Joshua 17: Group Study Handout

Overview

The tribe of Manasseh receives its inheritance because Manasseh was Joseph's firstborn (vv. 1-2). Zelophehad had no sons, only daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

Key verse

“The children of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. All the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are in Beth Shean and its towns, and those who are in the valley of Jezreel.”

Joshua 17:16 (WEB)

Outline

1. Joshua 17:1–2 Inheritance of Manasseh
2. Joshua 17:3–4 Daughters of Zelophehad
3. Joshua 17:5–6 Distribution of Land
4. Joshua 17:7–10 Borders of Manasseh
5. Joshua 17:11–13 Challenges in Occupying Land
6. Joshua 17:14–17 Request for More Land
7. Joshua 17:18 Joshua's Encouragement

Discussion questions

1. In v4, what do Zelophehad's daughters claim about their father's inheritance?
2. In v12, what challenge do the children of Manasseh face in the cities?
3. Joshua's response in v15: how does he encourage the children of Joseph to expand their territory?
4. The mention of 'chariots of iron' in v16: what does it convey about the Canaanites' strength?
5. When have you felt limited by obstacles like the 'chariots of iron' in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Joshua 17: Joshua 16, Numbers 26, Judges 1.

Before next time: read Joshua 18.