Joshua 17 1

Joshua 17:1 kjv

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.

Joshua 17:1 nkjv

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.

Joshua 17:1 niv

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.

Joshua 17:1 esv

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.

Joshua 17:1 nlt

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.

Joshua 17 verses

Joshua 17 1 Meaning

Joshua 17:1 states the specific inheritance of land allocated to the tribe of Manasseh, acknowledging his status as the biological firstborn of Joseph. It clarifies that a significant portion of this inheritance, particularly Gilead and Bashan, was given to Machir, Manasseh's firstborn son and "father of Gilead," explicitly because Machir and his descendants were renowned "men of war" who had previously conquered these territories.

Joshua 17 1 Context

Joshua 17:1 is situated within the second major section of the book of Joshua (chapters 13-21), which details the division and distribution of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. Following the conquest of the major kings and cities in chapters 6-12, this section demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to provide a permanent homeland.

Chapter 17 specifically outlines the complex inheritance of Manasseh. While the first verse addresses the already established portion for a part of the tribe (Machirites) in Transjordan (East of the Jordan River), the rest of the chapter deals with the lot assigned to the remaining half-tribe of Manasseh on the west side of the Jordan, interspersed with the territory of Ephraim. The historical context reflects a unique situation for Manasseh: due to their proactive conquest and military might during Moses' time, a portion of their tribe, specifically the descendants of Machir, had already secured territory east of the Jordan. This verse legitimizes and confirms that prior acquisition as part of their official inheritance from the Lord, demonstrating that God's plan encompassed both previous victories and current distribution by lot. It sets the stage for understanding Manasseh's widespread, albeit somewhat fractured, tribal inheritance.

Joshua 17 1 Word analysis

• This then was the lot: This phrase (וַיְהִי הַגּוֹרָל - vayhi haggorāl) signifies the result of a divine process. The "lot" (גּוֹרָל - gorāl) was cast, a practice believed to reveal God's will and prevent disputes regarding land allocation (Proverbs 16:33). It emphasizes divine guidance and provision in the distribution of the land.
• for the tribe of Manasseh;: Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה - Menašše, meaning "causing to forget"), was the elder son of Joseph. The name reflected Joseph's feeling that God had made him forget all his hardship and his father's house (Gen 41:51). The tribal identity was paramount, signifying the collective claim to the land promised to their patriarchal lineage.
• for he was the firstborn of Joseph;: While Joseph had two sons, Manasseh was the biological firstborn. This detail underscores the legitimacy of their claim as descendants of one of the favored patriarchal lines. Although Jacob gave the primary blessing to Ephraim (Gen 48:19), Manasseh's status as firstborn maintained his prominent position for a significant inheritance.
• to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh,: Machir (מָכִיר - Māḵîr, meaning "sold"), Manasseh's only recorded son, became a prominent ancestral figure. This specificity indicates that a significant portion of Manasseh's inheritance was tied directly to this particular clan. This highlights the importance of clan identity and land ownership in ancient Israelite society, where land was a family's primary economic and social foundation.
• the father of Gilead: This designates Machir as the progenitor or the prominent clan leader associated with the region of Gilead (גִּלְעָד - Gil‘ād). "Gilead" can refer to both a person (a descendant of Machir) and a geographical area east of the Jordan River, rich in pasture and strategic for defense. This connection directly links the family line to their occupied territory.
• because he was a man of war,: This phrase (כִּי הֽוּא־הָיָה אִישׁ מִלְחָמָה - kî hū’ hāyâ ’îš milḥāmâ) is a pivotal justification for their specific inheritance. A "man of war" implies military capability, bravery, and effectiveness in combat. This attribute of Machir and his descendants was crucial in conquering and defending the Transjordanian territory. It signifies that their prior military success, aided by God, validated their claim. This stands against pagan ideas where power determined all; here, military might works within God's sovereign plan of inheritance.
• therefore he had Gilead and Bashan: This declares the outcome: Machir's descendants already possessed Gilead and Bashan (בָּשָׁן - Bāšān), two fertile and strategically important regions East of the Jordan River. These territories were captured by the Transjordanian tribes during Moses' time before crossing into Canaan (Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 3). This clause affirms their pre-existing possession as divinely ratified inheritance within the grand plan of land distribution. It also underscores that a significant portion of Israel's promised land lay outside of the immediate conquest under Joshua.

Joshua 17 1 Bonus section

• The "Half-Tribe" Phenomenon: Joshua 17:1 refers to a portion of Manasseh's inheritance. Manasseh is unique alongside Levi in having a dispersed inheritance. However, unlike Levi's cities, Manasseh's inheritance was split into two distinct, geographically separated halves—one portion east of the Jordan (as mentioned here) and the other west of the Jordan. This arrangement underscored their large population and their military contribution on both sides of the river, acting as a crucial link and protection for Israel's flanks.
• Fulfillment of Covenant and Promise: The overall theme of Joshua, including this specific verse, is the Lord's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham (Gen 12:7, 15:18) and his descendants. Even specific clan allocations like Machir's inheritance of Gilead and Bashan underscore the precise and detailed nature of God's redemptive plan for His people, down to individual tribal and clan-level possessions.
• God's Sovereignty and Human Action: The verse illustrates the interplay between God's sovereign plan and human action. The land was ultimately God's gift, determined by lot. Yet, the Machirites received specific territories because they were "men of war," implying their active participation, military courage, and trust in God's power in battle. This demonstrates that God often works through the enabled actions of His people.

Joshua 17 1 Commentary

Joshua 17:1 opens the complex allocation for the tribe of Manasseh, providing critical insights into divine sovereignty, tribal identity, and historical conquest. The phrase "this then was the lot" immediately establishes the distribution as an act governed by God's will, not mere human arbitration. Manasseh's claim is strengthened by acknowledging his status as Joseph's biological firstborn, which held a specific reverence, even as Jacob prophetically prioritized Ephraim (Gen 48).

The verse shifts focus specifically to Machir, Manasseh's firstborn son. His significance stems from the unique characteristic attributed to him and his descendants: they were "men of war." This is not a casual remark but a critical justification. Long before the general land distribution, Machir's descendants, empowered by God, had demonstrated military prowess by conquering the strategic and fertile territories of Gilead and Bashan on the eastern side of the Jordan. This prior conquest, during Moses' leadership, granted them a distinct right to these lands (Num 32:39-40, Deut 3:13-15).

Thus, the verse solidifies a pre-existing reality within the framework of God's covenant promises. It confirms that the lands east of the Jordan, already taken by force of arms and God's favor, were indeed part of the Manasseh tribal inheritance. This demonstrates that God's fulfillment of His promise was multifaceted, embracing both future conquests by Joshua and past victories that secured parts of the promised land. It highlights that military strength, when used in alignment with God's purpose, plays a role in establishing His people's heritage. The physical inheritance serves as a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and covenant loyalty, reflecting how God empowers His people to secure His promised blessings.