Joshua Chapter 17

What is the meaning of Joshua 17?

Introduction to Joshua 17

Joshua 17 continues the vital task of allocating tribal territories in the Promised Land, focusing specifically on the inheritance of Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn son. This chapter is particularly significant as it highlights the complexity of tribal allotments and introduces a fascinating discussion about women’s inheritance rights through the daughters of Zelophehad. It also reveals the challenges and sometimes reluctant attitudes of the tribes in possessing their full inheritance, foreshadowing future spiritual and military struggles that would impact Israel’s history.

Context of Joshua 17

Within the book of Joshua, chapter 17 belongs to the second major section (chapters 13-21) dealing with the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. It follows directly after the allotment to Ephraim in chapter 16, completing the inheritance of Joseph’s descendants. This pairing is intentional, as these two tribes shared a special status due to Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons in Genesis 48:1-22.

The larger biblical narrative presents this chapter as part of the fulfillment of יהוה’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It particularly connects to Numbers 27:1-11 and Numbers 36:1-12, where the inheritance rights of Zelophehad’s daughters were established. This chapter serves as a practical application of these earlier legal precedents, demonstrating how divine law was implemented in real situations.

Ancient Key Word Study

• Machir (מָכִיר) – Meaning “sold” or “salesman,” he was Manasseh’s firstborn son. His name’s etymology suggests commercial activity, possibly indicating the tribe’s future involvement in trade. As the father of Gilead, his descendants received land both east and west of the Jordan, highlighting their significant influence.
• Zelophehad (צְלָפְחָד) – His name possibly means “first-born,” though some scholars suggest “protection against fear.” His story became a landmark case for women’s inheritance rights in ancient Israel, demonstrating the progressive nature of biblical law regarding women’s status.
• Inheritance (נַחֲלָה/nachalah) – This term implies more than just property ownership; it represents a divine gift and sacred trust. The root suggests a stream or river, metaphorically depicting how the land would flow down through generations.
• Portion (חֵלֶק/chelek) – Used to describe the allocated territory, this word carries the concept of smooth division or distribution. It emphasizes the fairness and divine wisdom in the land distribution process.
• Canaanites (כְּנַעֲנִי) – Literally “merchants” or “traders,” this term identified the indigenous peoples of the land. Their presence in the territory represented both physical and spiritual opposition to Israel’s complete possession of their inheritance.
• Forest (יַעַר) – Referenced in the chapter’s conclusion, this word carries connotations of untamed wilderness. It represented both challenge and opportunity for the tribes to fully possess their inheritance.
• Drive out (ירשׁ/yarash) – This verb means both to possess and to dispossess, carrying a legal and military significance. It implies taking rightful possession of what יהוה had granted.
• Chariots of Iron (רֶכֶב בַּרְזֶל) – This military technology represented the height of ancient warfare capabilities. The term highlighted the technological advantage of the Canaanites and Israel’s need to trust in divine power rather than human strength.

Compare & Contrast

• Verse 3’s careful listing of Zelophehad’s daughters’ names (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah) emphasizes their legal standing. The text could have simply referred to them as “the daughters of Zelophehad,” but the individual naming gives them dignity and historical permanence.
• The phrase “yet the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land” (v. 12) uses the Hebrew verb ויואל (way-yo’el), suggesting determination or resolve. This choice of words, rather than simply “remained,” emphasizes the intentional resistance to Israelite possession.
• The description of the “hill country” (v. 16) employs הָהָר (ha-har) in the singular rather than plural form, suggesting unity of the territory despite its various peaks and valleys. This linguistic choice emphasizes the completeness of the inheritance.
• The statement about iron chariots (v. 16) uses the construct form רֶכֶב בַּרְזֶל (rechev barzel), emphasizing the composition rather than just the vehicle. This specificity highlights the technological superiority that intimidated the Manassites.
• The command to “drive out” (v. 18) employs the hiphil form of ירשׁ (yarash), emphasizing causative action. This grammatical choice stresses the tribe’s responsibility to actively engage in possessing their inheritance.

