Joshua 17:3

The Other Half-Tribe of Manasseh (West)

1 There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the ^afirstborn of Joseph: namely for ^bMachir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given ^cGilead and Bashan.

2 And there was a lot for ^athe rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: ^bfor the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, ^cthe children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, ^dthe children of Hepher, and the children of Shemida; these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families.

3 But ^aZelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

4 And they came near before ^aEleazar the priest, before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, ^b“The Lord commanded Moses to give us an¹ inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore, according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers.

5 Ten shares fell to ^aManasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan,

6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons; and the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead.

7 And the territory of Manasseh was from Asher to ^aMichmethath, that lies east of Shechem; and the border went along south to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.

8 Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but ^aTappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.

Commentaries:

Matthew Henry

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Joshua 17:1-18

The lot of Manasseh. (1-6) The boundaries of Manasseh, The Canaanites not driven out. (7-13) Joseph desires a larger portion. (14-18)

Verses 1-6 Manasseh was but half of the tribe of Joseph, yet it was divided into two parts. The daughters of Zelophehad now reaped the benefit of their pious zeal and prudent forecast. Those who take care in the wilderness of this world, to make sure to themselves a place in the inheritance of the saints in light, will have the comfort of it in the other world; while those who neglect it now, will lose it for ever. Lord, teach us here to believe and obey, and give us an inheritance among thy saints, in glory everlasting.

Verses 7-13 There was great communication between Manasseh and Ephraim. Though each tribe had its inheritance, yet they should intermix one with another, to do good offices one to another, as became those, who, though of different tribes, were all one Israel, and were bound to love as brethren. But they suffered the Canaanites to live among them, against the command of God, to serve their own ends.

Verses 14-18 Joshua, as a public person, had no more regard to his own tribe than to any other, but would govern without favour or affection; wherein he has left a good example to all in public trusts. Joshua tells them, that what was fallen to their share would be a sufficient lot for them, if they would but work and fight. Men excuse themselves from labour by any pretence; and nothing serves the purpose better than having rich and powerful relations, able to provide for them; and they are apt to desire a partial and unfaithful disposal of what is intrusted to those they think able to give such help. But there is more real kindness in pointing out the advantages within reach, and in encouraging men to make the best of them, than in granting indulgences to sloth and extravagance. True religion gives no countenance to these evils. The rule is, They shall not eat who will not work; and many of our "cannots" are only the language of idleness, which magnifies every difficulty and danger. This is especially the case in our spiritual work and warfare. Without Christ we can do nothing, but we are apt to sit still and attempt nothing. if we belong to Him, he will stir us up to our best endeavours, and to cry to him for help. Then our coast I Chronicles rather, turned into joyful thanksgivings.

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The Other Half-Tribe of Manasseh (West)

A Verse and a Thought,Every Morning

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