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Joshua 17

18 verses

TL;DR

Joshua 17 recounts the allocation of land to Manasseh, the inheritance rights of Zelophehad's daughters, and Joshua’s response to Joseph’s request for more territory.

Summary

In this chapter, the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh is described, with details of the specific family groups receiving portions. The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—present a legal claim for inheritance, leading to a formal appeal before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the tribal leaders, which is granted. The chapter then outlines the geographic boundaries of Manasseh’s territory, noting its neighbors and the contested Canaanite cities that the Israelites could not fully conquer. The narrative highlights that despite Israel’s strength, many Canaanite towns remained, and the Israelites had to pay tribute rather than drive them out entirely. The tribe of Joseph complains to Joshua that they received only one lot, prompting Joshua to offer a solution: Joseph should seek new territory in the wood country and the mountain of Ephraim, encouraging them to take possession of lands even though the Canaanites are powerful.

Outline
  1. Distribution of land to Manasseh and the legal claim of Zelophehad’s daughters
  2. Geographic description of Manasseh’s borders and contested cities
  3. Joshua’s reply to Joseph’s request for more land
Themes
Inheritance and land rightsFemale agency and legal precedentConflict and compromise in Israel’s settlement
Keywords
inheritancelotCanaaniteschariots of ironwomen’s rightstribal allotmenttributewood countrymountain
People
MachirManassehGileadBashanAbiezerHelekAsrielShechemHepherShemidaZelophehadEleazarJoshua (son of Nun)prince(s)JosephEphraimPerizzitesGiants
Places
GileadBashanJordanAsherMichmethahShechemEntappuahTappuahriver KanahIssacharBethsheanIbleamDorEndorTaanachMegiddovalley of Jezreelwood countrymountain of Ephraimmountainvalley
Things
inheritanceportionlandCanaaniteschariots of irontributewoodmountain
Key Verses
  • Joshua 17:3: Zelophehad’s daughters assert a unique inheritance claim for women.
  • Joshua 17:6: Specifies the division of land among Manasseh’s sons and daughters.
  • Joshua 17:13-14: Illustrates Israel’s partial success and the resulting tribute to Canaanites.
  • Joshua 17:15-18: Joshua’s strategic response to Joseph’s complaint about limited land allotment.
Questions
  • How does Zelophehad’s claim affect our understanding of women’s inheritance rights in ancient Israel?
  • What does Joshua’s offer to Joseph suggest about the priorities of leadership during the settlement?
  • In what ways does the narrative balance the reality of conflict with the ideal of complete conquest?
  • How do the borders described in this chapter reflect the geopolitical challenges faced by the Israelites?
  • What lessons can be drawn about compromise and resource allocation from this account?
Sentiment

neutral
Descriptive, historical account without overt moral judgment.