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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There was also a lot {H1486} for the tribe {H4294} of Manasseh {H4519}; for he was the firstborn {H1060} of Joseph {H3130}; to wit, for Machir {H4353} the firstborn {H1060} of Manasseh {H4519}, the father {H1} of Gilead {H1568}: because he was a man {H376} of war {H4421}, therefore he had Gilead {H1568} and Bashan {H1316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was the territory chosen by lot for the tribe of M'nasheh, for he was the firstborn of Yosef. As for Makhir the firstborn of M'nasheh, the father of Gil'ad, because he was a warrior he got Gil'ad and Bashan.

Berean Standard Bible

Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war.

American Standard Version

Andthiswas the lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the first-born of Joseph. As for Machir the first-born of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 17:1 introduces the specific allocation of land for the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting its unique lineage as Joseph's firstborn and the distinctive claim of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, to the territories of Gilead and Bashan. This distribution, determined by lot, underscores the divine orchestration of Israel's inheritance and acknowledges Machir's military prowess in securing these lands east of the Jordan, setting the stage for the tribe's dual inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 17:1 is situated within the broader narrative of the division of the promised land among the Israelite tribes, following the successful conquest campaigns detailed in earlier chapters of Joshua. Chapters 13-19 meticulously record the allocation of territories west of the Jordan River by lot, a process understood to be divinely guided. This particular verse immediately follows the description of Ephraim's inheritance in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - Ephraim's Inheritance"), and it precedes the detailed account of Manasseh's western borders and the challenge of the daughters of Zelophehad in [Joshua 17:2-6](/joshua/17-2 "Joshua 17:2-6 - Manasseh's Daughters"). The mention of Gilead and Bashan here serves as a crucial link to the earlier settlement of the Transjordanian tribes in [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Transjordanian Tribes"), where the half-tribe of Manasseh, specifically Machir's descendants, had already secured these territories.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of land was the culmination of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing Israel as a settled nation in the Promised Land. The method of "casting lots" was a common ancient Near Eastern practice for making important decisions, but in Israel, it was understood as a means by which God's will was revealed, as seen in [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lot is Cast"). Land was not merely property but a divine inheritance, central to Israel's identity, security, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. Tribal and family lineage dictated rights to this inheritance, and the status of "firstborn" carried significant cultural weight, often entailing a double portion or special privileges, even if, as in Joseph's case, the patriarchal blessing altered the traditional birthright. Machir's designation as a "man of war" reflects the valor and military effort required to conquer and hold territory, particularly in the challenging Transjordanian regions.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Joshua and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promise**, as God meticulously orchestrates the distribution of the land promised to the patriarchs, solidifying Israel's national identity and physical dwelling. It also highlights the theme of **Inheritance and Tribal Identity**, demonstrating how each tribe, based on its lineage and specific circumstances, received a distinct portion of the land, reinforcing their unique place within the twelve tribes. Furthermore, the mention of Machir as a "man of war" introduces the theme of **Human Effort and Divine Sovereignty** working in concert; while the land was a divine gift, its securing often involved significant military action and courage, as exemplified by the Machirites' conquest of Gilead in [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Conquer Gilead"). The verse also subtly touches on the **Significance of the Firstborn**, even as it acknowledges the complex dynamics within Joseph's lineage, where Ephraim ultimately received a greater blessing from Jacob in [Genesis 48:17-19](/genesis/48-17 "Genesis 48:17-19 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lot (Hebrew, _goral'_):** This term refers to a small object (stone, stick, or pebble) cast to determine a decision or outcome, often with the understanding that the result is divinely guided. In the context of land division, it signifies that the allocation was not arbitrary or based solely on human preference, but rather on God's sovereign will, ensuring fairness and divine sanction for each tribe's inheritance. It removes human bias from the process.
* **Firstborn (Hebrew, _bekor'_):** This term denotes the eldest son, who traditionally held a privileged position, often receiving a double portion of the inheritance and leadership responsibilities. While Manasseh was indeed Joseph's firstborn, the narrative of Jacob blessing Ephraim over Manasseh in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Genesis 48 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh") adds a layer of complexity to this designation, emphasizing that divine choice can supersede human custom. Here, it highlights Manasseh's significant standing, despite the later blessing of Ephraim.
* **Man of War (Hebrew, _ish milchamah'_):** This phrase describes someone characterized by military prowess, courage, and readiness for battle. Applied to Machir, it underscores his active and successful role in conquering and securing the territories of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. It's a commendation of his strategic and martial capabilities, which directly contributed to his descendants' claim to that specific inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph;":** This opening clause establishes the primary subject of the verse: the tribe of Manasseh receiving its inheritance through the casting of lots. The parenthetical explanation "for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph" provides the genealogical justification for Manasseh's prominence, even though Jacob had blessed Ephraim over him. This highlights Manasseh's significant standing among the tribes and his direct lineage from Joseph, a key figure in Israel's history.
* **"[to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead:":** This phrase further specifies the distribution within the tribe of Manasseh, focusing on Machir, Manasseh's own firstborn. The designation "the father of Gilead" is a geographical and tribal descriptor, indicating that Machir's descendants were instrumental in settling and claiming the region of Gilead. This connection between a tribal leader and a specific territory is common in biblical genealogies and land descriptions.
* **"because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.":** This concluding clause provides the explicit reason for Machir's specific inheritance of Gilead and Bashan. His status as a "man of war" signifies his military strength and successful conquest of these Transjordanian territories. This statement directly links human effort and military achievement to the divine allocation of land, demonstrating that while God's sovereignty guided the lot, human faithfulness and courage played a vital role in securing and possessing the promised inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Emphasis** is placed on Manasseh's lineage and Machir's military contribution through direct statements and genealogical markers. The phrase "firstborn of Joseph" and "firstborn of Manasseh" serves as a form of **Repetition** or parallel structure, reinforcing the significant status of these individuals within their respective generations. The designation "father of Gilead" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the name of the patriarch (Machir) stands for his descendants and their association with the land they settled. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Allusion** to earlier narratives, particularly [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Conquer Gilead"), which details Machir's conquest of Gilead, providing the historical context for his claim. This intertextual connection enriches the meaning, showing the fulfillment of past actions in the present distribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:1 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham's descendants, demonstrating that the land was not merely conquered but divinely apportioned. The use of the "lot" signifies God's sovereign hand in the distribution, ensuring that each tribe received its rightful, God-ordained inheritance. Yet, it also highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as Machir's military efforts were acknowledged and rewarded within this divine framework. This balance underscores a key biblical principle: God's purposes are accomplished both through His direct intervention and through the faithful, courageous actions of His people. The specific mention of Gilead and Bashan, territories east of the Jordan, also serves as a reminder of the unity of the tribes, even those separated by the river, and the comprehensive nature of God's provision.

* [Numbers 26:28-34](/numbers/26-28 "Numbers 26:28-34 - Manasseh's Clans") - Details the clans of Manasseh, including Machir, providing the genealogical backdrop for their inheritance.
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs the Lot") - "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD," affirming the divine guidance behind the casting of lots.
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") - Speaks of believers having "obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will," drawing a parallel to God's sovereign distribution of spiritual inheritance.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, while dealing with ancient land distribution, offers profound insights into God's character and our own lives. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, meticulously fulfilling His promises down to the details of tribal boundaries. Just as He sovereignly guided the lot for Manasseh, He sovereignly guides the circumstances of our lives, orchestrating our inheritance and our place within His larger kingdom purpose. The acknowledgment of Machir's "man of war" status also teaches us that divine sovereignty does not negate human effort; rather, it often works through our diligence, courage, and faithfulness. We are called to be "men and women of war" in a spiritual sense, contending for the faith, exercising our gifts, and engaging in the spiritual battles God sets before us, trusting that our efforts, empowered by Him, contribute to His ultimate plan. Our "inheritance" today is not physical land, but spiritual blessings and a place in God's eternal kingdom, secured by Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereign guidance through the "lot" encourage or challenge your understanding of divine providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways are you called to be a "man or woman of war" in your spiritual life today, contending for truth or fighting against sin?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's promise of land to Manasseh strengthen your faith in God's faithfulness to His promises to you?**
* **What "inheritance" has God given you, and how are you stewarding it for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Why was Manasseh singled out with this specific verse about Machir?**

Answer: Joshua 17:1 highlights Manasseh for several reasons. First, as the "firstborn of Joseph," Manasseh held a significant position, even though Jacob had blessed Ephraim (Joseph's second son) with the greater blessing (see [Genesis 48:17-19](/genesis/48-17 "Genesis 48:17-19 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim")). This verse acknowledges Manasseh's birthright status. Second, the tribe of Manasseh was unique in receiving land on both sides of the Jordan River. The mention of Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, and his descendants' prior conquest of Gilead and Bashan (east of the Jordan) in [Numbers 32:39-40](/numbers/32-39 "Numbers 32:39-40 - Machirites Conquer Gilead") explains why a significant portion of Manasseh had already settled there. This verse therefore serves to bridge the narrative of the Transjordanian settlement with the current land distribution in Canaan, clarifying the full extent of Manasseh's inheritance and the historical basis for it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly inheritance of land for Manasseh, determined by lot and secured by the prowess of a "man of war" like Machir, serves as a rich foreshadowing of the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as the land was a promised possession for Israel, so too is eternal life and every spiritual blessing a promised inheritance for those in Christ, secured not by our own military might but by the ultimate "man of war," Jesus Christ. He is the true [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), the conquering King who engaged in the ultimate spiritual battle against sin, death, and the devil. Through His decisive victory on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ has secured for us an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Our "lot" in Christ is not a physical territory but a spiritual reality, a new creation and eternal dwelling in God's presence, freely given through His grace. He is the one who, by His own blood, has "obtained eternal redemption" for us ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice")), making us heirs according to the promise, far surpassing any earthly portion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

Numbers 26:29

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead [come] the family of the Gileadites.

Genesis 50:23

And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third [generation]: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees.

Genesis 46:20

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

Genesis 48:18

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this [is] the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

Numbers 32:39

And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which [was] in it.

Numbers 32:40

And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein.