Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Joshua 17
Joshua 17:4They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, "The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers." So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
The daughters of Zelophehad boldly approach Israel's leaders, claiming the inheritance God promised them through Moses. This act affirms that God's justice extends to all, ensuring women were not left without land and provision.Joshua 17:12-13Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Yet it did not drive out the people of Geshur and the people of Maacah, so the Geshurites and the Maacathites dwell among the Israelites to this day.
This passage bluntly states that Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites, choosing instead to put them to forced labor. This compromise and partial obedience would become a source of trouble for Israel for generations to come.Joshua 17:18but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong."
In response to a complaint, Joshua challenges the people of Joseph to clear the forested hills and drive out the strong Canaanites. He reframes their problem as an opportunity, calling them to use their great numbers and power to take what God had promised.
Historical & Cultural Context
Dividing the Inheritance for Manasseh
The process of dividing the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel is underway. Following the allotments for Judah and Ephraim in the preceding chapters, the focus now shifts to the other half of Joseph's descendants: the tribe of Manasseh. This chapter is part of the administrative record showing how God's promise to Abraham was being fulfilled in a tangible, geographical way for each family.
A Complaint, a Challenge, and a Call to Courage
After the boundaries are set, a tension emerges. The chapter pivots from detailing inheritance rights to addressing the people's responsibilities and fears. The powerful tribes of Joseph complain that their portion is too small and the remaining enemies are too strong. This sets the stage for a crucial leadership moment from Joshua, who must address their lack of faith and challenge them to finish the job.
Manasseh's Inheritance and a Call to Action
Joshua 17 opens with the leaders of Israel gathered to distribute the next portion of the Promised Land. The focus is on the tribe of Manasseh, detailing their territory west of the Jordan. This administrative task is interrupted first by a unique legal claim and then by a complaint, forcing Joshua to address issues of justice, faith, and responsibility.
The Inheritance of Zelophehad's Daughters (Joshua 17:1-6)
1 Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war.
2 allotment was for the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, for the people of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.
3 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
4 They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, "The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers." So according to the mouth of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
5 Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
Commentary:
The daughters of Zelophehad successfully claim their inheritance, demonstrating God's provision and justice for women.
Mapping the Boundaries (Joshua 17:7-11)
7 The territory of Manasseh reached from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem. Then the boundary goes along southward to the inhabitants of En-tappuah.
8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah on the boundary of Manasseh belonged to the people of Ephraim.
9 Then the boundary goes down to the brook Kanah. These cities to the south of the brook among the cities of Manasseh are the portion of Manasseh's sons, and the boundary of Manasseh is on the north side of the brook and ends at the sea.
10 However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor.
11 In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; the third is Naphath.
Commentary:
The specific borders of Manasseh's territory are laid out, making God's promise of land a concrete reality.
The Problem of Partial Obedience (Joshua 17:12-13)
12 Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.
13 Yet it did not drive out the people of Geshur and the people of Maacah, so the Geshurites and the Maacathites dwell among the Israelites to this day.
Commentary:
Manasseh fails to completely drive out the Canaanites, settling for a compromise that would later cause significant problems.
Joshua's Challenge to Joseph's Tribes (Joshua 17:14-18)
14 Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since all along the Lord has blessed me?"
15 And Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up by yourselves to the forest, and there clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
16 Then the people of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. Yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”
17 Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, “You are a numerous people and have great power. You shall not have one allotment only,
18 but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong."
Commentary:
When the tribes of Joseph complain about their land, Joshua challenges them to use their strength to clear more territory and defeat their enemies.
Key Themes in Manasseh's Story
Divine Provision and Human Responsibility
God faithfully provides the land as promised, but the people are responsible for taking possession of it. Joshua's challenge to the tribes of Joseph makes it clear that faith isn't passive. It requires effort, courage, and a willingness to face challenges head-on.
