Chapter 17 is a continuation of the previous chapter. It identifies the land given to West Manasseh. As discussed in previous lessons, half of the Manasseh tribe already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River; therefore, the other half of Manasseh (West Manasseh) has been given land on the west side of the Jordan. Manasseh was Joseph’s older son.
Side note: The 12 tribes of Israel were mostly named after Jacob’s sons. Well, Joseph was Jacob’s favorite and, notably, the most significant of them all. You would think that a tribe would be named after Joseph, but instead they honored Joseph by giving him two tribes and named them after his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (Jacob's grandsons).
On the east side of the Jordan, land was given to the family of Makir, Manasseh’s oldest son. The remaining families within the tribe of Manasseh were given land on the west side of the Jordan. Those family members were: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida.
“However, Zelophehad son of Hepher, who was a descendant of Manasseh, Makir, and Gilead, had no sons. Instead, he had five daughters. Their names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These women came to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the Israelite leaders and said, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with the men of our tribe.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with their uncles, as the Lord had commanded.” (Joshua 17:3-4)
The rest of the chapter highlights the towns, villages, and territory given to specific descendants of Manasseh. However, the descendants of Manasseh were unable to drive out the Canaanites living in the territory of Issachar and Asher, and eventually made them slaves.
The chapter ends with descendants of Joseph coming to Joshua and asking for more land since there were so many of them. Joshua suggested they clear the forest, but they were fearful of the Canaanites with iron chariots. Joshua told the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh to clear as much of the forests of the hill country as they wish and live there. He said, “...I am sure you can drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” (Joshua 17:18)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! When we feel powerless and we doubt our abilities, reveal your voice of encouragement to us like you did with the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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