Joshua17
English Standard Version
1Then was made to the of , he was the of . To the of , the of , were allotted and , he was a of .
2And allotments were made to the of the of by their , , , , , , and . were the of the of , by their .
3Now the of , of , of , of , had , , and are the of his : , , , , and .
4They the the of the and , The Lord to us an with our . So according to the of the Lord he them an the of their .
5Thus there to , the of and , is the other of the ,
6 the of an his . The of was allotted to the of the of .
7The of reached to , is of . Then the to the of .
8The of belonged to , but the town of on the of belonged to the of .
9Then the to the . , to the of the , the of , belong to . Then the of goes the of the and at the ,
10the land to the being and that to the being , with the its . On the is reached, and on the .
11Also in and in had and its , and and its , and the of and its , and the of and its , and the of and its , and the of and its ; the is .
12Yet the of , but the in in .
13Now the of grew , they the to , but did .
14Then the of to , , have you me but and as an , although am a , all the Lord has me?
15And to them, you are a , by yourselves to the , and for yourselves in the of the and the , the of is too for you.
16The of , The is for us. Yet the who in the have of , in and its in the of .
17Then to the of , to and , You are a and have . You shall have only,
18 the shall be yours, is a , you shall it and possess it to its . For you shall the , they have of , and are .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Joshua 17.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The lot of Manasseh. (1–6). The boundaries of Manasseh, The Canaanites not driven out. (7–13). Joseph desires a larger portion. (14–18).
vv1-6
Manasseh was but half of the tribe of Joseph, yet it was divided into two parts. The daughters of Zelophehad now reaped the benefit of their pious zeal and prudent forecast. Those who take care in the wilderness of this world, to make sure to themselves a place in the inheritance of the saints in light, will have the comfort of it in the other world; while those who neglect it now, will lose it for ever. Lord, teach us here to believe and obey, and give us an inheritance among thy saints, in glory everlasting.
vv7-13
There was great communication between Manasseh and Ephraim. Though each tribe had its inheritance, yet they should intermix one with another, to do good offices one to another, as became those, who, though of different tribes, were all one Israel, and were bound to love as brethren. But they suffered the Canaanites to live among them, against the command of God, to serve their own ends.
vv14-18
Joshua, as a public person, had no more regard to his own tribe than to any other, but would govern without favour or affection; wherein he has left a good example to all in public trusts. Joshua tells them, that what was fallen to their share would be a sufficient lot for them, if they would but work and fight. Men excuse themselves from labour by any pretence; and nothing serves the purpose better than having rich and powerful relations, able to provide for them; and they are apt to desire a partial and unfaithful disposal of what is intrusted to those they think able to give such help. But there is more real kindness in pointing out the advantages within reach, and in encouraging men to make the best of them, than in granting indulgences to sloth and extravagance. True religion gives no countenance to these evils. The rule is, They shall not eat who will not work; and many of our “cannots” are only the language of idleness, which magnifies every difficulty and danger. This is especially the case in our spiritual work and warfare. Without Christ we can do nothing, but we are apt to sit still and attempt nothing. if we belong to Him, he will stir us up to our best endeavours, and to cry to him for help. Then our coast will be enlarged, 1Ch 4:9, 10, and complainings silenced, or rather, turned into joyful thanksgivings.
Key Words
גּוֹרָל: properly, a pebble, i.e. a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
מַטֶּה: a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread)
מְנַשֶּׁה: Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
כִּי: (by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בְּכוֹר: firstborn; hence, chief
יוֹסֵף: Joseph, the name of seven Israelites
מָכִיר: Makir, an Israelite
אָב: father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
גִּלְעָד: Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites
בָּשָׁן: Bashan (often with the article), a region East of the Jordan
Cross References
Joshua 17Establishes the genealogy and legal precedent of the daughters of Zelophehad claiming their inheritance.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB
Fulfills the specific command given to Moses regarding Zelophehad's daughters receiving land.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Establishes the lineage of Machir and Gilead, which determines their territorial allotment.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Explains why Machir/Gilead received their portions east of the Jordan.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel account lists the exact cities where Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites.
Supported by JFB
Expands on inheritance laws for Zelophehad's daughters to prevent land transferring to other tribes.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Confirms that Israel put the Canaanites to tribute rather than driving them out.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Jacob's prophecy explaining the relative size and blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Parallels the fear of valley-dwelling Canaanites who possessed formidable iron chariots.
Supported by JFB
Lists the families of the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Direct genealogical match for Zelophehad having no sons but five named daughters.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Shows the interlacing of Ephraim's cities within the broader borders of Manasseh.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Lists the towns of Manasseh, including Beth-shean, Megiddo, and Dor.
Geographical connection showing the proximity of Ibleam and Megiddo in later history.
Supported by JFB
Theological basis for driving out strong enemies with chariots through faith in God.