The Danger of Compromise
Manasseh's failure to drive out the Canaanites illustrates the theme of partial obedience. Settling for 'good enough' instead of fully following God's commands creates lingering problems that threaten Israel's spiritual health and security down the road.
God's Heart for Justice
The story of Zelophehad's daughters is a powerful example of God's justice. In a culture where inheritance was tied to male heirs, God made a way for these women to receive their family's portion, showing His concern for the vulnerable and His commitment to fairness.
Applying Joshua 17 to Your Life
Like the tribes of Joseph, you might focus on the 'iron chariots' - the intimidating challenges that seem too big to overcome. Joshua 17:17-18 encourages you to reframe your perspective. Instead of seeing your resources as inadequate, God calls you to see your strength and use it to clear the 'forests' and take ground He has promised you.
The Israelites didn't remove the Canaanites, and that compromise led to future trouble (Joshua 17:12-13). This is a call to examine areas where you might be tolerating a sin or a bad habit instead of dealing with it completely. True freedom comes not from managing a problem, but from removing it through God's strength.
These women knew God's promise and were not afraid to speak up for their rights (Joshua 17:4). Their story encourages you to be bold in claiming the promises God has given you in His Word. It also challenges you to stand up for justice for others who may be overlooked or marginalized in your community.
God's Promise Requires Our Participation
Joshua 17 reveals that God's promises are tangible inheritances meant to be possessed, not abstract hopes. He is a God of perfect justice who provides for all His people, yet He calls for active participation. The message is that our blessings are tied to our boldness. God gives us the strength and the territory, but we must have the faith to clear the forests and face the giants.
What This Means for Us Today
This chapter is an invitation to survey the promises God has given you and ask if you have fully possessed them. Like Joshua, God challenges us to see our potential not as a reason to ask for an easier path, but as the very tool needed to conquer the difficult territory ahead. He invites us to stop making excuses and start clearing the land.
- What 'forested hill country' is God calling you to clear out in your life right now?
- In what area have you been held back by fear of 'iron chariots'?
- How can you step out in faith this week to claim more of the inheritance God has for you?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
This chapter details the land allotment for Ephraim, the other tribe descended from Joseph, providing the immediate context for Manasseh's portion.
The narrative continues with the tabernacle being set up at Shiloh and the division of the rest of the land among the remaining seven tribes.
Connections Across Scripture
This is the original account where the daughters of Zelophehad first brought their case to Moses, who then received God's command to grant them an inheritance.
The book of Judges revisits Manasseh's failure to drive out the Canaanites, showing the negative consequences that resulted from this compromise.
This passage speaks of the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ, a promise secured by the Holy Spirit, which echoes the theme of God's promised inheritance in Joshua.
Discussion Questions
- Joshua responded to the tribes' complaint not with sympathy, but with a challenge (vv. 15, 17-18). When is it more loving to challenge someone to step up in faith rather than comfort them in their fear?
- The Canaanites' 'chariots of iron' were a real and intimidating threat. What are the modern-day 'chariots of iron' that cause us to doubt God's promises and settle for less than what He has for us?
- The story of Zelophehad's daughters shows God's law making a way for those who could have been left out. How can we, as individuals or as a church, better reflect God's heart for justice and inclusion for the marginalized today?
Glossary
places
Gilead and Bashan
Fertile regions east of the Jordan River that were given to the half-tribe of Manasseh that chose to settle there.
Valley of Jezreel
A large, fertile plain in northern Israel, known for being a strategic military location and controlled by Canaanites with iron chariots.
Shechem
An important ancient city in the central hill country of Canaan, located near Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal.
figures
Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, whose descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Machir
The firstborn son of Manasseh and a renowned warrior, whose descendants settled in Gilead and Bashan.
Zelophehad's Daughters
Five sisters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) who successfully petitioned for the right to inherit their father's land.
Eleazar
The High Priest of Israel during the time of the conquest, who assisted Joshua in allotting the land.