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Joshua 17

Joshua17

New King James Version

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1 There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan.

2 And there was a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

3 But Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

4 And they came near before Eleazar the priest, before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore, according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers.

5 Ten shares fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan,

6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.

7 And the territory of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, that lies east of Shechem; and the border went along south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.

8 Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.

9 And the border descended to the Brook Kanah, southward to the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook; and it ended at the sea.

10 Southward it was Ephraim’s, northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was its border. Manasseh’s territory was adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.

11 And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth Shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns—three hilly regions.

12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.

13 And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

14 Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?”

15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.”

16 But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.”

17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot,

18 but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.”

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Joshua 17

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Joshua 17. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.

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.

Cross References

Joshua 17
v3Numbers 27:1thematic

Establishes the genealogy and legal precedent of the daughters of Zelophehad claiming their inheritance.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v4Numbers 27:4fulfillment

Fulfills the specific command given to Moses regarding Zelophehad's daughters receiving land.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v1Numbers 26:29thematic

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

v11Judges 1:27thematic

Parallel account lists the exact cities where Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites.

Supported by JFB

v3Numbers 36:2-11thematic

Expands on inheritance laws for Zelophehad's daughters to prevent land transferring to other tribes.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v13Judges 1:28thematic

Confirms that Israel put the Canaanites to tribute rather than driving them out.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v14Genesis 48:19thematic

Jacob's prophecy explaining the relative size and blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v16Judges 1:19thematic

Parallels the fear of valley-dwelling Canaanites who possessed formidable iron chariots.

Supported by JFB

v2Numbers 26:30thematic

Lists the families of the rest of the sons of Manasseh.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v3Numbers 26:33thematic

Direct genealogical match for Zelophehad having no sons but five named daughters.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v9Joshua 16:9thematic

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.

v112 Kings 9:27thematic

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.