What is the meaning of Joshua 17:5? Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh • Joshua records an exact count of “ten shares,” underscoring that the allotment was literal, measurable territory (Joshua 17:1–2). • These shares were west of the Jordan, separate from territory earlier granted east of the river (compare Joshua 16:4). • The number ten arises because: – Six sons of Gilead’s grandson received one portion each (Joshua 17:2). – The five daughters of Zelophehad, having secured the right to inherit (Numbers 27:1-7; 36:1-12), received a collective share equal to one son’s portion. • God’s faithfulness is seen in honoring prior promises; what Moses affirmed in Numbers is fulfilled here. in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan • “In addition” reminds us the western shares do not replace the eastern holdings; they supplement them. • Moses had already given the half-tribe of Manasseh the fertile plateaus of Gilead and Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:13-15; Numbers 32:33-40). • By mentioning both regions, Joshua highlights God’s abundant provision—rich pasturelands east of the Jordan and cultivated valleys to the west. • The tribe is uniquely positioned on both sides of the river, testifying that the Lord’s blessings are not limited by geography. beyond the Jordan • This phrase ties Manasseh’s inheritance to the historic crossing (Joshua 3:14-17); what was grasped by faith is now settled in fact. • Occupying territory “beyond the Jordan” affirmed national unity: eastern tribes shared the same covenant land as their western brothers (Joshua 22:1-4). • The river, once a barrier, becomes a bond connecting the promises given through Moses with those completed under Joshua (Joshua 24:14-15). • Manasseh’s dual-sided inheritance foreshadows the call for all God’s people to live courageously on whatever side of “the Jordan” He places them. summary Joshua 17:5 records that Manasseh received ten precise portions west of the Jordan in addition to its earlier eastern holdings of Gilead and Bashan. The verse confirms God’s meticulous faithfulness: He honors prior commitments (the daughters of Zelophehad), multiplies blessings (territory on both riverbanks), and unites His people across natural divides. |
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