Joshua 17 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Joshua 17 meaning explained in AI Summary

The Inheritance of Manasseh: Chapter 17 of the book of Joshua describes the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh. The half-tribe of Manasseh receives a portion of land in the north of Canaan. The land includes the cities of Beth-shean and Ibleam. The inheritance of Manasseh is a sign of God's favor upon the tribe of Manasseh. It is also a reminder that God has a plan for his people, and that he will give them a land to live in.

Chapter 17 of Joshua details the land inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, focusing on the complaints and requests of some of its clans.

1. Manasseh's Inheritance (17:1-11):

- The chapter begins by reiterating the vast territory given to Joseph's descendants, Manasseh and Ephraim.

- Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn, receives the western portion, stretching from Asher's territory to Michmethath (east of Shechem) and down to the territory of Ephraim.

- The boundary description is quite detailed, highlighting important cities and landmarks.

2. Daughters of Zelophehad (17:3-6):

- This section reiterates the story from Numbers 27, where Zelophehad's daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) successfully petition Moses for their father's inheritance.

- This story emphasizes the importance of preserving family land within tribes and ensuring inheritance rights for women in the absence of male heirs.

3. Manasseh's Complaint (17:12-13):

- Despite their large portion, some Manasseh clans complain that their territory isn't big enough.

- They specifically mention the difficulty of driving out the Canaanites who possess iron chariots and reside in the valleys.

4. Joshua's Rebuke and Challenge (17:14-18):

- Joshua rebukes the complaining clans, reminding them of their strength and God's promise of victory.

- He challenges them to clear the forest and hill country themselves instead of coveting the valleys already occupied by others.

Key Themes:

Inheritance and Land Allocation: The chapter highlights the importance of land inheritance in Israelite society and the detailed process of dividing the Promised Land.
Faith and Courage: Joshua's response to the complaining clans emphasizes the need for faith in God's promises and courage to overcome obstacles.
Gender Equality: The inclusion of Zelophehad's daughters reinforces the right of women to inherit land and highlights a progressive aspect of Israelite law for the time.

Overall, Joshua Chapter 17 serves as a reminder that even with God's blessings, fulfilling one's destiny requires effort, courage, and a willingness to face challenges head-on.

Joshua 17 bible study ai commentary

This chapter details the allotment of land to the western half-tribe of Manasseh. It begins by establishing the pre-existing claim of the warrior-clan of Machir in the east, then focuses on the western inheritance. The narrative pivots on two key interactions: first, the faithful claim of Zelophehad's daughters, who receive their inheritance as God commanded Moses, showcasing God's justice and faithfulness to His word. Second, the complaint from the powerful tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) that their single lot is insufficient. Joshua responds not by giving them more territory but by challenging their claim of greatness, urging them to demonstrate it through faith and work by clearing and conquering the forested hill country, including the areas controlled by Canaanites with advanced military technology.

Joshua 17 context

The events occur at Shiloh, the spiritual and political center of Israel after the initial conquest of the land. The distribution of territory by lot under Joshua and Eleazar the priest is in its final stages for the tribes west of the Jordan. Culturally, the chapter provides a stark contrast to typical Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) law, particularly regarding female inheritance. The narrative assumes the reader's familiarity with events from the book of Numbers, acting as a direct sequel to promises and laws established during the wilderness wanderings. The presence of Canaanites with "iron chariots" reflects the technological landscape of the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age transition, a formidable obstacle that serves as a test of Israel's faith.

Joshua 17:1

This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, he had Gilead and Bashan.

In-depth-analysis

The Lot for Manasseh: Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son, receives his inheritance. However, the chapter immediately clarifies that part of the tribe has already been settled.
Machir the firstborn: The inheritance of Machir, Manasseh’s eldest, is noted first. His descendants were powerful warriors.
Man of War: Hebrew ish milchamah. This status explains why his clan received the territory of Gilead and Bashan on the east side of the Jordan. They were at the forefront of the conquest of that region and chose to settle there.
Father of Gilead: This title signifies Machir's descendants as the primary settlers and rulers of the Gilead region. This eastern portion of Manasseh is distinct from the western portion this chapter primarily deals with.

Bible references

Gen 41:51: 'Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship..."' (Origin of Manasseh's name).
Num 32:39-40: 'The sons of Machir... went to Gilead and took it... And Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh, and he settled in it.' (Historical basis for the eastern allotment).
Gen 50:23: 'And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation. The children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were counted as Joseph's own.' (Machir's special status within Joseph's line).

