibleam, #Dor (that is, #Naphoth-dor), #Endor, #Taanach, and #Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements." - **Joshua 17:12** - "But the descendants of #Manasseh were unable to occupy these towns because the #Canaanites were determined to stay in that region." - **Joshua 17:13** - "Later, however, when the Israelites became strong enough, they forced the #Canaanites to work as slaves, but they did not drive them out of the land." - **Joshua 17:14** - "The descendants of #Joseph came to #Joshua and asked, 'Why have you given us only one portion of land as our homeland when the Lord has blessed us with so many people?'" - See also: [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48]] - **Joshua 17:15** - "Joshua replied, 'If there are so many of you, and if the hill country of #Ephraim is not large enough for you, clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the #Perizzites and #Rephaites live.'" - **Joshua 17:16** - "The descendants of #Joseph responded, 'It’s true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the #Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in #Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of #Jezreel. They are too strong for us.'" - **Joshua 17:17** - "Then #Joshua said to the tribes of #Ephraim and #Manasseh, the descendants of #Joseph, 'Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion.'" - **Joshua 17:18** - "The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the #Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots." ### Cross-References by Chapter - **Machir, Manasseh, Joseph** - [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26]], [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 50]] - **Zelophehad’s Daughters** - [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 27]], [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 36]] - **Canaanites** - [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 23]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 1]] - **Joseph’s Blessing** - [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48]]