Inheritance and Fulfillment
Joshua 17:1-6 details the inheritance given to the tribe of Manasseh, including the daughters of Zelophehad, who were granted an inheritance among their father's brothers. This highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and the importance of inheritance rights.

Challenges in Possession
Verses 12-13 describe how the Manassites were unable to drive out the Canaanites completely, leading to cohabitation and eventual forced labor. This illustrates the incomplete obedience and the consequences of not fully trusting in God's power.

Request for More Land
In verses 14-18, the descendants of Joseph request more land, claiming their current allotment is insufficient. Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country, emphasizing the need for effort and faith in God's provision.Trust in God's Promises
Just as the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim were given a promise, we too must trust in God's promises, even when obstacles seem insurmountable.

Complete Obedience
Partial obedience can lead to compromised situations. We must strive for complete obedience to God's commands to fully experience His blessings.

Effort and Faith
When faced with challenges, we should be willing to put in the effort, trusting that God will provide the strength and resources needed to overcome.1. Manasseh
Manasseh is the son of Joseph and the ancestor of the tribe receiving the land allotment in this chapter. The name "Manasseh" (מְנַשֶּׁה) in Hebrew means "causing to forget," reflecting Joseph's statement about forgetting his troubles in Egypt (Genesis 41:51).

2. Machir
Machir is the firstborn son of Manasseh and the father of Gilead. He is noted for being a warrior, and his descendants received land on the east side of the Jordan River. The name "Machir" (מָכִיר) is associated with selling or trading.

3. Gilead
Gilead is the son of Machir and represents a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. The name "Gilead" (גִּלְעָד) is often associated with a region known for its balm and rugged terrain.

4. Zelophehad
Zelophehad is a descendant of Manasseh who had no sons, only daughters. His case is significant because it led to a legal precedent regarding inheritance rights for daughters. The name "Zelophehad" (צְלָפְחָד) is somewhat obscure in meaning, possibly related to protection or shadow.

5. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah
These are the five daughters of Zelophehad. They approached Moses to claim their father's inheritance, leading to a change in the inheritance laws for Israel. Their names are as follows
Mahlah
(מַחְלָה) - Possibly means "sickness" or "disease."
Noah
(נֹעָה) - Means "motion" or "rest."
Hoglah
(חָגְלָה) - Means "partridge."
Milcah
(מִלְכָּה) - Means "queen" or "counsel."
Tirzah
(תִּרְצָה) - Means "delight" or "pleasure."

6. Joshua
Joshua is the leader of Israel who oversees the distribution of the land among the tribes. His name (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) means "The LORD is salvation."1. Makir
Makir was the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead. The descendants of Makir were given the region of Gilead and Bashan because they were warriors.

2. Gilead
This region was east of the Jordan River and was known for its balm. It was allotted to the descendants of Makir.

3. Bashan
Located to the north of Gilead, Bashan was a fertile area known for its cattle and oak trees. It was also given to the descendants of Makir.

4. Asher
This refers to the boundary of the land allotted to Manasseh, which extended to the territory of the tribe of Asher.

5. Issachar
Another boundary marker for Manasseh's territory, Issachar was a neighboring tribe to the south.

6. Beth-shean
A city within the territory of Manasseh, known for its strategic location and historical significance.

7. Ibleam
Another city within Manasseh's territory, mentioned in the context of the Canaanites who lived there.

8. Dor
A coastal city that was part of Manasseh's inheritance, though the Canaanites continued to live there.

9. En-dor
Known for its association with the witch of Endor in the story of King Saul, this city was within the territory of Manasseh.

10. Taanach
A city in the Jezreel Valley, part of Manasseh's inheritance, but the Canaanites were not driven out completely.

11. Megiddo
A significant city in ancient Israel, known for its strategic location and historical battles. It was part of Manasseh's territory.

12. Naphoth
This term refers to the surrounding regions or districts, particularly around Dor.

13. Jokmeam
A city mentioned in the context of the Canaanites who lived in the land allotted to Manasseh.

14. Gezer
Although not directly mentioned in Joshua 17, it is often associated with the region and context of the Canaanite cities.1. Allotment for the Tribe of Manasseh
The chapter begins with the description of the land allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn. The text notes that Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead, was a man of war, and therefore he received Gilead and Bashan (Joshua 17:1).

2. Inheritance for the Daughters of Zelophehad
The daughters of Zelophehad, who was a descendant of Manasseh, approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders to claim their inheritance. They reminded them of the LORD's command given through Moses to give them an inheritance among their father's brothers. As a result, they received an inheritance among their father's brothers (Joshua 17:3-6).

3. Boundaries of Manasseh's Territory
The passage outlines the boundaries of the land allotted to the tribe of Manasseh. It describes the territory extending from Asher to Michmethath, east of Shechem, and then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah (Joshua 17:7-10).

4. Canaanites in Manasseh's Territory
The Canaanites continued to dwell in the land of Manasseh, particularly in the cities of Beth-shean and its towns, Ibleam and its towns, the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns. The Israelites were not able to drive them out completely, but when they grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor (Joshua 17:11-13).

5. Complaint of the Descendants of Joseph
The descendants of Joseph, which include the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, approached Joshua to express their dissatisfaction with the size of their allotted land. They argued that they were a numerous people and needed more space (Joshua 17:14).

6. Joshua's Response to the Complaint
Joshua responded by advising them to clear the forested hill country of the Perizzites and the Rephaim if the hill country of Ephraim was too small for them. He encouraged them to expand their territory by taking the land of the Canaanites, who had iron chariots and were strong (Joshua 17:15-18). Faith and Obedience
Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the importance of faith in pleasing God, while James 2:17 reminds us that faith without works is dead.

God's Promises
2 Corinthians 1:20 assures us that all of God's promises are Yes in Christ, encouraging us to trust in His faithfulness.

Inheritance in Christ
Ephesians 1:11 speaks of our inheritance in Christ, reminding us of the spiritual blessings we have as believers.Pray for a deeper trust in God's promises and the courage to act on them.
Ask for strength to fully obey God's commands, even when it is difficult.
Seek God's guidance and provision in overcoming obstacles in your life.
Thank God for the inheritance we have in Christ and the fulfillment of His promises.

As we reflect on Joshua 17, may we be encouraged to trust in God's promises, strive for complete obedience, and put our faith into action, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His word.

1. How does the division of land among Manasseh's descendants reflect the fulfilment of God's promise?

2. Discuss the significance of the daughters of Zelophehad receiving an inheritance. What does this say about the status of women during this period?

3. In the context of Zelophehad's daughters, how does this passage address the issue of gender equality? What contemporary applications can you draw from this?

4. How do the detailed descriptions of the borders and cities contribute to the narrative and what do they symbolize?

5. Why were the descendants of Manasseh unable to fully occupy their cities, and what does this tell us about the importance of obedience in God's plan?

6. How does the dialogue between the sons of Joseph and Joshua demonstrate the balance between faith and action?

7. If you were in Joshua's position, how would you handle the complaints of the sons of Joseph?

8. Can you find parallels in the modern world where God's blessings, like the land in this passage, are in abundance but require work and bravery to fully claim?

9. In your life, have you experienced a time when, like the sons of Joseph, you were blessed abundantly but felt it wasn't enough? How did you address this feeling?

10. How does Joshua's response to the sons of Joseph challenge our understanding of problems and solutions? Can this be applied to challenges in your life?

11. If you were among the descendants of Manasseh, how would you address the issue of the persistent Canaanites?

12. How can we apply Joshua's encouragement to "clear the forest" in our modern lives?

13. How does the fear of the Canaanites and their iron chariots reflect our own fears when facing formidable obstacles?

14. In the face of fear and doubt, like the sons of Joseph faced with the Canaanites, how can we rely on God's promise and strength?

15. Can you identify situations in today's society where people are not fully claiming their 'inheritance' or potential because of fear or complacency?

16. How do the intertwined territories of Manasseh and Ephraim speak to the interconnectedness of human lives and communities?

17. How might the narrative change if the sons of Joseph didn’t speak up about their need for more land? How does this encourage communication and asserting one's needs?

18. The Canaanites are portrayed as obstacles to the tribes fully claiming their inheritance. What are the 'Canaanites' in your life, and how can you confront them?

19. How do faith and action play a part in overcoming the obstacles represented by the Canaanites and the iron chariots?

20. How can the story of Manasseh's inheritance inspire us to boldly claim God's promises, despite the challenges we face?