Cross references

1 Chr 7:14 (Machir's lineage); Deu 3:13-15 (Gilead & Bashan allotment).

Joshua 17:2

So a lot was made for the rest of the sons of Manasseh by their clans: for the sons of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.

In-depth-analysis

The Rest of the Sons: This verse introduces the clans of Manasseh who did not settle in the east with Machir's descendants. Their inheritance will be west of the Jordan.
Clans: The allotment is distributed not just to the tribe as a whole, but systemically down to the clan level (mishpachah), ensuring each family line received its portion.
Male Descendants: This phrasing intentionally sets up the contrast with the exception detailed in the next verse concerning Zelophehad's daughters.

Bible references

Num 26:29-32: 'The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the clan of the Machirites... These are the clans of Manasseh...' (The census in Numbers that lists these same clans).

Cross references

1 Chr 7:15-19 (Further genealogical details of these clans).

Joshua 17:3-4

Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters; and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They came before Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.

In-depth-analysis

Zelophehad's Daughters: A pivotal moment showcasing the application of a prior divine ruling. The narrative deliberately pauses the geographical description to highlight this event.
They came before: These women were not passive. They boldly and righteously approached the highest leadership—the priest, the national leader, and the tribal chiefs—to claim what God had promised them.
"The LORD commanded Moses": Their claim is not based on personal desire but on divine, established law. They are calling the leadership to be faithful to God's command.
According to the commandment of the LORD: Joshua's compliance demonstrates that his leadership is submitted to God's revealed Torah. This isn't Joshua being lenient; it's him being obedient. The law is shown to be alive and active.

Bible references

Num 27:1-7: '...the daughters of Zelophehad... stood before Moses... “Our father died... Let us have a possession.” Moses brought their case before the LORD. And the LORD said... “The daughters of Zelophehad are right.”' (The original case and God's ruling).
Num 36:2-12: 'The LORD commanded my lord... but if they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes... their inheritance will be taken from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.' (The addendum to the law, requiring them to marry within their tribe to preserve tribal land).
Gal 3:28: 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (A theological parallel of God's grace transcending social and gender distinctions).

Cross references

Job 42:15 (Job gives his daughters inheritance); Jos 19:51 (The leadership team of Eleazar and Joshua).

Polemics

This event serves as a direct polemic against the legal systems of the surrounding ANE cultures, where female inheritance was virtually non-existent or heavily restricted. By showing God initiating this law and Israel's leadership implementing it, the text portrays Yahweh as uniquely just and compassionate, elevating the status of women beyond cultural norms. It highlights that belonging to the covenant people, not gender, is the basis for receiving God's promised inheritance.

Joshua 17:5-6

Ten portions fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan, because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead was for the rest of the sons of Manasseh.

In-depth-analysis

Ten Portions: The territory west of the Jordan was divided into ten shares for the clans mentioned in verse 2, but this calculation implicitly includes the share for Zelophehad's daughters, treating his family line as equal to a line with male heirs.
Daughters Received an Inheritance: This confirms the fulfillment of their claim. Their portion was carved out from the total Manassite allotment, showing they inherited among their male relatives, not in place of them entirely. This reinforces the success of their appeal.

Cross references

Jos 14:1-2 (Method of allotment); Eze 47:22 (Foreigners with children given inheritance, showing God's expansive view of inheritance).

Joshua 17:7-11

The territory of Manasseh reached from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem... The land of Tappuah belonged to Ephraim, but the town of Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim... And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; the third is Naphath.

In-depth-analysis

Boundaries and Enclaves: This section delineates the borders with Asher and Ephraim and lists key cities. The boundary is complex and not a simple, straight line.
Tappuah: The text notes a peculiar arrangement where the land belonged to one tribe (Manasseh) but the city itself to another (Ephraim), suggesting shared resources or strategic compromises.
Cities in Issachar and Asher: Manasseh was given control of several strategic cities (Beth-shean, Megiddo, etc.) that were geographically located within the territories of other tribes. These cities controlled the major trade routes in the Jezreel Valley.
Strategic Control: This arrangement gave the powerful tribe of Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) control over the central hill country and the vital valleys, reinforcing their preeminence. However, as the next verses show, having the right to these cities was not the same as possessing them.

