More Than Conquerors: Manasseh's Inheritance and the Challenge of Faith

The story of Manasseh's inheritance and the dialogue with Joshua provide a potent reminder of God's promises and the balance between faith and action. It invites us to take bold steps, overcome obstacles, and claim our God-given blessings, irrespective of the odds that stand against us.

The Division for Manasseh (Verses 1-2)

The passage opens by outlining the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh, including the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida.

Zelophehad's Daughters (Verses 3-6)

A shift in the narrative introduces Zelophehad's daughters, who approach Joshua and the leaders, making a claim for their rightful inheritance, marking a significant moment in the history of inheritance rights.

The Borders and Cities of Manasseh (Verses 7-12)

The text provides a detailed account of the border of Manasseh, including its territories, cities, and their complex interconnections with the tribes of Ephraim, Asher, and Issachar.

The Challenge of the Canaanites (Verses 13-14)

The descendants of Manasseh face significant obstacles in fully occupying their cities due to the persistent Canaanites, revealing their failure to fully obey God's command.

Dialogue with Joshua (Verses 15-18)

The passage concludes with an interesting dialogue between Joshua and the sons of Joseph. Despite their complaints and fears, Joshua encourages them to demonstrate their faith by clearing the forest and driving out the Canaanites.

In this passage, we see the complex unfolding of the inheritance for the tribe of Manasseh, firstborn son of Joseph. Amidst the division of the lands and the struggles to claim it, we see a significant event where the daughters of Zelophehad make a claim for their inheritance, marking a key moment for gender equality in biblical history.

1. The fulfilment of God's promise
2. The challenges of inheritance
3. Gender equality in inheritance
4. The balance between faith and action1. Manasseh's inheritance
2. Zelophehad's daughters
3. The interaction between Joshua and the sons of Joseph
4. The presence of the Canaanites1. Machir
2. The clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida
3. Zelophehad and his daughters (Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah)
4. Eleazar the priest
5. Joshua son of Nun
6. The sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh)
7. The Canaanites1. Gilead and Bashan
2. Asher to Michmethath near Shechem
3. En-tappuah
4. Tappuah
5. The Brook of Kanah
6. The Sea
7. Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor (that is, Naphath), Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo
8. The forest of the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim
9. The Valley of Jezreel
10. The hill country of Ephraim

1. How does the division of land among Manasseh's descendants reflect the fulfilment of God's promise?

2. Discuss the significance of the daughters of Zelophehad receiving an inheritance. What does this say about the status of women during this period?

3. In the context of Zelophehad's daughters, how does this passage address the issue of gender equality? What contemporary applications can you draw from this?

4. How do the detailed descriptions of the borders and cities contribute to the narrative and what do they symbolize?

5. Why were the descendants of Manasseh unable to fully occupy their cities, and what does this tell us about the importance of obedience in God's plan?

6. How does the dialogue between the sons of Joseph and Joshua demonstrate the balance between faith and action?

7. If you were in Joshua's position, how would you handle the complaints of the sons of Joseph?

8. Can you find parallels in the modern world where God's blessings, like the land in this passage, are in abundance but require work and bravery to fully claim?

9. In your life, have you experienced a time when, like the sons of Joseph, you were blessed abundantly but felt it wasn't enough? How did you address this feeling?

10. How does Joshua's response to the sons of Joseph challenge our understanding of problems and solutions? Can this be applied to challenges in your life?

11. If you were among the descendants of Manasseh, how would you address the issue of the persistent Canaanites?

12. How can we apply Joshua's encouragement to "clear the forest" in our modern lives?

13. How does the fear of the Canaanites and their iron chariots reflect our own fears when facing formidable obstacles?

14. In the face of fear and doubt, like the sons of Joseph faced with the Canaanites, how can we rely on God's promise and strength?

15. Can you identify situations in today's society where people are not fully claiming their 'inheritance' or potential because of fear or complacency?

16. How do the intertwined territories of Manasseh and Ephraim speak to the interconnectedness of human lives and communities?

17. How might the narrative change if the sons of Joseph didn’t speak up about their need for more land? How does this encourage communication and asserting one's needs?

18. The Canaanites are portrayed as obstacles to the tribes fully claiming their inheritance. What are the 'Canaanites' in your life, and how can you confront them?

19. How do faith and action play a part in overcoming the obstacles represented by the Canaanites and the iron chariots?

20. How can the story of Manasseh's inheritance inspire us to boldly claim God's promises, despite the challenges we face?