Joshua Chapter 17 Bible Study: Manasseh’s Inheritance, God’s Provision, and the Call to Faithful Obedience

Joshua Chapter 17 details the land inheritance allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, one of Joseph’s sons, in the Promised Land, including specific provisions for Zelophehad’s daughters and the tribe’s struggle to fully claim their territory. Set during Israel’s conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership, this chapter highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, the importance of obedience in possessing the land, and the challenges of confronting remaining Canaanites. It emphasizes themes of divine provision, covenant justice, and communal responsibility, distinguishing Israel from surrounding nations. This study explores the events, their theological significance, practical applications, and connections to other Scriptures, providing guidance for faithful living.

Historical and Covenant Context

Joshua 17 occurs as Israel, led by Joshua, divides the Promised Land among the tribes after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1–4). Following Moses’ death (Deuteronomy 34), this chapter continues the land allotment process (Joshua 13–21), fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham to give his descendants Canaan (Genesis 12:7). The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19–24) governs these allotments, reinforcing Israel’s identity as a holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6). Unlike the Canaanite practices of idolatry and territorial chaos (Leviticus 18:24–25), Manasseh’s inheritance reflects God’s sovereign plan to establish His people in a land of promise (Exodus 3:8). Following the allotments to Judah and Ephraim (Joshua 15–16), this chapter focuses on Manasseh’s western territory, complementing their eastern lands (Joshua 13:29–31).

Manasseh’s Inheritance Overview

Joshua 17:1–6 introduces Manasseh’s inheritance west of the Jordan, complementing their eastern territory in Gilead and Bashan (Joshua 13:29–31). As Joseph’s firstborn son (Genesis 41:51), Manasseh receives a double portion through Jacob’s adoption of his sons (Genesis 48:5). The text notes Machir, Manasseh’s firstborn, received Gilead due to his warrior status (Joshua 17:1). The passage highlights a special provision for Zelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—who, having no brothers, inherit land per Moses’ ruling (Joshua 17:3–4; Numbers 27:1–11). This results in ten portions for Manasseh’s clans, with five for Zelophehad’s daughters and five for other clans (Joshua 17:5–6).

Theologically, this reflects God’s faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring justice for all, including women, in the land distribution (Numbers 36:1–12). The inclusion of Zelophehad’s daughters upholds God’s concern for fairness, contrasting with Canaanite patriarchal oppression. Manasseh’s large inheritance fulfills Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s fruitfulness (Genesis 49:22–26), pointing to Christ, who secures an inheritance for all believers (Ephesians 1:11).

Practically, this teaches believers to trust God’s equitable provision and advocate for justice within His community. Cross-reference: Numbers 36:6–9 ensures inheritance stability, fulfilled here. The lesson is to embrace God’s provision and uphold fairness, reflecting His character.

Manasseh’s Territorial Boundaries

Joshua 17:7–10 describes Manasseh’s western boundaries:

Northern boundary: From Asher to Michmethath, near Shechem, extending to En-tappuah (Joshua 17:7).
Southern boundary: Bordering Ephraim, with Tappuah’s land belonging to Manasseh but its city to Ephraim (Joshua 17:8).
Western and eastern limits: Touching Asher and Issachar, with some cities like Beth-shan and Megiddo allotted to Manasseh but shared with Ephraim (Joshua 17:9–10).

The overlapping territories with Ephraim highlight cooperative tribal arrangements, reinforcing covenant unity. Theologically, the detailed boundaries demonstrate God’s sovereignty in assigning specific lands, fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18–21). The fertile region, including strategic cities, underscores Manasseh’s significant role, contrasting with the unstable territories of Canaanite city-states.

Practically, this encourages believers to accept God’s designated boundaries and work collaboratively within His community. Cross-reference: Joshua 16:9 notes Ephraim’s cities in Manasseh’s land, showing mutual support. The lesson is to trust God’s plan and foster unity in shared callings.

Failure to Expel the Canaanites

Joshua 17:11–13 lists cities within Manasseh’s territory—Beth-shan, Ibleam, Dor, En-dor, Taanach, and Megiddo—where they failed to drive out the Canaanites, who remained as forced laborers (Joshua 17:12–13). This parallels Ephraim’s failure at Gezer (Joshua 16:10) and Judah’s at Jerusalem (Joshua 15:63), violating God’s command to expel all inhabitants to prevent idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:1–2).