Joshua 17 Unique Insights

The chapter presents a fascinating interplay between divine promise and human responsibility. The case of Zelophehad’s daughters reflects a revolutionary approach to women’s rights in the ancient Near East. While other contemporary cultures severely restricted women’s inheritance rights, biblical law made provisions for female inheritance under specific circumstances. The Talmud (Bava Batra 119b) notes that these women were not only righteous but also wise, presenting their case at the perfect moment when the land was being divided.

The mention of “double portion” for Joseph’s descendants (through Ephraim and Manasseh) fulfills Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 48:22. This double inheritance carries profound theological significance, as it prefigures the concept of “double portion” inheritance later seen in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, and ultimately in the believer’s inheritance in the Messiah.

The challenge of the iron chariots reveals a deeper spiritual truth about faith versus fear. The Midrash notes that the same people who claimed the hill country was insufficient (v. 16) were told they had the strength to take the valley despite the iron chariots (v. 18). This paradox teaches that perceived limitations often reflect spiritual rather than physical realities.

Joshua 17 Connections to Yeshua

The inheritance theme in this chapter powerfully connects to our inheritance in the Messiah Yeshua. Just as the tribes received their physical inheritance through Joshua (whose name, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, is the Hebrew form of Yeshua), believers receive their spiritual inheritance through Yeshua, our Great Joshua. The challenge to possess the land despite formidable opposition parallels the believer’s call to walk in their full inheritance in the Messiah (Ephesians 1:11-14).

The story of Zelophehad’s daughters foreshadows the inclusive nature of salvation in Yeshua, where “there is neither male nor female” (Galatians 3:28). Their bold approach to claim their inheritance anticipates how we can now “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16).

Joshua 17 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages. The inheritance theme echoes Psalm 47:4, where יהוה chooses our inheritance for us. The challenge of possessing the land despite opposition parallels David’s confrontation with Goliath, where human obstacles are overcome through divine enablement (1 Samuel 17).

The promises of inheritance find their ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where believers are called “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). The chapter’s themes of possession and dispossession are reflected in spiritual warfare imagery (Ephesians 6:12).

Joshua 17 Devotional

In this chapter, we encounter the tension between divine promise and human responsibility. Like the tribes of Joseph, we often face situations where God’s promises seem challenged by formidable obstacles. The key lesson is that our perception of obstacles often reveals more about our faith than about the actual challenges we face.

When we feel overwhelmed by life’s “iron chariots,” we must remember Joshua’s encouragement that apparent obstacles are opportunities for God to demonstrate His power. The chapter challenges us to examine: Are we fully possessing our spiritual inheritance? Are we letting perceived obstacles prevent us from claiming what God has promised?

The story of Zelophehad’s daughters reminds us to approach God boldly with our petitions, knowing He is just and cares about our specific situations. Their example encourages us to know God’s promises and actively claim them in faith.

Did You Know

• The daughters of Zelophehad are mentioned by name five times in Scripture, emphasizing their importance in biblical law and history.
• Iron chariots were the ancient equivalent of modern tanks, representing the highest military technology of the time.
• The territory of Manasseh was the only tribal allocation that spanned both sides of the Jordan River.
• The phrase “hill country” in this chapter refers to the central highland region of Israel, which would later become part of the Northern Kingdom.
• The Canaanites’ iron chariots would have been nearly useless in the hill country due to the terrain, highlighting the tribes’ lack of faith in their complaint.
• Archaeological evidence has confirmed the widespread use of iron in Canaan during this period, validating the biblical account.
• The inheritance rights established for Zelophehad’s daughters were revolutionary for their time and influenced inheritance laws throughout the ancient Near East.
• The forest mentioned in verse 18 may refer to the Forest of Ephraim, which later played a significant role in Absalom’s defeat (2 Samuel 18).
• The tribal territory described here included the future location of Samaria, which would become the capital of the Northern Kingdom.