What does Joshua 17:2 reveal about the inheritance of the tribes of Manasseh? Canonical Text (Joshua 17:2) “So this allotment was for the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans.” Literary Setting within Joshua Joshua 13–19 details how Joshua divided Canaan among the tribes. Chapters 16–17 focus on Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Joshua 17:1 notes a special consideration for the warrior-hero Machir; verse 2, our focus, zooms in on the six remaining clans that would share the western portion of Manasseh’s inheritance. The sequence demonstrates orderly distribution, emphasizing clan identity and covenant fidelity. Genealogical Framework • Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn (Genesis 41:51). • Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh as his own and granted Joseph the “double portion” customarily reserved for the firstborn (Genesis 48:5, 22; cf. Deuteronomy 21:17). • Numbers 26:29-34 lists the same six clans plus Machir. Joshua 17:2 omits Machir here because Machir’s descendants had already received territory east of the Jordan (Joshua 13:29-31). • Zelophehad, of the clan of Hepher, died without sons; his daughters’ successful appeal (Numbers 27; 36; Joshua 17:3-6) secured permanent female inheritance rights—an early biblical affirmation of equitable covenant inclusion. Clan Structure and Administrative Organization 1 Abiezer (also spelled Jeezer) – Gideon’s clan (Judges 6:11). 2 Helek – possibly linked to towns around Shechem. 3 Asriel – later associated with “Asrielites” in tribal lists. 4 Shechem – tied to the ancient city that became a Levitical and political center. 5 Hepher – clan of Zelophehad; territory lay near the Jezreel Valley. 6 Shemida – later produces officials under David (1 Chronicles 7:19). By listing them, Joshua documents: • legitimacy of each subgroup’s claim, • basis for internal land surveys, and • responsibility for military and civic duties (Joshua 17:12-13). Geographical Scope: Western Manasseh The six clans settled from the Jordan Valley northwest to the Mediterranean: the Jezreel Valley, Mount Carmel ridge, and portions of the Sharon Plain. Archaeological surveys at Megiddo, Taanach, and Jokneam show continuous Late Bronze–Iron I occupation layers that match the biblical outline (cf. Joshua 17:11). Samaria ostraca (8th c. BC) record wine and oil shipments from “Yzd” and “MḤ” locations tied linguistically to Jezreel and Machir, supporting tribal continuity. Legal–Theological Significance • Covenant Fulfillment – God’s promise to Abraham to give the land to his seed (Genesis 12:7; 15:18-21) materializes clan by clan. • Orderly Inheritance – The verse demonstrates divine concern for both macro-tribal and micro-family rights; Yahweh is a God of justice and detail (Psalm 33:4-5). • Prototype of New-Covenant Inheritance – As Israel’s sons received land “by their clans,” believers receive an imperishable inheritance reserved in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), secured by the risen Messiah (Ephesians 1:13-14). Female Inheritance Provision Highlighted by Context Immediately after verse 2, the narrator recounts Zelophehad’s daughters. Their story, positioned beside the male clan list, underscores that covenant inheritance transcends gender when no male heir exists—an anticipation of the gospel’s inclusive reach (Galatians 3:28). Historical and Textual Reliability Dead Sea Scroll fragment 4QJosh preserves portions of Joshua with wording consistent with the Masoretic Text, confirming manuscript stability. Comparative study of the Septuagint aligns in naming the six clans, underscoring textual fidelity. Such consistency, coupled with external references like the Samaria ostraca and boundary lists in Egyptian topographical texts (e.g., the Amenhotep III lists naming “Shmʿn” comparable to Shechem), lends historical credibility to Joshua’s record. Practical Implications for Today 1 God’s Promises Are Particular – He remembers individuals and families. 2 Inheritance Is a Gift, Yet Requires Faithfulness – Manasseh had to drive out remaining Canaanites (Joshua 17:12-13), illustrating the believer’s call to sanctification. 3 Equal Access through Divine Provision – Just as Zelophehad’s daughters obtained land, salvation in Christ is offered without partiality (Acts 10:34-35). Conclusion Joshua 17:2 reveals that six specific clans of western Manasseh, distinct from Machir’s Transjordan settlement, received their own allotments. The verse showcases covenant precision, affirms just distribution, and prefigures the secure, individualized inheritance granted to all who belong to the risen Christ. |
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