“But the people of Joseph said, 'The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the valley of Jezreel.'”
Joshua 17:16
Summary
Joshua chapter 17 narrates the distribution of land to the tribe of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph. The chapter begins by detailing the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, who approach Joshua to claim their father's portion, as he had no sons. Joshua affirms their request, indicating God's provision for all His people, emphasizing the importance of inheritance and God's faithfulness to promises. The chapter continues to describe the regions allotted to the rest of Manasseh, highlighting that the tribe is sizable and has the capacity to expand their territory. However, the descendants of Manasseh face challenges in fully occupying the land due to the presence of Canaanite cities and their fortified defenses, which leads them to request additional land. Their plea underscores the struggle between faith and fear, as they are encouraged to remember God's assurances of victory. Overall, the chapter teaches about the significance of rightful inheritance, God's sovereignty in distributing land, and the responsibilities that come with possessing the promised blessings.