Joshua 17 details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's two sons, emphasizing the division of territory among his descendants, including the unique case of Zelophehad's daugh...
18
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~3 min
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Joshua
Author
c. 1406-1399 BC - Israel's Conquest and Settlement of Canaan
Timeline
Timeline
c. 1406-1399 BC - Israel's Conquest and Settlement of Canaan
Joshua 17 details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph's two sons, emphasizing the division of territory among his descendants, including the unique case of Zelophehad's daughters who successfully claim an inheritance. The chapter highlights the challenges the tribe faces in fully possessing their allotted land due to remaining Canaanite inhabitants and their iron chariots. Joshua encourages the tribe to courageously clear the forested hill country to expand their territory. This chapter underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel while also illustrating the necessity of faith and obedience in conquering the land. It serves as a vital link in the narrative of Israel's settlement in Canaan, showing both divine provision and human responsibility.
Verses 1-6: The Allotment to Manasseh and Zelophehad's Daughters. The chapter opens with the description of the land portions given to Manasseh, including the special case of Zelophehad’s daughters who petition for and receive an inheritance, affirming the Lord’s justice and provision.
Verses 7-13: Boundaries and Challenges of Manasseh’s Territory. This section outlines the geographical borders of Manasseh’s land, noting the mixed occupancy with Ephraim and the failure to fully drive out the Canaanites, who remain as tributaries.
Verses 14-18: The Request and Encouragement to Expand. The descendants of Joseph express concern over their limited inheritance given their population size. Joshua responds by urging them to clear the forested hill country and trust God to overcome the strong Canaanite presence, including those with iron chariots.
The leader of Israel who oversees the distribution of the land. He responds to the concerns of Joseph’s descendants with encouragement and practical counsel, emphasizing faith and action in possessing the land.
Daughters of Zelophehad who petition for an inheritance in the absence of a male heir. Their successful claim sets a precedent for inheritance rights and demonstrates God’s justice and provision.
One of Joseph’s sons’ tribes receiving a large portion of land, including territories east and west of the Jordan. They face challenges in driving out the Canaanites and expanding their territory.
This section describes the distribution of land to the tribe of Manasseh, including the special case of Zelophehad’s daughters who receive their father’s inheritance, demonstrating God’s justice and fulfillment of His commands.
Details the borders of Manasseh’s territory, highlighting the overlap with Ephraim’s land and the presence of Canaanite inhabitants who remain despite Israel’s initial conquest.
Joseph’s descendants express concern over limited land, and Joshua challenges them to actively clear the forested hill country and trust God to overcome the strong Canaanite forces.
“And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.”
“Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.”
“And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.”
“But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.”
How well do you know Joshua 17?
Take the QuizTrust in God’s faithfulness to provide what He has promised, even when circumstances seem difficult.
Actively engage in the work God calls you to, just as Joshua urged the tribe to clear the forest and claim their inheritance.
Recognize the importance of justice and equity, following the example of Zelophehad’s daughters in seeking what is rightfully theirs.
Persevere in spiritual battles despite formidable opposition, relying on God’s strength to overcome.
Value the inheritance of God’s promises and steward it responsibly for His glory.
Encourage unity and cooperation among God’s people to fully possess the blessings He has given.
The chapter shows God’s faithfulness in allotting land according to His promises and His just provision for inheritance rights, including for women, as seen in Zelophehad’s daughters.
Joshua’s exhortation to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites highlights the necessity of active faith and obedience in claiming God’s promises.
The failure to fully drive out the Canaanites illustrates the ongoing spiritual and physical challenges Israel faces, foreshadowing future struggles and the need for continued reliance on God.
Joshua 17 is set during the early period of Israel’s settlement in Canaan, traditionally dated to the late Bronze Age (circa 1400s BC). The land allotment reflects the tribal divisions and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants. The geography includes the hill country and fertile valleys of Manasseh's territory, spanning both sides of the Jordan River. The presence of Canaanite inhabitants with iron chariots indicates a technologically advanced and militarily formidable enemy, complicating Israel’s conquest. The cultural context includes tribal inheritance customs and the importance of land for identity and survival. The petition of Zelophehad’s daughters reflects evolving legal and social norms within Israelite society under divine guidance.
This perspective emphasizes God’s sovereign provision of the land and the covenantal faithfulness demonstrated in granting inheritance rights, including to Zelophehad’s daughters. It also highlights the call to faithful obedience in conquering the land.
Dispensationalists see this chapter as part of the literal fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel regarding the land, with the incomplete conquest foreshadowing future prophetic events and the ongoing tension between Israel and surrounding peoples.
Early church interpreters often viewed the land allotments typologically, seeing the inheritance as a symbol of the believer’s spiritual inheritance in Christ, with the struggles representing the Christian’s battle against sin and the world.
The original account of Zelophehad’s daughters petitioning for inheritance rights, which Joshua 17 affirms and applies.
Describes the land of Gilead and Bashan given to Manasseh, referenced in Joshua 17 as part of their inheritance.
Reflects on God’s past deliverance and granting of the land, paralleling the themes of divine provision in Joshua 17.
Mentions the faith of the Israelites who conquered kingdoms and obtained promises, connecting to the faith and struggle in Joshua 17.
Genealogical details about Manasseh’s descendants, providing background to the tribal allotments in Joshua 17.
Joshua 17 powerfully illustrates God’s faithfulness in granting the promised land to His people while highlighting the human responsibility to claim and cultivate it through faith and obedience. The chapter’s account of Zelophehad’s daughters affirms God’s justice and provision for all His people. The ongoing struggle with the Canaanites and Joshua’s exhortation to courageously expand the territory remind believers today of the need for perseverance and trust in God’s power. This chapter encourages Christians to actively pursue their spiritual inheritance, confident that God equips and empowers His people to overcome obstacles and fulfill His promises.
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