Joshua 17 describes the land allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn. Machir, the son of Manasseh, received Gilead and Bashan for his valor in battle. The rest of Manasseh’s descendants, including the daughters of Zelophehad, were granted inheritance as well. The tribe’s territory extended from Asher to Michmethath, with some land borders shared with Ephraim.
Despite this, the descendants of Manasseh could not fully drive out the Canaanites, especially in cities like Beth-shean and Megiddo, where the Canaanites remained and became forced laborers. The descendants of Joseph, feeling their land was insufficient, requested more territory. Joshua instructed them to clear the forested areas for expansion and assured them they could conquer the Canaanites, even with their iron chariots, due to their strength.
Essentially, what is happening here in Joshua 17 is that the other half of Manasseh’s tribe is being assigned their portion of their inheritance. It just so happens that Zelophehad had no sons or heirs, but rather, 5 daughters. This all took place back in Numbers 27, and now they are finally being assigned their portion.
Here is what God had decided regarding the daughters…
“What Zelophehad’s daughters say is correct. You are to give them hereditary property among their father’s brothers and transfer their father’s inheritance to them. [8] Tell the Israelites: When a man dies without having a son, transfer his inheritance to his daughter. [9] If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. [10] If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. [11] If his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative of his clan, and he will take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites as the LORD commanded Moses.”
Numbers 27:7-11 CSB
In this chapter, we also witness the tribesmen of Manasseh expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the insufficient land allocation. This issue arose partly because the Canaanites still resided in the area, making it challenging for the tribesmen to remove them completely.
Here is the particular complaint…
“But the descendants of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who inhabit the valley area have iron chariots, both at Beth-shean with its surrounding villages and in the Jezreel Valley.””
Joshua 17:16 CSB
Joshua solves the problem by giving them more land in the forest to clear, but also promises them that if they were to battle the Canaanites, they would surely drive them out. This, again, was the difference between strong and weak leaders in Israel.
Back in Deuteronomy, God spoke to them about this exact issue!
“When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. [2] When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. [3] He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be cowardly. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. [4] For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’
Deuteronomy 20:1-4 CSB
They were commanded NOT to be afraid, even of iron chariots and being vastly outnumbered. They have obviously already forgotten about Egypt.
When God gives a mission and a promise, He means it. In this case, He doesn’t need to soften anything for these people. They have everything they need to accomplish the task in front of them. Similarly, many today make all kinds of excuses as to why they can’t follow through with what God has asked.
It’s convicting when you go to the book of Acts and see the boldness, power and authority which the apostles demonstrated time and time again with zero excuses. We have Jesus’ sacrifice. We have the Holy Spirit. We have a restored relationship with our Creator. We have all we need to move forward in this battle.