Commentary on Joshua 17

Joshua 17 details the land allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, particularly highlighting the challenges and complexities arising from their large size and the need to incorporate both sides of the Jordan River. It records the inheritance given to Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, and then the remaining clans, including a significant portion for the daughters of Zelophehad. The chapter concludes with Manasseh's failure to fully drive out the Canaanites, setting up a tension between God's promise and Israel's incomplete obedience.

Historical context

The book of Joshua chronicles Israel's conquest of Canaan and the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes. Chapters 13-19 are dedicated to these territorial distributions, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Gen 12:7) and reiterated to Moses (Num 34:1-12) and Joshua (Josh 1:6). This period, likely in the late Bronze Age (around 1400-1200 BC), saw Israel transitioning from a nomadic people to a settled nation.

Joshua, as Moses' successor, led the military campaigns and oversaw the land division. The tribal allotments were not merely geographical assignments but were deeply tied to Israel's identity as God's covenant people. The detailed descriptions, including boundaries and specific towns, served as legal documents, affirming each tribe's rightful inheritance and preventing future disputes. The challenges faced by tribes like Manasseh in fully possessing their land reflect the ongoing struggle of faith and obedience that would characterize much of Israel's history.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  This verse begins the account of the land allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. It immediately notes that Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, had already received Gilead and Bashan on the east side of the Jordan River because he was a mighty warrior. This historical detail, recorded in Numbers 32, explains why only half of Manasseh settled west of the Jordan.

• 2:

  Here, the text lists the remaining clans of Manasseh who received land west of the Jordan. The mention of “the rest of the descendants of Manasseh” underscores the division of the tribe, with some already settled east of the Jordan. This intricate division reflects the practicalities of a large tribe needing significant territory.

• 3:

  This verse reintroduces the daughters of Zelophehad, whose story was first told in Numbers 27. Zelophehad had no sons, and his daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—petitioned Moses for an inheritance. God affirmed their right to inherit, establishing a precedent for women inheriting land in the absence of male heirs. Their inclusion here highlights God's justice and faithfulness to His people.

• 4:

  The daughters of Zelophehad present their case to Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders, reminding them of God's command through Moses. This demonstrates their persistence and faith in God's word, ensuring their family line would not be forgotten in the land distribution. Their appeal was successful, and they received an inheritance among their father's relatives.

• 5:

  Manasseh's territory west of the Jordan is described as ten portions, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan already given to Machir. This reflects the complex division of the tribe and the specific allocations made to the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring each family received its due portion.

• 7:

  The boundary of Manasseh's territory is described, starting from Asher and extending to Michmethath, east of Shechem. These geographical markers help delineate the extent of their inheritance, showing the specific areas they were expected to possess and settle.

• 9:

  This verse details the southern border of Manasseh, which ran along the northern side of the Ephraimite territory. The intertwining boundaries of these two large tribes, both descendants of Joseph, would later be a source of tension and conflict, reflecting the challenges of coexisting in the promised land.

• 11:

  Manasseh's territory included several towns within the territories of Issachar and Asher. This arrangement, where one tribe held enclaves within another's land, was common and likely a result of strategic or historical factors. It also meant Manasseh had a dispersed presence, requiring them to interact with and potentially subdue Canaanites in various locations.

• 12:

  Despite receiving their inheritance, the people of Manasseh “could not drive out the people living in those towns.” This is a crucial verse, highlighting Israel's failure to fully obey God's command to dispossess the Canaanites. This partial obedience would have long-term consequences, as these remaining inhabitants would become a snare to Israel (Judges 2:2-3).

• 13:

  Instead of driving out the Canaanites, Manasseh put them to forced labor once they grew stronger. This compromise, while seemingly practical, directly violated God's command to utterly destroy the inhabitants of the land. It reveals a lack of faith and a willingness to coexist with idolatry, setting a dangerous precedent for future generations.

• 14:

  The descendants of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) complain to Joshua that their allotted territory is too small for their large population. This complaint reveals a sense of entitlement and a lack of initiative, as they perceive their inheritance as insufficient despite its size.

• 15:

  Joshua challenges them, telling them to clear out the forest land in the hill country if their territory is too small. This response highlights that their problem isn't a lack of land, but a lack of effort and courage. The hill country, though forested and inhabited by Perizzites and Rephaites, was part of their inheritance waiting to be claimed.

• 16:

  The Josephites respond by citing the strength of the Canaanites, particularly those in the valley who possess iron chariots. This excuse reveals their fear and unwillingness to confront a formidable enemy, despite God's promise to fight for them. Their focus is on the enemy's strength rather than God's power.

• 18:

  Joshua reaffirms their strength and their ability to drive out the Canaanites, even those with iron chariots. He reminds them that the entire hill country is theirs, and they must possess it. This final verse serves as a call to faith and action, emphasizing that God's promises are contingent on their obedience and courage, not on the perceived strength of their enemies.

Key themes

• Inheritance and Allotment
• Faithfulness to God's Promises
• Incomplete Obedience and its Consequences
• Justice for All (Zelophehad's Daughters)
• The Challenge of Dispossession

Application

Joshua 17 offers a poignant reminder that God's promises are always true, but their full realization in our lives often requires our active, faithful obedience. The tribe of Manasseh received a generous inheritance, yet their failure to fully drive out the Canaanites left them with ongoing struggles. This speaks to us today: God has given us immense spiritual blessings in Christ, including new life and the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, we often shrink from fully claiming these blessings by failing to confront the 'Canaanites' in our own lives—the sin, fear, and worldly compromises that hinder our spiritual growth.

The story of Zelophehad's daughters, however, provides a beautiful counterpoint, illustrating God's justice and His attentiveness to the marginalized. Their persistence in seeking their rightful inheritance, based on God's prior command, reminds us to trust in God's character and to boldly approach Him with our needs, knowing He is just and hears our prayers. Ultimately, this chapter calls us to courageous faith, to trust God's provision, and to fully engage in the spiritual battles He has already won for us through Christ, rather than settling for partial obedience or making excuses for our inaction.

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