tudy Joshua 17 and the inheritance of Manasseh. See the lesson on claiming God's promises, the danger of compromise, and the need to persevere.
The distribution of the Promised Land continued with the tribe of Manasseh. Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and held a position of honor among the tribes of Israel. The inheritance of Manasseh was unique because it was divided between the east and west sides of the Jordan River. The tribe received a double portion that reflected its significance in God's plan.
The western allotment of Manasseh included some of the most strategic cities in Canaan. The cities of Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo were assigned to Manasseh. These cities were fortified and occupied by Canaanites who had iron chariots. The Manassites faced a formidable challenge. They needed courage and faith to claim their full inheritance.
The account of Joshua 17 includes the courageous request of Zelophehad's daughters. They had no brothers, but they asked for an inheritance among their father's brothers. Their request was granted because it was based on the command of the Lord. The chapter also records the complaint of the sons of Joseph about their inheritance. The lesson from Joshua 17 reminds believers that claiming God's promises requires perseverance and faith in the face of obstacles. The chapter demonstrates that God provides for His people and calls them to act with courage.
The Inheritance of Manasseh
The Allotment for the Sons of Manasseh
The tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance by lot. Joshua 17:1-2 records that the allotment was given to the descendants of Manasseh according to their families. The Machirites had already received Gilead and Bashan on the east side of the Jordan because Machir was a man of war . The remaining families of Manasseh received their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan.
The families included Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh according to their families . The allotment was distributed according to the command of the Lord through Moses. The process demonstrated God's sovereignty over the distribution of the land.
The Daughters of Zelophehad
Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons. He had five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah . These daughters approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders of Israel. They made a bold request. They asked for an inheritance among their father's brothers because the Lord had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance .
Their request was granted. Joshua honored the earlier decision of the Lord in Numbers 27. The daughters of Zelophehad received an inheritance among their father's brothers . The ten shares fell to Manasseh, and the daughters received their portion along with the sons of Manasseh . This event demonstrated the importance of faith and boldness in claiming God's promises.
The Boundaries of Western Manasseh
The boundaries of Manasseh's western inheritance are described in detail. Joshua 17:7-10 traces the territory from Asher to Michmethath, east of Shechem. The boundary went southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah belonged to Ephraim .
The boundary continued to the Brook of Kanah. The cities south of the brook belonged to Ephraim, while the cities north of the brook belonged to Manasseh . The boundary extended to the Mediterranean Sea. The territory was strategically located and included the fertile lowlands and the hill country.
Cities Within Issachar and Asher
Manasseh also received cities within the territories of Issachar and Asher. Joshua 17:11 lists Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo with their surrounding settlements . These cities were significant for their strategic locations and fertile lands. They were fortified and defended by Canaanites.
The presence of these cities within the territories of other tribes demonstrated the complex nature of the tribal allotments. The cities were assigned to Manasseh, but they were located in the territories of Issachar and Asher. The arrangement required cooperation and coordination between the tribes.
The Failure to Drive Out the Canaanites
The Inability to Occupy the Cities
Joshua 17:12 records a significant failure: "Yet the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land" . The cities of Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo remained occupied by Canaanites. The Manassites could not take possession of their full inheritance.
The failure to drive out the Canaanites was a result of several factors. The Canaanites were determined to remain in the land and resisted the Israelites . The Manassites may have been intimidated by the iron chariots of the Canaanites (Joshua 17:16). The presence of fortified cities with advanced military technology was a significant obstacle.
The Root of the Failure
The failure of the Manassites reflected a lack of faith and courage. God had promised to give the land to Israel. The Lord had assured Joshua that no enemy could stand against them. Yet the Manassites looked to the iron chariots rather than to God's power . Their unbelief prevented them from claiming their full inheritance.
The failure also reflected a reliance on human pragmatism. Joshua 17:13 records that when the Israelites grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor . They did not drive them out completely. The decision to use the Canaanites as forced labor provided economic advantages . Yet the compromise would have lasting consequences.
The Parallel with Ephraim
The failure of Manasseh parallels the failure of Ephraim at Gezer. Joshua 16:10 records that the Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites dwelling in Gezer. The presence of the Canaanites in Gezer became a source of trouble. The same pattern occurred in the territory of Manasseh. The incomplete obedience would lead to compromise and conflict .
The book of Judges records the consequences of these failures. Judges 1:27-28 notes that Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and their villages. The Canaanites persisted in dwelling in the land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor. The failure to complete the conquest led to the cycle of sin and judgment that characterized the period of the judges .
The Complaint of the Sons of Joseph
The Complaint
The sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, approached Joshua with a complaint. Joshua 17:14 records their words: "Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, as the LORD has blessed us abundantly?" . The complaint reflected dissatisfaction with their inheritance.
The complaint may have seemed reasonable because they were a numerous people . The territory that had been assigned to them seemed insufficient for their population. Yet the complaint also revealed a lack of faith. They were looking for an easy solution rather than trusting God to provide through their own efforts.
Joshua's Response
Joshua responded with wisdom and encouragement. He told them that if they had so many people, they should clear the forested hill country and push out the Perizzites and Rephaim . Joshua directed them to the resources that were already available. The forested areas needed clearing, and the land was waiting for them.
Joshua's answer was a call to action. He did not grant them additional land without effort. He challenged them to use their strength to claim their inheritance . The hill country was theirs, but they had to clear the forest and drive out the inhabitants . The answer demonstrated that God's promises require human participation and effort.
The Excuse of the Sons of Joseph
The sons of Joseph responded with an excuse. They said that the hill country was not enough for them and that the Canaanites in the valley had iron chariots . They looked to the obstacles rather than to God's power. The iron chariots represented the technological advantage of the enemy.
Joshua addressed their excuse with a firm answer. He declared that the hill country would be theirs. He told them that they could drive out the Canaanites despite their iron chariots . Joshua encouraged them to have faith and to act with courage. The same God who had given them victory in the past would give them victory in the future.
Lessons from Joshua 17
God's Provision is Sufficient
The inheritance of Manasseh demonstrates God's provision for His people. The tribe received a significant territory that included strategic cities and fertile land. The daughters of Zelophehad received their inheritance because God's provision extends to all who trust Him. The provision was sufficient for the needs of the tribe.
The sons of Joseph complained that their inheritance was insufficient. Yet the land that remained was abundant. The forested hill country needed clearing, but the land was available. The lesson from Joshua 17 is that God's provision is sufficient when His people are willing to act in faith and obedience.
Claiming God's Promises Requires Effort
The complaint of the sons of Joseph reveals a reluctance to claim their inheritance fully. They wanted more land, but they were not willing to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites. The promise was sure, but claiming it required effort . The lesson from Joshua 17 is that God's promises require active participation and perseverance.
The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The example of the sons of Joseph encourages believers to press forward and claim the inheritance that God has provided.
The Danger of Compromise
The failure to drive out the Canaanites demonstrates the danger of compromise. The Manassites allowed the Canaanites to remain because it seemed beneficial . The forced labor provided economic advantages without costly warfare. Yet the compromise would lead to spiritual decline.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:6: "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" The lesson from Joshua 17 is that compromise with sin is dangerous. The presence of sin in a believer's life can lead to greater sin and conflict. Believers are called to remove sin from their lives and to maintain their holiness.
The Importance of Faith
The failure at Manasseh reflects a lack of faith . The people looked to the iron chariots rather than to God's power. They were afraid of the obstacles rather than trusting in God's promises. The lack of faith prevented them from claiming their full inheritance.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 John 5:4: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." The lesson from Joshua 17 is that faith is essential for claiming God's promises. Faith overcomes obstacles and enables believers to receive the inheritance that God has provided.
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to Abraham
The inheritance of Manasseh is connected to the promise to Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21 had specified the boundaries of the land that God would give to Abraham's descendants. The inheritance of Manasseh was a fulfillment of this promise. The territory west of the Jordan was part of the land that God had promised.
The fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:29: "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The inheritance of Manasseh points forward to the greater inheritance that believers have in Christ.
The Daughters of Zelophehad in the Law
The daughters of Zelophehad are also mentioned in Numbers 27. Their case established the principle that daughters could inherit when there were no sons. The principle was later applied in Numbers 36 to preserve the inheritance within the tribe. The inclusion of the daughters of Zelophehad in Joshua 17 demonstrates the importance of their case.
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." The example of the daughters of Zelophehad demonstrates that God's provision extends to all who trust in Him.
The Iron Chariots in the Promised Land
The iron chariots of the Canaanites are mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. Judges 4:3 records that Jabin king of Canaan had nine hundred chariots of iron. The presence of iron chariots represented a significant military threat. Yet God promised victory over the chariots.
Psalm 20:7 declares: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." The lesson from Joshua 17 is that God's power is greater than any human weapon. The iron chariots were not an obstacle to God. They were an obstacle to faith.
The Example of Caleb
The sons of Joseph are contrasted with Caleb in Joshua 14. Caleb had asked for the mountain of Hebron, which was occupied by the Anakim. He did not complain about the difficulty. He asked for the inheritance and trusted God to give him the victory. The sons of Joseph complained about the difficulty and made excuses.
The contrast between Caleb and the sons of Joseph is instructive. Caleb followed the Lord fully and received his inheritance. The sons of Joseph complained and failed to claim their full inheritance . The example of Caleb encourages believers to have faith and to act with courage.
Conclusion
The inheritance of Manasseh was a significant moment in Israel's history. The tribe received a territory that included strategic cities and fertile land. The daughters of Zelophehad received their inheritance because of their bold faith. Yet the tribe failed to drive out the Canaanites from their assigned cities. The failure would have consequences for future generations.
The lesson from Joshua 17 is that God's promises require perseverance and faith. The sons of Joseph complained about their inheritance, but they were not willing to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites. The promise was sure, but claiming it required effort. The lesson applies to believers today. God's promises are certain, but they require active participation and faith.
The failure to drive out the Canaanites demonstrates the danger of compromise. The Manassites allowed the Canaanites to remain because it seemed beneficial. Yet the compromise would lead to spiritual decline. The example of the daughters of Zelophehad stands as a contrast to the failure of the tribe. They approached with boldness and received their inheritance. The account of Joshua 17 calls believers to act with faith, to persevere in the face of obstacles, and to claim their inheritance without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the daughters of Zelophehad receive an inheritance in Joshua 17?
The daughters of Zelophehad received an inheritance because they had no brothers and they asked for what God had promised. Numbers 27 had established that daughters could inherit when there were no sons. Their request was granted because it was based on the command of the Lord. Their faith and boldness were rewarded.
2. What cities did Manasseh receive within Issachar and Asher?
Manasseh received Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo with their surrounding settlements. These cities were strategic and fortified. They were located within the territories of Issachar and Asher. The arrangement required cooperation between the tribes.
3. Why did the Manassites fail to drive out the Canaanites?
The Manassites failed to drive out the Canaanites because the Canaanites were determined to remain in the land. The Manassites may have been intimidated by the iron chariots of the Canaanites. The failure also reflected a reliance on human pragmatism and a lack of faith in God's power. The forced labor provided economic advantages but led to spiritual compromise.
4. What was the complaint of the sons of Joseph in Joshua 17?
The sons of Joseph complained that their inheritance was not sufficient for their numerous people. They asked Joshua for more land. Joshua responded by telling them to clear the forested hill country and to drive out the Perizzites and Rephaim. He challenged them to use their strength and faith to claim their inheritance.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Joshua 17?
Believers can learn several lessons from Joshua 17. God's provision is sufficient for His people. Claiming God's promises requires effort and perseverance. Compromise with sin is dangerous and leads to spiritual decline. Faith is essential for overcoming obstacles and receiving the inheritance. The example of the daughters of Zelophehad encourages believers to approach God with boldness.
COMMENTS