Joshua 17: Manasseh's Inheritance and Joseph's Complaint

Short answer: Joshua 17 records the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, including the inheritance given to the daughters of Zelophehad. It also describes the failure to drive out the Canaanites and the request of the children of Joseph for more territory, which Joshua answers by challenging them to clear the forest and drive out the inhabitants.

What Joshua 17 says

The chapter opens with the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph. Verses 1 and 2 explain that Machir, Manasseh's firstborn and father of Gilead, received Gilead and Bashan because he was a man of war. The rest of Manasseh's descendants are listed by their families. Then verses 3 and 4 introduce Zelophehad, who had no sons but five daughters. These daughters approach Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the princes, reminding them that Yahweh had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance among their brothers. According to that command, they receive an inheritance among their father's brothers. This shows that the land distribution followed divine instruction and included women when there were no male heirs.

Verses 5 through 10 describe the territorial boundaries of Manasseh. Ten parts fell to Manasseh in addition to Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among the sons. The border of Manasseh ran from Asher to Michmethath, then to En Tappuah. The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah on the border belonged to Ephraim. The border went down to the brook of Kanah, with cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh. Manasseh's border was on the north side of the brook and ended at the sea. Southward was Ephraim's, northward Manasseh's, and the sea was his border. They reached Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. This detailed description emphasizes the precise allocation of land among the tribes.

Verses 11 through 13 list the cities within Manasseh's territory that were not conquered. Manasseh had three heights in Issachar and Asher, including Beth Shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, with their towns. Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, and the Canaanites continued to dwell there. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor but did not utterly drive them out. This incomplete obedience and coexistence with the Canaanites would later become a snare, as the text hints at the ongoing presence of these peoples in the land.

Verses 14 through 18 record a dialogue between the children of Joseph and Joshua. The descendants of Joseph complain that they have been given only one lot and one part, though they are numerous and Yahweh has blessed them. Joshua responds that if they are numerous, they should go up to the forest and clear land for themselves in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow. The children of Joseph object that the hill country is not enough and that the Canaanites in the valley have chariots of iron. Joshua then tells the house of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, that they are numerous and powerful, and they shall not have one lot only. The hill country shall be theirs; though it is a forest, they shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be theirs, for they shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron and are strong. This exchange highlights the need for faith and effort in possessing the inheritance.

Verses that carry the chapter

• “They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “Yahweh commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” (Joshua 17:4) Therefore according to the commandment of Yahweh he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.” (Joshua 17:4) — This verse shows the daughters of Zelophehad boldly approaching the leaders to claim the inheritance promised by Yahweh through Moses. It underscores that God's command was fulfilled and that women could inherit when there were no sons, a notable provision in that culture.
• “because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh.” (Joshua 17:6) — This verse explains that the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons, which is why ten parts fell to Manasseh. It highlights the inclusion of women in the land distribution and the fairness of God's instructions.
• “Yet the children of Manasseh couldn’t drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.” (Joshua 17:12) — This verse states that the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of certain cities, and the Canaanites continued to dwell there. It marks a failure to fully possess the land, which would have lasting consequences.
• “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.” (Joshua 17:15)” (Joshua 17:15) — Joshua's response to the complaint of Joseph's descendants challenges them to clear the forest and expand their territory. It shows that blessing comes with responsibility and that they must act in faith to possess what God has given.

Gospel connection

The allotment of land to Manasseh, including the inheritance for Zelophehad's daughters, points to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land was a tangible sign of God's covenant blessing. However, the failure to drive out the Canaanites and the complaint of Joseph's descendants reveal that God's people often fall short of fully possessing what He has given. This anticipates the greater inheritance promised in Christ, who secures for His people an eternal inheritance that cannot be lost. Just as Joshua called the people to clear the forest and drive out the enemy, so the gospel calls believers to press on in faith, relying on God's power to overcome obstacles and to take hold of the salvation secured by Jesus.

Application

This chapter asks readers to trust God's provision and to act on it. The daughters of Zelophehad did not passively wait but came forward to claim what God had promised. In the same way, believers are to boldly approach God's throne and claim the promises He has given. The failure of Manasseh to drive out the Canaanites warns against partial obedience and compromise with the world. The complaint of Joseph's descendants and Joshua's response challenge us to not limit ourselves by our circumstances but to step out in faith, clear the forest, and drive out the enemy. This requires effort and courage, but God has promised to be with us. We must not settle for less than what God has prepared for us.

Biblical fidelity check

The chapter does not claim that the Canaanites were completely removed from the land; it explicitly states that Manasseh could not drive them out and that they lived among them. It does not give the reasons for this failure, whether due to lack of faith, strength, or other factors. It does not record any divine rebuke for the failure, nor does it describe the long-term consequences. The text is silent on the details of how the forced labor was implemented and on the feelings of the Canaanites. It also does not provide the exact dimensions of the land or the full list of cities. The dialogue between Joseph's descendants and Joshua does not include God's direct speech, so we are not told whether Joshua's response was divinely inspired or his own strategic advice. The chapter does not mention the other tribes' allotments except as they border Manasseh.

Questions for study

1. What does the request of Zelophehad's daughters reveal about their faith and the fairness of God's laws?
2. Why do you think the children of Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites, and what might have been the consequences?
3. How does Joshua's response to the complaint of Joseph's descendants challenge them to trust God and take action?
4. In what ways can we relate to the complaint of Joseph's descendants in our own lives when we feel limited?
5. What lessons can we learn from the incomplete obedience of Manasseh about fully following God's commands?

Keep reading

Related studies: Joshua 10 Bible Study, Joshua 11 Bible Study, Joshua 12 Bible Study, Joshua 13 Bible Study.

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FAQ

Why did the daughters of Zelophehad receive an inheritance?

They received an inheritance because their father had no sons, and Yahweh had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance among their father's brothers. This ensured that the family line would not lose its portion in the land.

Why couldn't Manasseh drive out the Canaanites?

The text does not give a specific reason, but it states that the Canaanites continued to dwell in the land. Later, when Israel grew strong, they put them to forced labor but did not completely remove them.

What did Joshua tell the children of Joseph to do about their land shortage?

Joshua told them to go up to the forest and clear land for themselves in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim, and to drive out the Canaanites even though they had chariots of iron. He reminded them that they were numerous and powerful and should not have only one lot.