Theologically, this partial obedience reflects human weakness in claiming God’s promises, risking spiritual compromise (Deuteronomy 7:4). The Canaanites’ presence as laborers shows God’s mercy, turning disobedience into an opportunity for His purposes (Genesis 50:20), but it foreshadows later idolatry (Judges 2:11–13). This points to Christ, who fully conquers sin’s strongholds (Colossians 2:15). The failure highlights the need for persistent faith to fulfill God’s commands.

Practically, this warns believers against tolerating sin, which hinders their spiritual inheritance. Cross-reference: Galatians 5:16–17 urges walking by the Spirit to overcome fleshly compromise. The lesson is to pursue complete obedience, removing influences that draw one from God.

Manasseh’s Complaint and Joshua’s Response

Joshua 17:14–18 records the children of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) complaining to Joshua that their inheritance is too small for their large population, citing the Canaanites’ iron chariots in the valleys (Joshua 17:14–16). Joshua acknowledges their numbers and strength, instructing them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites, despite their chariots (Joshua 17:17–18).

Theologically, this reveals a lack of faith in God’s provision, echoing the wilderness generation’s fear of giants (Numbers 13:31–33). Joshua’s response reaffirms God’s power to overcome obstacles, fulfilling His promise to drive out enemies (Exodus 23:27–30). The challenge to clear the forest and confront chariots calls for active obedience, contrasting with Canaanite reliance on military might. This points to Christ, who empowers believers to overcome spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:10–12).

Practically, this encourages believers to trust God’s sufficiency and act boldly to claim His promises. Cross-reference: Philippians 4:13 affirms strength through Christ for all challenges. The lesson is to face obstacles with faith, relying on God’s power to fulfill His purposes.

Significance of Manasseh’s Inheritance

Manasseh’s inheritance, spanning both sides of the Jordan, underscores their prominence as a tribe, fulfilling Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s fruitfulness (Genesis 49:22). The provision for Zelophehad’s daughters highlights God’s justice, ensuring equity within the covenant community. The failure to expel Canaanites and the complaint about land size reveal human limitations, foreshadowing later struggles (Judges 1:27–28). Theologically, this reflects the tension between divine promise and human responsibility, pointing to Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance through perfect obedience (Hebrews 9:15). The cooperative boundaries with Ephraim model unity, contrasting with Canaanite division.

Practically, this teaches believers to trust God’s provision, pursue justice, and overcome challenges through faith. Cross-reference: 1 Peter 1:4 describes an imperishable inheritance in Christ. The lesson is to embrace God’s promises, act justly, and rely on His strength.

Theological Themes

Joshua 17 reveals key theological truths:

God’s Faithfulness: Manasseh’s allotment fulfills His covenant promise to Abraham.
Divine Sovereignty: God assigns specific territories, demonstrating His control.
Human Responsibility: Partial obedience risks spiritual compromise, requiring faith.
Covenant Justice: Provision for Zelophehad’s daughters reflects God’s fairness.
Communal Unity: Shared territories show cooperative responsibility.

These themes connect to the New Testament, where Christ fulfills the covenant, granting an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:14). His victory ensures complete conquest over sin (Romans 8:37).

Practical Lessons for Today

Joshua 17 offers timeless principles:

Trust God’s Provision: Accept His designated blessings with gratitude.
Pursue Full Obedience: Remove sinful influences to claim spiritual promises.
Act with Faith: Confront challenges boldly, trusting God’s power.
Uphold Justice: Advocate for fairness within the faith community.
Foster Unity: Collaborate with others to fulfill God’s purposes.

These principles apply to modern issues like spiritual discipline, overcoming obstacles, and community justice. Believers can reflect God’s character by trusting His plan, obeying fully, and promoting unity.

Cross-References and Broader Context

Joshua 17 connects to other Scriptures:

Genesis 48:15–20: Jacob’s blessing on Manasseh, fulfilled here.
Numbers 27:1–11: Zelophehad’s daughters’ inheritance, implemented in Joshua 17:3–6.
Judges 1:27–28: Reiterates Manasseh’s failure to expel Canaanites.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5: Spiritual weapons overcome strongholds, echoing Joshua’s challenge.

These events are implemented in Joshua 16 (Ephraim’s allotment) and reflected in Psalm 78:9–10, noting later tribal failures.

Significance of the Chapter

Joshua 17 details Manasseh’s inheritance, showcasing God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant, the justice shown to Zelophehad’s daughters, and the challenge of incomplete obedience against Canaanites. Joshua’s call to clear the land reflects the need for faith to claim God’s promises. The chapter points to Christ, who secures an eternal inheritance through perfect obedience. Practically, it challenges believers to trust God’s provision, pursue obedience, act with faith, uphold justice, and foster unity, reflecting His kingdom values in a broken world.