1
The lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph, was this: to Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, Gilead and Bashan were given, because he was a man of war.
2
So the rest of the inheritance for the children of Manasseh, according to their families, was for the descendants of Abiezer, the descendants of Helek, the descendants of Asriel, the descendants of Shechem, the descendants of Hepher, and the descendants of Shemida; these were the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, according to their families.
3
But Zelophehad son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4
They came before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua son of Nun, and before the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, according to the command of the LORD.
5
Thus ten portions fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan,
6
because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons, while the land of Gilead was assigned to the other sons of Manasseh.
7
And the border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem; then the border went on southward to the inhabitants of En-tappuah.
8
The land of Tappuah belonged to the tribe of Manasseh, but the city of Tappuah, near the border of Manasseh, belonged to the descendants of Ephraim.
9
Then the border went down to the brook Kanah, south of the brook. The cities there belonged to the tribe of Ephraim, though among the cities of Manasseh. And the border of Manasseh went on north of the brook and ended at the sea.
10
To the south belonged Ephraim, and to the north Manasseh. The sea was its border; on the north it touched Asher, and on the east Issachar.
11
But in Issachar and in Asher there also belonged to Manasseh: Beth-shean with its towns, Ibleam with its towns, the inhabitants of Dor with its towns, the inhabitants of En-dor with its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach with its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo with its towns, that is, the three hill country regions.
12
Yet the descendants of Manasseh could not drive out those cities, for the Canaanites were determined to remain in that land.
13
When the Israelites grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.
14
Then the descendants of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me only one lot and one portion as an inheritance, since I am a numerous people, because the LORD has blessed me until now?”
15
Joshua answered them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, if the hill country of Ephraim is too cramped for you.”
16
Then the descendants of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have iron chariots, both those who dwell in Beth-shean and its towns, and those who dwell in the valley of Jezreel.”
17
So Joshua said to the descendants of Joseph, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, “You are a numerous people and have great strength; not only one lot is assigned to you,
18
but the hill country shall be assigned to you also. Since it is a forest land, you must clear it; you shall possess it to its farthest borders, for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and though they are strong.”
🏞️🛡️⚒️ Summary of Joshua 17 – Manasseh’s Inheritance and a Request for More
Joshua 17 continues the division of the land to the descendants of Joseph, especially the half-tribe of Manasseh living west of the Jordan River. This chapter also records the request for more from the descendants of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) because they felt their inheritance was too small. Joshua responds to them with a challenge of faith and hard work.
📌 1. The Inheritance of the Tribe of Manasseh (verses 1–6)
- The half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance west of the Jordan.
- It is told that Machir (Manasseh’s firstborn) received Gilead and Bashan because he was a mighty warrior.
- Women also received an inheritance: the five daughters of Zelophehad (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) were given a portion, according to the command of the Lord through Moses.
🎯 God does not distinguish between men and women in the inheritance of His promise if they live by faith.
📌 2. Territory Boundaries and Towns (verses 7–13)
- The boundaries of Manasseh’s territory were given.
- However, the Canaanites were not completely driven out — they were allowed to remain and became forced labor when Israel grew strong (verse 13).
🎯 Partial disobedience to the Lord’s command results in long-term compromise.
📌 3. The Descendants of Joseph Ask for Additional Inheritance (verses 14–18)
- The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh said to Joshua:
“Why have you given us only one lot? We are a numerous people.” (verse 14)
- Joshua answered:
“Then go up into the forest and clear the trees…”
- They argued that the Canaanites had iron chariots, very strong and dangerous.
- Joshua affirmed:
“You are a numerous people and have great strength… you shall drive them out.” (verses 17–18)
🎯 The request for more was not refused, but directed toward the responsibility of faith and work.
📖 Main Teachings
- The Lord values faith — even from women such as Zelophehad’s daughters.
- The Lord gives an inheritance, but we must take hold of it by faith and effort.
- God’s blessing does not mean freedom from challenges.
- When we ask for more, God often answers with a challenge to act more.
- The strength of the enemy (iron chariots) cannot overcome the power of faith and obedience.
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
“Faith without works is dead.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…”
“In the world you will suffer persecution, but take heart; I have overcome the world.”
🎯 The Lord invites us to have active faith, not merely sit and wait for blessings.
“You are a numerous people and have great strength…” – Joshua 17:17
“You shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots.” – Joshua 17:18
“Give us another portion…” – Joshua 17:14
