Joshua 17:5

And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which [were] on the other side Jordan;

And there fell {H5307} ten {H6235} portions {H2256} to Manasseh {H4519}, beside the land {H776} of Gilead {H1568} and Bashan {H1316}, which were on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383};

Thus ten parts fell to M'nasheh, in addition to the land of Gil'ad and Bashan beyond the Yarden,

Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan,

And there fell ten parts to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;

Commentary

Joshua 17:5 details a specific aspect of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes after their conquest of Canaan. It clarifies the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, highlighting the unique nature of their allotted territory.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account in the Book of Joshua concerning the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. After the successful military campaigns led by Joshua, the focus shifts to settling the land according to God's instructions given through Moses. Manasseh, as one of the sons of Joseph, was a large tribe that had a unique inheritance situation. A significant portion of the tribe, specifically half of Manasseh, had already received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River, in the fertile regions of Gilead and Bashan, as recorded in Numbers 32:33 and Joshua 13:29-31. Joshua 17 then describes the allocation for the remaining half-tribe of Manasseh on the west side of the Jordan, within Canaan proper, which included the significant petition from the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring their inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: The meticulous division of the land underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7). Each tribe received their specific lot.
  • Tribal Inheritance and Identity: The land allocation was crucial for the identity, security, and future prosperity of each Israelite tribe. It established their permanent dwelling and agricultural base.
  • Manasseh's Unique Distribution: The mention of "ten portions" besides the land east of Jordan emphasizes the extensive and somewhat complex inheritance of Manasseh, divided by the Jordan River. This dual inheritance reflected their large size and strategic importance.

Linguistic Insights

The term "portions" (Hebrew: cheleq, Χ—Φ΅ΧœΦΆΧ§) refers to a share, division, or allotment. It signifies a precisely measured and designated part of the whole. The fact that "ten portions" fell to Manasseh in addition to their Transjordan territory indicates a substantial and carefully calculated share for the half-tribe west of the Jordan, likely reflecting the various family divisions within that half-tribe, including the special case of Zelophehad's daughters (as mentioned in Joshua 17:2-4).

Practical Application

Joshua 17:5 reminds us of God's orderly nature and His commitment to fulfilling His promises with precision and care. Just as He meticulously divided the land for each tribe, He has a plan and purpose for each individual. This verse can encourage believers to trust in God's provision and His detailed attention to their lives. It also highlights the importance of inheritance, not just in terms of physical property, but also the spiritual heritage passed down through generations, emphasizing the lasting impact of God's covenants.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 17:14 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ 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?

  • Numbers 32:30 (2 votes)

    But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

  • Numbers 32:42 (2 votes)

    And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

  • Joshua 13:29 (2 votes)

    And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

  • Joshua 13:31 (2 votes)

    And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

  • Joshua 17:2 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Joshua 17:3 (2 votes)

    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.