Cross references

Jos 16:8-9 (Ephraim's bordering territory); Jdg 1:27 (Lists these exact cities as places from which Manasseh failed to drive out the inhabitants).

Joshua 17:12-13

Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.

In-depth-analysis

Could Not: The Hebrew lo' yakelu means "were not able." While it can mean a physical lack of ability, in the context of God's promises, it signifies a failure of faith and will, not a failure of God's power. They did not trust God to overcome the enemy's strength.
Canaanites Persisted: Their failure resulted in a continued, compromising Canaanite presence in the promised land.
Forced Labor: Instead of complete obedience to God's command to "utterly drive them out" (herem), they opted for a pragmatic, economic solution once they "grew strong." This disobedience sets the stage for the apostasy and conflict seen in the book of Judges. It was a compromise born of greed and a lack of faith.

Bible references

Exo 23:32-33: 'You shall make no covenant with them... They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me.' (The direct command that was violated).
Jdg 1:27-28: 'Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean... so the Canaanites persisted... When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.' (An almost verbatim repetition, highlighting this specific failure as foundational to the problems in Judges).
Deu 7:2: 'you shall devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.' (The principle of herem warfare which they disobeyed).

Cross references

Jos 15:63 (Judah's failure with Jebusites); Jos 16:10 (Ephraim's failure with Gezer); 1 Ki 9:20-21 (Solomon continues this policy of forced labor).

Joshua 17:14-15

Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since the LORD has blessed me thus far?” And Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear ground for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”

In-depth-analysis

The Complaint: The tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) come not with a faith-filled claim like Zelophehad's daughters, but with a complaint rooted in pride ("I am a numerous people") and perceived inadequacy of God's provision.
Numerous People: Hebrew am-rav, literally "a great people."
Joshua's Response: Joshua wisely and ironically turns their own claim back on them. He affirms their premise ("If you are a numerous people...") but draws a different conclusion. Their greatness should be the means to possess their inheritance, not an excuse to demand more without effort.
Go Up to the Forest: This is a call to action and labor. The blessing of being a great people comes with the responsibility to cultivate and conquer their full inheritance, not just the easily-settled parts.

Bible references

Gen 48:19: 'his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.' (Jacob's prophecy about Ephraim's greatness, which they are now citing as a reason for more land).
Gen 49:22: 'Joseph is a fruitful bough, a fruitful bough by a spring; his branches run over the wall.' (Another prophecy of Joseph's prosperity and strength).

Joshua 17:16

The people of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us, yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”

In-depth-analysis

The Excuse: They reveal the true source of their complaint: fear. The easy land is taken, the hard land (forested hills) requires work, and the best land (valleys) is defended by superior military technology.
Chariots of Iron: This was the most formidable military hardware of the era. The Israelites, primarily infantry, were intimidated by this technology, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's power to overcome it. This fear, not the lack of land, was the real problem.
Valley of Jezreel: A large, fertile plain, it was a major strategic and agricultural prize, but its flatness made it ideal for chariot warfare.

Bible references

Deu 20:1: 'When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you.' (A direct command for this exact situation).
Jdg 4:3, 13: 'he had 900 chariots of iron...' (The threat of Sisera's chariots in the same region, which God utterly defeated for Deborah and Barak).

Cross references

1 Sam 13:19-22 (Philistines later control iron technology, showing its strategic importance).

Joshua 17:17-18

Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, “You are a numerous people and have great power. You shall not have one lot only, but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”

In-depth-analysis

Joshua's Prophetic Challenge: Joshua does not give in. He doubles down, reaffirming their identity ("You are a numerous people") and then issues both a command ("you shall clear it") and a prophecy ("you shall drive out the Canaanites").
Hill Country Shall be Yours: He reframes the forested hills not as a problem, but as their rightful, conquerable inheritance. The potential of the land is realized through their labor.
"For you shall drive them out": Joshua concludes with a statement of faith. He commands them to do the very thing they fear, expressing confidence that God will enable them despite the iron chariots and strong enemies. The chapter ends on this forward-looking challenge, leaving the outcome dependent on their obedience and faith.

Bible references

2 Cor 12:9: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' (God's power is shown not in easy circumstances, but in overcoming what seems impossible).
Eph 6:10: 'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.' (A New Testament echo of finding strength for spiritual conquest not in oneself, but in God).
Php 4:13: 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.' (The principle that God's power enables believers to overcome obstacles).

