Joshua 17:1

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.

Study Bible

Now this was the allotment
The term "allotment" refers to the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the word used is "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), which means inheritance or possession. This concept is deeply rooted in the covenantal promise God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the tangible manifestation of His faithfulness to His people.

for the tribe of Manasseh
Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The tribe of Manasseh is significant because it was one of the two half-tribes that descended from Joseph, the other being Ephraim. This division highlights the special status of Joseph's lineage, as Jacob had adopted Joseph's sons as his own, granting them equal inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

as Joseph’s firstborn
Joseph, though not the firstborn of Jacob, was given the rights of the firstborn through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This phrase underscores the special favor and blessing that Joseph received from Jacob, which is a recurring theme in the narrative of Genesis. It reflects the providential hand of God in elevating Joseph despite his earlier hardships.

Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh
Machir was the eldest son of Manasseh and is often associated with strength and valor. The name Machir means "sold" or "bartered," which may reflect the transactional nature of inheritance and land possession in ancient Israel. Machir's descendants were known for their military prowess, which is significant in the context of the conquest and settlement of the land.

the father of Gilead
Gilead is both a person and a region east of the Jordan River. As a person, Gilead was a descendant of Machir, and as a region, it was known for its balm and rugged terrain. The mention of Gilead here ties the lineage of Manasseh to a specific geographical area, emphasizing the connection between people and land in the biblical narrative.

received Gilead and Bashan
The regions of Gilead and Bashan were located east of the Jordan River and were known for their fertile land and strategic importance. The Hebrew word for "received" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which means to take or acquire. This indicates the active role of the tribe in claiming their inheritance, which was both a gift from God and a result of their own efforts.

because they were men of war
This phrase highlights the martial character of the descendants of Machir. The Hebrew word for "war" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which signifies battle or conflict. The ability to defend and conquer the land was crucial for the survival and establishment of the tribes in the Promised Land. It underscores the theme of divine empowerment and human responsibility in the conquest narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh received a significant portion of land on both sides of the Jordan River.

2. Joseph
The father of Manasseh and Ephraim, one of the patriarchs of Israel. His sons received a double portion of inheritance in the Promised Land.

3. Machir
The firstborn son of Manasseh, known for his military prowess. His descendants received the regions of Gilead and Bashan.

4. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was allotted to the descendants of Machir.

5. Bashan
A fertile region also east of the Jordan, known for its strong cities and rich pastures. It was part of the inheritance given to Machir's descendants.

Teaching Points

Inheritance and Responsibility
The allotment of land to Manasseh as the firstborn reflects the biblical principle of inheritance. With inheritance comes responsibility, as seen in Machir's role as a "man of war" who secured the land for his descendants.

God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of the promise to Joseph's descendants demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant. Believers can trust in God's promises and His timing.

Courage and Leadership
Machir's recognition as a "man of war" underscores the importance of courage and leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. Christians are called to be courageous leaders in their communities.

Generational Blessings
The blessings and responsibilities passed down from Joseph to Manasseh and Machir highlight the impact of generational faithfulness. Believers are encouraged to leave a legacy of faith for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the inheritance of Manasseh as Joseph's firstborn reflect the biblical principle of firstborn rights, and how does this apply to our spiritual inheritance in Christ?

2. In what ways does the account of Machir as a "man of war" inspire us to take on leadership roles in our own communities and spiritual battles?

3. How can we see God's faithfulness in the fulfillment of His promises to the tribes of Israel, and how does this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

4. What lessons can we learn from the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh about the responsibilities that come with God's blessings?

5. How can we ensure that we are leaving a legacy of faith and obedience for the next generation, similar to the legacy left by Joseph and his descendants?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 48
This chapter describes Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, where Manasseh is acknowledged as the firstborn but Ephraim receives the greater blessing.

Numbers 32
This passage details the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle in the lands of Gilead and Bashan, highlighting their suitability for livestock.

Deuteronomy 3
Moses recounts the conquest of the regions of Gilead and Bashan, emphasizing the military achievements of the Israelites under God's guidance.