Main Idea
Joshua 17 describes the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting both God’s faithfulness in giving the land and the danger of discontent and compromise when God’s people fail to trust Him fully.
Key Verse
“The people of Joseph said to Joshua, ‘Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the LORD has blessed us abundantly.’” (Joshua 17:14)
Commentary
Joshua 17 continues the allotment of land to the descendants of Joseph, focusing on the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled west of the Jordan. The chapter begins with a note about Zelophehad’s daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah—who had previously appealed to Moses for an inheritance since their father had no sons (Numbers 27:1–7). Their request is honored here, and they receive a portion among their relatives (vv. 3–6). This inclusion shows God’s justice and care, affirming that His blessings extend to all His people, regardless of gender or circumstance.
The land allotted to Manasseh is described in verses 7–13, stretching across fertile valleys and key cities. However, the text again records a troubling pattern: the Canaanites were not fully driven out. Instead, when Israel grew stronger, they subjected them to forced labor rather than removing them entirely (v. 13). This incomplete obedience reflects the same compromise seen in Ephraim (16:10). The short-term gain of laborers came at the cost of long-term faithfulness and spiritual purity.
Verses 14–18 recount a dialogue between the people of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) and Joshua. They complain that their portion of land is too small for their large numbers. Joshua responds by challenging them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites with their iron chariots. Rather than simply granting more land, Joshua calls them to exercise faith, courage, and effort to fully possess what God has already given.
Theologically, this chapter illustrates both God’s generosity and human discontent. God provided abundantly for Joseph’s descendants, yet they grumbled and sought more instead of trusting Him to empower them to conquer fully. The failure to drive out the Canaanites points to the danger of partial obedience, which would later bring spiritual compromise and idolatry into Israel’s midst.
Life Application
Joshua 17 teaches us the importance of trusting God’s provision rather than complaining about what we lack. Like the people of Joseph, we often focus on what seems insufficient instead of recognizing the abundance God has already given. Contentment grows when we view our inheritance through gratitude rather than comparison.
The chapter also reminds us that God’s promises require faith and perseverance. Joshua challenged the Joseph tribes to clear the forests and face the Canaanites with iron chariots. God had promised the land, but they had to act in faith to claim it. Likewise, God has given us spiritual blessings in Christ, but we must walk by faith to fully experience them. Growth requires effort, courage, and reliance on God’s strength.
Zelophehad’s daughters remind us that God’s promises are inclusive and just. Their inheritance demonstrates that God does not overlook anyone. For believers today, this points us to the truth that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). God’s inheritance belongs equally to all His children.
Finally, the failure to drive out the Canaanites warns us about the dangers of compromise. Partial obedience may bring temporary convenience, but it leaves strongholds of sin that can grow into greater problems later. True blessing comes not from managing sin but from removing it completely through the power of Christ.
What Can I Do?
Identify an area in your life where discontentment has crept in. Replace grumbling with gratitude by listing specific blessings God has already given you.
Take one practical step this week to confront a “stronghold” in your life that you’ve tolerated—an area of compromise that needs to be surrendered to God fully.
Ask Yourself
Am I more focused on what I lack than on the blessings God has already given me?
What steps of faith might God be calling me to take to “clear the forest” or face challenges that seem too big?
How does the story of Zelophehad’s daughters encourage me about God’s fairness and inclusiveness in His promises?
What compromises have I tolerated that may hinder me spiritually in the future?
How can I cultivate greater contentment and perseverance in my walk with God?
Guided Prayer
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the blessings He has already poured into your life and for the spiritual inheritance you have in Christ.
Intercession: Pray for those who struggle with discontentment or comparison, asking God to fill them with gratitude and trust in His provision.
Petition: Ask God to give you strength to confront areas of compromise, courage to face challenges, and perseverance to claim all He has promised.
Confession: Confess any grumbling, discontent, or partial obedience, and surrender those areas to God’s cleansing and renewing power.
Praise: Praise God as the generous Giver of every good gift, the faithful One who provides abundantly, and the Lord who equips His people to claim their inheritance fully.
