BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Joshua 17

Joshua 17

BSB
‹ Chapter 16 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 18 ›

1 Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war. 2 So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. 3 But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) had no sons but only daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 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 brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD. 5 Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan, 6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. 7 Now the border of Manasseh went from Asher to Michmethath near Shechem, then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. 8 The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim. 9 From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea. 10 Ephraim’s territory was to the south, and Manasseh’s was to the north, having the Sea as its border and adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east. 11 Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements. 12 But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. 13 However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely. 14 Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly." 15 Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim." 16 “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel." 17 So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, 18 because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out."

‹ Chapter 16 Joshua — All Chapters Chapter 18 ›

Study Notes — Joshua 17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the description of the territory allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh, which included many cities and towns. The chapter also mentions the daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance among their uncles, as instructed by God through Moses. The tribe of Joseph, which includes Manasseh and Ephraim, received a large territory, but they complained that it was too small. Joshua encouraged them to clear the land of its inhabitants and to trust in God's power to give them victory. The chapter ends with a description of the boundaries of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, and the cities that were included in their territories, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.

Context for the Chapter

Joshua chapter 17 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of salvation. The chapter is a reminder that God is a God of justice, compassion, and blessing, who cares for His people and provides for them. The historical context of the chapter is also important, as it highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.

Heart Application

The chapter is a reminder to trust in God's power and provision, and to obey His instructions. It is also a reminder to be content with what God has given us, and not to complain or doubt His ability to provide for us. As believers, we can apply the principles of the chapter by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, and by being obedient to His instructions, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua chapter 17 describes the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The chapter highlights the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His power and provision. The tribe of Joseph received a large territory, but they complained that it was too small. Joshua encouraged them to trust in God's power to give them victory, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18. The chapter is a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and to be obedient to His instructions.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is the confidence that what God has promised, He will perform.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The promises of God are not limited to the present life, but extend to the life to come. They are the foundation of our hope and the source of our comfort.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Territory of Manasseh (17:1-6) — The chapter begins with the description of the territory allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh, which included many cities and towns, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-6.
  2. The Daughters of Zelophehad (17:3-6) — The chapter mentions the daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance among their uncles, as instructed by God through Moses, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6.
  3. The Territory of Ephraim (17:7-10) — The chapter describes the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, which included many cities and towns, as mentioned in Joshua 17:7-10.
  4. The Complaint of the Tribe of Joseph (17:14-18) — The chapter mentions the complaint of the tribe of Joseph, who felt that their territory was too small, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18. Joshua encouraged them to trust in God's power to give them victory.
  5. The Boundaries of Manasseh and Ephraim (17:7-13, 15-18) — The chapter ends with a description of the boundaries of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, and the cities that were included in their territories, as mentioned in Joshua 17:7-13, 15-18.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Inheritance
The chapter teaches that God is a God of inheritance, who provides for His people and gives them a portion in the Promised Land, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.
The Doctrine of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in God's power and provision, and the need to trust in His sovereignty, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18.
The Doctrine of Obedience
The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6.
The Doctrine of Blessing
The chapter mentions the blessing of God, which is evident in the large territory allocated to the tribe of Joseph, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18.

Lessons from Joshua 17

  1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — The chapter teaches that trusting in God's power and provision is essential for receiving His blessings, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18.
  2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6.
  3. The Importance of Contentment — The chapter teaches that contentment with what God has given us is essential for receiving His blessings, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18.
  4. The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in God's power and provision, and the need to trust in His sovereignty, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18.
  5. The Importance of Following God's Instructions — The chapter teaches that following God's instructions is essential for receiving His blessings, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.

Themes from Joshua 17

  1. The Theme of Inheritance — The chapter teaches that God is a God of inheritance, who provides for His people and gives them a portion in the Promised Land, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.
  2. The Theme of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in God's power and provision, and the need to trust in His sovereignty, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18.
  3. The Theme of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6.
  4. The Theme of Blessing — The chapter mentions the blessing of God, which is evident in the large territory allocated to the tribe of Joseph, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18.
  5. The Theme of Contentment — The chapter teaches that contentment with what God has given us is essential for receiving His blessings, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the chapter teach about the importance of following God's instructions?
  2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of faith in God's power and provision?
  3. What does the chapter teach about the doctrine of inheritance?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the importance of obedience to God's instructions?
  5. What does the chapter teach about the blessing of God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Territory of Manasseh (17:1-6)

17:1 The chapter begins with the description of the territory allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh, which included many cities and towns.
17:2 The territory of Manasseh was allocated to the sons of Manasseh, who were the descendants of Joseph.
17:3 The daughters of Zelophehad, who were the daughters of Hepher, received an inheritance among their uncles, as instructed by God through Moses.
17:4 The daughters of Zelophehad received a portion in the territory of Manasseh, as instructed by God through Moses.
17:5 The territory of Manasseh was divided into ten portions, which were allocated to the sons of Manasseh.
17:6 The daughters of Zelophehad received a portion in the territory of Manasseh, as instructed by God through Moses.

2. The Territory of Ephraim (17:7-10)

17:7 The chapter describes the territory allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, which included many cities and towns.
17:8 The territory of Ephraim was allocated to the sons of Ephraim, who were the descendants of Joseph.
17:9 The territory of Ephraim included many cities and towns, which were allocated to the sons of Ephraim.
17:10 The territory of Ephraim was divided into two portions, which were allocated to the sons of Ephraim.

3. The Complaint of the Tribe of Joseph (17:14-18)

17:14 The people of Joseph said to Joshua, 'Why have you given us only one lot and one portion as an inheritance, since we are a numerous people and the Lord has blessed us until now?'
17:15 Joshua said to the house of Joseph, 'If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you.'
17:16 The people of Joseph said, 'The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel.'
17:17 Joshua said to the house of Joseph, 'You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.'
17:18 The hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Joshua chapter 17?

The main theme of Joshua chapter 17 is the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18.

What is the significance of the daughters of Zelophehad in the chapter?

The daughters of Zelophehad received an inheritance among their uncles, as instructed by God through Moses, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6. This story highlights the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His sovereignty.

What is the complaint of the tribe of Joseph in the chapter?

The tribe of Joseph complained that their territory was too small, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18. Joshua encouraged them to trust in God's power to give them victory and to clear the land of its inhabitants.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Joshua 17:1 → Genesis 41:51 The name 'Manasseh' is mentioned in Genesis 41:51, where Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, saying 'God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.'
2 Joshua 17:3 → Numbers 26:33 The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is mentioned in Numbers 26:33, where it is written that Zelophehad had no sons, but only daughters, and that the daughters received an inheritance among their uncles.
3 Joshua 17:14 → Genesis 48:19 The tribe of Joseph is mentioned in Genesis 48:19, where Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, saying 'His offspring will become a multitude of nations.'
4 Joshua 17:15 → Deuteronomy 3:5 The hill country of Ephraim is mentioned in Deuteronomy 3:5, where it is written that the Lord gave Israel all the cities of the plain and all Gilead.
5 Joshua 17:16 → Judges 1:19 The Canaanites who lived in the plain and had chariots of iron are mentioned in Judges 1:19, where it is written that the Lord was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country, but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain, because they had chariots of iron.
6 Joshua 17:17 → Psalm 78:55 The hill country is mentioned in Psalm 78:55, where it is written that God drove out nations before them and apportioned them for a possession and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
7 Joshua 17:18 → 2 Samuel 2:9 The hill country is mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:9, where it is written that David became king over Israel, and he was king over Israel forty years.
8 Joshua 17:1 → Hebrews 11:33 The faith of the Israelites is mentioned in Hebrews 11:33, where it is written that by faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised.
9 Joshua 17:3 → Galatians 3:29 The story of the daughters of Zelophehad is mentioned in Galatians 3:29, where it is written that if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
10 Joshua 17:14 → John 1:1 The tribe of Joseph is mentioned in John 1:1, where it is written that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Sermons on Joshua 17

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 48:14 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the new birth and how God does not choose individuals based on their natural abilities or birth order. The preacher uses t
A.B. Simpson The Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of facing hard places in life as opportunities for spiritual growth and discipline. He illustrates this through the stories of the daughter
A.B. Simpson Joshua Chapter 9 the Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson explores the lessons from Joshua Chapter 9, emphasizing the significance of hard places in our spiritual journey. He highlights the faith of the daughters of Zelopheha

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 17

Matthew Henry's commentary on Joshua 17 highlights the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His sovereignty. The commentary notes that the tribe of Joseph's complaint about their territory being too small is a reminder that faith and obedience are essential for receiving God's blessings. The commentary also emphasizes the significance of the story of the daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance among their uncles, as instructed by God through Moses. This story highlights the importance of following God's instructions and trusting in His sovereignty, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-6. The commentary concludes by noting that the chapter is a reminder that God is a God of justice, compassion, and blessing, who cares for His people and provides for them, as mentioned in Joshua 17:1-18. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Following God's Instructions

The chapter highlights the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. This story shows that God is a God of justice and compassion, who cares for the marginalized and the oppressed, as mentioned in Joshua 17:3-4. The tribe of Joseph's lack of faith is also a reminder that faith and obedience are essential for receiving God's blessings, as seen in Joshua 17:14.

The Challenge of Conquering the Remaining Territories

The chapter mentions the challenge of conquering the remaining territories, which were inhabited by the Canaanites. This challenge required faith and obedience, as Joshua encouraged the tribe of Joseph to trust in God's power to give them victory, as mentioned in Joshua 17:13, 15, and 17-18.

The Blessing of God

The chapter mentions the blessing of God, which is evident in the large territory allocated to the tribe of Joseph. This blessing is a reminder that God is a God of abundance, who provides for His people, as mentioned in Joshua 17:14-18.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate