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Joshua 17:1

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¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

This verse introduces the distribution of land inheritance for the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, during the division of Canaan under Joshua.

Context

Joshua chapter 17 continues the account of the division of the land of Canaan among the Israelite tribes, following the conquest. Chapters 13 through 19 detail how the territory west of the Jordan River was allocated by lot, with some tribes, like Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, having already received land east of the Jordan (see Joshua 13:8). Joshua 17 specifically focuses on the portion given to the tribe of Manasseh, the son of Joseph.

Key Themes

  • Tribal Inheritance: The primary theme is the allocation of land as promised by God, fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham. Each tribe received a specific territory as their heritage.
  • Significance of Manasseh: As the firstborn of Joseph (though Jacob blessed Ephraim over Manasseh, see Genesis 48:17-19), Manasseh received a significant portion, divided into two halves (one east, one west of the Jordan).
  • Reward for Military Service: The verse highlights Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, and his descendants' claim to Gilead and Bashan because he was a "man of war." This indicates that military action and securing territory played a role in the specific distribution within the tribe.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lot" (Hebrew: goral) refers to a method of random selection, often understood in the biblical context as being guided by God's providence (as mentioned in Proverbs 16:33). The phrase "man of war" (Hebrew: ish milchamah) describes someone characterized by military strength, prowess, or readiness for battle.

Significance and Application

This verse underscores the meticulous way God directed the fulfillment of His promises regarding the land. It shows how tribal and family lineage determined inheritance, but also how specific actions, like Machir's military efforts in securing territory east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:39-40), influenced the practical distribution. For us today, while physical land inheritance under the old covenant is not directly applicable, the principle of God fulfilling His promises and rewarding faithfulness and service remains relevant. It reminds us that God works through both divine appointment (the lot) and human effort (Machir being a man of war) to bring about His purposes.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:51 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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