Joshua chapter 17 analysis

A Tale of Two Claims: The chapter masterfully contrasts two ways of approaching God for an inheritance. The daughters of Zelophehad come humbly, armed only with God's promise, and are rewarded. The tribes of Joseph come proudly, armed with their own sense of greatness, and are challenged. Faithfulness to God's word is honored, while entitlement is rebuked with a call to faith-fueled action.
Theology of Work and Faith: The inheritance is a gift from God, but possessing it fully requires human effort, labor, and courage ("clear the forest," "drive out the Canaanites"). Blessing and responsibility are inextricably linked. God provides the territory; the people must act in faith to take it.
Foreshadowing the Book of Judges: Manasseh's specific failure to drive out the Canaanites from the strategic cities (v. 12-13) is repeated almost identically in Judges 1. This chapter therefore acts as a prequel, diagnosing the root cause—compromise and fear over radical obedience—for the subsequent cycle of sin and apostasy that defines the era of the Judges.
God's Justice vs. Cultural Norms: The fulfillment of the promise to Zelophehad’s daughters is not a minor detail but a profound theological statement. It demonstrates that God's covenant righteousness and justice are superior to and actively critique the patriarchal limitations of surrounding human cultures.

Joshua 17 summary

The western half-tribe of Manasseh receives its land allotment at Shiloh. The account highlights two key events: first, the faithful claim and successful reception of an inheritance by Zelophehad's daughters, fulfilling a prior command from God. Second, the complaint by the powerful tribes of Joseph about insufficient territory is met with a challenge from Joshua to act on their "greatness" by faithfully clearing the forested hills and conquering the well-armed Canaanites in the valleys, turning their complaint into a test of faith and obedience.

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Joshua chapter 17 kjv

¹ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
² There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
³ But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters: and these are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
⁴ And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
⁵ And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
⁶ Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
⁷ And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
⁸ Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;
⁹ And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:
¹⁰ Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.
¹¹ And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.
¹² Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
¹³ Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel were waxen strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, but did not utterly drive them out.
¹⁴ And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?
¹⁵ And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
¹⁶ And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.
¹⁷ And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:
¹⁸ But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.

Joshua chapter 17 nkjv

¹ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war; therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan.
² And there was a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, the children of Helek, the children of Asriel, the children of Shechem, the 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 Zelophehad 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 Eleazar the priest, before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the rulers, saying, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an 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 Manasseh, 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 Michmethath, 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 Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.
⁹ And the border descended to the Brook Kanah, southward to the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook; and it ended at the sea.
¹⁰ Southward it was Ephraim's, northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea was its border. Manasseh's territory was adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.
¹¹ And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had 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?three hilly regions.
¹² Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites were determined to dwell in that land.
¹³ And it happened, when the children of Israel grew strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.
¹⁴ Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the LORD has blessed us until now?"
¹⁵ So Joshua answered them, "If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you."
¹⁶ But the children of Joseph said, "The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel."
¹⁷ And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph?to Ephraim and Manasseh?saying, "You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot,
¹⁸ but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong."

Joshua chapter 17 niv

¹ This was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph's firstborn, that is, for Makir, Manasseh's firstborn. Makir was the ancestor of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because the Makirites were great soldiers.
² So this allotment was for the rest of the people of Manasseh?the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans.
³ Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah.
⁴ They went to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders and said, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives." So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with the brothers of their father, according to the LORD's command.
⁵ Manasseh's share consisted of ten tracts of land besides Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan,
⁶ because the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh received an inheritance among the sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the descendants of Manasseh.
⁷ The territory of Manasseh extended from Asher to Mikmethath east of Shechem. The boundary ran southward from there to include the people living at En Tappuah.
⁸ (Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but Tappuah itself, on the boundary of Manasseh, belonged to the Ephraimites.)
⁹ Then the boundary continued south to the Kanah Ravine. There were towns belonging to Ephraim lying among the towns of Manasseh, but the boundary of Manasseh was the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea.
¹⁰ On the south the land belonged to Ephraim, on the north to Manasseh. The territory of Manasseh reached the Mediterranean Sea and bordered Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.
¹¹ Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh also had Beth Shan, Ibleam and the people of Dor, Endor, Taanach and Megiddo, together with their surrounding settlements (the third in the list is Naphoth).
¹² Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region.
¹³ However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
¹⁴ 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."
¹⁵ "If you are so numerous," Joshua answered, "and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites."
¹⁶ The people of Joseph replied, "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel."
¹⁷ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph?to Ephraim and Manasseh?"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment
¹⁸ but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out."

Joshua chapter 17 esv

¹ Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war.
² And allotments were made to the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.
³ Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, had no sons, but only daughters, and these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
⁴ They approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the leaders and said, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance along with our brothers." So according to the mouth of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
⁵ Thus there fell to Manasseh ten portions, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is on the other side of the Jordan,
⁶ because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh.
⁷ The territory of Manasseh reached from Asher to Michmethath, which is east of Shechem. Then the boundary goes along southward to the inhabitants of En-tappuah.
⁸ The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah on the boundary of Manasseh belonged to the people of Ephraim.
⁹ Then the boundary went down to the brook Kanah. These cities, to the south of the brook, among the cities of Manasseh, belong to Ephraim. Then the boundary of Manasseh goes on the north side of the brook and ends at the sea,
¹⁰ the land to the south being Ephraim's and that to the north being Manasseh's, with the sea forming its boundary. On the north Asher is reached, and on the east Issachar.
¹¹ Also in Issachar and in Asher Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, and Ibleam and its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; the third is Naphath.
¹² Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.
¹³ Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not utterly drive them out.
¹⁴ Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since all along the LORD has blessed me?"
¹⁵ And Joshua said to them, "If you are a numerous people, go up by yourselves to the forest, and there clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you."
¹⁶ The people of Joseph said, "The hill country is not enough for us. Yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron, both those in Beth-shean and its villages and those in the Valley of Jezreel."
¹⁷ Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, "You are a numerous people and have great power. You shall not have one allotment only,
¹⁸ but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong."

Joshua chapter 17 nlt

¹ The next allotment of land was given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph's older son. Makir, the firstborn son of Manasseh, was the father of Gilead. Because his descendants were experienced soldiers, the regions of Gilead and Bashan on the east side of the Jordan had already been given to them.
² So the allotment on the west side of the Jordan was for the remaining families within the clans of the tribe of Manasseh: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These clans represent the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph.
³ However, Zelophehad, a descendant of Hepher son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, had no sons. He had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
⁴ These women came to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the Israelite leaders and said, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us a grant of land along with the men of our tribe." So Joshua gave them a grant of land along with their uncles, as the LORD had commanded.
⁵ As a result, Manasseh's total allocation came to ten parcels of land, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan across the Jordan River,
⁶ because the female descendants of Manasseh received a grant of land along with the male descendants. (The land of Gilead was given to the rest of the male descendants of Manasseh.)
⁷ The boundary of the tribe of Manasseh extended from the border of Asher to Micmethath, near Shechem. Then the boundary went south from Micmethath to the settlement near the spring of Tappuah.
⁸ The land surrounding Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but the town of Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh's territory, belonged to the tribe of Ephraim.
⁹ From the spring of Tappuah, the boundary of Manasseh followed the Kanah Ravine to the Mediterranean Sea. Several towns south of the ravine were inside Manasseh's territory, but they actually belonged to the tribe of Ephraim.
¹⁰ In general, however, the land south of the ravine belonged to Ephraim, and the land north of the ravine belonged to Manasseh. Manasseh's boundary ran along the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. North of Manasseh was the territory of Asher, and to the east was the territory of Issachar.
¹¹ The following towns within the territory of Issachar and Asher, however, were given to Manasseh: Beth-shan, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphoth-dor), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, each with their surrounding settlements.
¹² But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these towns because the Canaanites were determined to stay in that region.
¹³ Later, however, when the Israelites became strong enough, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves. But they did not drive them out of the land.
¹⁴ The descendants of Joseph came to Joshua and asked, "Why have you given us only one portion of land as our homeland when the LORD has blessed us with so many people?"
¹⁵ Joshua replied, "If there are so many of you, and if the hill country of Ephraim is not large enough for you, clear out land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Rephaites live."
¹⁶ The descendants of Joseph responded, "It's true that the hill country is not large enough for us. But all the Canaanites in the lowlands have iron chariots, both those in Beth-shan and its surrounding settlements and those in the valley of Jezreel. They are too strong for us."
¹⁷ Then Joshua said to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the descendants of Joseph, "Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion.
¹⁸ The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots."