World English Bible
- This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
- So this was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, for the children of Helek, for the children of Asriel, for the children of Shechem, for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.
- But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
- They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, 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 the brothers of their father.
- Ten parts fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;
- because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
- The border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is before Shechem. The border went along to the right hand, to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.
- The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh; but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.
- The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook. These cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and ended at the sea.
- Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea was his border. They reached to Asher on the north, and to Issachar on the east.
- Manasseh had three heights in Issachar, in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns.
- Yet the children of Manasseh couldn’t drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
- When the children of Israel had grown strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and didn’t utterly drive them out.
- The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me just one lot and one part for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, because the LORD has blessed us so far?”
- Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
- The children of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. All the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are in Beth Shean and its towns, and those who are in the valley of Jezreel.”
- Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, that is, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only;
- but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
Joshua chapter 17 continues to detail the allotment of land to the Israelite tribes. Here, the narrative zooms in on the tribe of Manasseh. Historically and culturally, this process isn’t a mere record of property transfers but deeply symbolic of God’s promises being actively fulfilled among His people. For us today, it speaks powerfully of how we respond to the promises and blessings that God sets before us. Often, as westerners, we overlook the symbolism inherent in land inheritance in ancient Israel. Possessing land wasn’t simply a mark of economic stability; it was evidence of God’s faithfulness and an invitation into deeper trust and obedience.
At the beginning of this chapter, we witness something remarkable—land inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad (Joshua 17:3-4). Historically, inheritance typically passed through male family lines. But here, the faithful boldness of Zelophehad’s daughters reminded Joshua and Israel that God’s inheritance was expansive enough even for those traditionally overlooked.
“They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said, ‘The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.’ So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father, according to the Lord’s command.” – Joshua 17:4 (Christian Standard Bible)
Contextual note: The original command is found in Numbers 27:1-7. This moment illustrates a progressive emphasis in Scripture—God’s willingness to include those who might be marginalized or excluded by human standards. The New Testament shares a similar perspective in Galatians 3:28, affirming equality and unity under Christ.
In Joshua 17:12-13, we read:
“Yet the Manassites could not occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they imposed forced labor on the Canaanites but did not drive them out completely.” (New International Version)
This passage is crucial. While historically the idea of forced labor was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, spiritually, it’s symbolic of incomplete obedience. The Israelites allowed persistent spiritual influences to remain, possibly viewing them as useful or manageable. Yet this compromise became a thorn later on, repeatedly causing them grief (Judges 1:27-28).
In our individual lives, we face persistent spiritual battles, deeply entrenched habits, or flawed patterns of thought. Allowing these to linger, thinking we can control or benefit from them, often derails us spiritually. St. Augustine, in his “Confessions,” recounts how prolonged toleration of small sins ultimately breeds spiritual weakness—an insight still profoundly relevant.
The final section contains the tribe of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim), complaining their inheritance isn’t large enough. Joshua wisely turns their complaint into a challenge to deeper faithfulness and courageous action:
“The hill country is yours, and though it is a forest, clear it and its farthest limits will be yours.” – Joshua 17:18 (English Standard Version)
Joshua highlights a profound spiritual principle: instead of passively waiting for God to remove every obstacle, sometimes He calls us to faithful labor and courage. The forested hills represent spiritual territory not yet claimed, areas hindering growth, peace, or maturity that we must clear by intentional spiritual discipline and dedication.
Joshua 17 invites us into three theological insights:
Women’s Inclusion (Zelophehad’s Daughters): God’s kingdom challenges socio-cultural norms, emphasizing fairness and spiritual inheritance for everyone who trusts Him (see Galatians 3:26-29).
The Dangers of Compromise: Partial obedience leaves spiritual hazards. Scripture repeatedly urges full commitment (1 Samuel 15:22-23, Revelation 3:15-16).
Movement toward Spiritual Maturity: Faith involves labor and courage in claiming God’s promises. We grow by facing and overcoming obstacles (Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 5:12-14).
Interestingly, the name “Zelophehad” (Hebrew: צְלָפְחָד) means “protection against dread” or perhaps “shadow of fear.” His daughters’ action was a bold step out of fear’s shadow into trust and blessing. Similarly, today we must push beyond our fears to actively inhabit the security and blessings God offers.
Consider meditating on the classic hymn: “Be Strong in the Lord” (written by Linda Lee Johnson). This hymn beautifully encourages courage, faith, and full reliance on God in claiming and defending the spiritual inheritance He provides.
“Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And be of good courage, for He is your guide.
Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord;
And rejoice, for the victory is yours.”
Father,
You have granted us a vast inheritance in Christ, spiritual blessings
and promises beyond measure. Forgive us for our timidity and partial
obedience. Help us confidently claim every spiritual blessing You
entrust to us. Grant us boldness, strength, and discipline in “clearing
away” habits and attitudes that hinder our intimacy with You. May we
courageously inhabit the fullness of life You’ve prepared, trusting
always in Your power rather than our own. Amen.