because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons.Zelophehad’s five daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—received the inheritance their father would have held, according to the command God gave through Moses (Numbers 27:1–11). Their faith-filled appeal preserved their father’s name and portion within Manasseh. God’s ruling established that a family without sons was not to lose its inheritance, while later instructions safeguarded tribal boundaries by requiring heiresses to marry within their tribe (Numbers 36:1–12). Their inclusion among the sons of Manasseh demonstrates that the Lord’s covenant justice protected families who might otherwise have been overlooked. Num 27:7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly.”… And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. The remaining Manassite clans possessed Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan, land granted to the half-tribe of Manasseh before Israel crossed into Canaan (Numbers 32:33, 39–42). Thus Manasseh received an inheritance on both sides of the Jordan: Gilead for the eastern half-tribe and territory in central Canaan for the western half. Gilead later figured prominently in Israel’s history as the homeland of Jephthah and Elijah. The division of Manasseh’s inheritance shows the Lord’s faithfulness to assign a secure portion to every clan according to His promise. Jos 13:29-31 This is what Moses had given to the clans… Persons / Places / Events 1. Daughters of ManassehThese are the female descendants of Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel. They are significant because they received an inheritance, which was unusual in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel. 2. Manasseh One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Joseph's firstborn son. The tribe was divided into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River. 3. Gilead A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was part of the inheritance given to the tribe of Manasseh. 4. Inheritance In the context of ancient Israel, inheritance typically referred to the allocation of land among the tribes. It was a crucial aspect of maintaining family lineage and tribal identity. 5. Descendants of Manasseh Refers to the broader family and tribal group that descended from Manasseh, including both male and female members. Teaching Points Equality in God's KingdomThe inclusion of the daughters of Manasseh in the inheritance highlights God's recognition of equality and justice, even in a patriarchal society. This serves as a reminder that God's kingdom transcends human social structures. Faith and Action The daughters of Manasseh, like Zelophehad's daughters, took action to claim their inheritance. This teaches us the importance of faith coupled with action in pursuing God's promises. God's Faithfulness The allocation of land to the daughters of Manasseh demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people, regardless of societal norms. Breaking Cultural Norms The account encourages believers to challenge cultural norms that are not aligned with God's principles of justice and equality. Inheritance in Christ Just as the daughters of Manasseh received a physical inheritance, believers today have a spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is available to all, regardless of gender or social status. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the account of the daughters of Manasseh receiving an inheritance challenge the cultural norms of their time, and what can we learn from this for today's society?2. In what ways does the account of the daughters of Manasseh receiving an inheritance connect with the New Testament teachings on equality in Christ? 3. How can we apply the principle of faith coupled with action, as demonstrated by the daughters of Manasseh, in our own lives today? 4. What does the allocation of land to the daughters of Manasseh teach us about God's faithfulness and His promises? 5. How can the concept of inheritance in the Old Testament help us understand our spiritual inheritance in Christ as described in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 27This chapter recounts the account of Zelophehad's daughters, who appealed to Moses for the right to inherit their father's land. This precedent set the stage for the daughters of Manasseh to receive their inheritance. Galatians 3 Paul speaks about the equality of all believers in Christ, which echoes the breaking of traditional gender roles seen in the inheritance rights of the daughters of Manasseh. Deuteronomy 21 Discusses laws of inheritance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining family lineage and property within the tribe.
People Abiezer, Asher, Asriel, Canaanites, Eleazar, Ephraimites, Gileadites, Helek, Hepher, Hoglah, Israelites, Issachar, Jezreel, Joseph, Joshua, Machir, Mahlah, Makirites, Manasseh, Manassites, Milcah, Noah, Nun, Perizzites, Rephaites, Samuel, Shemida, Tappuah, Tirzah, ZelophehadPlaces Bashan, Beth-shan, Dor, En-dor, En-tappuah, Gilead, Ibleam, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Kanah, Megiddo, Michmethath, Napheth, Shechem, Taanach, TappuahTopics Allotted, Along, Belonged, Daughters, Descendants, Gilead, Heritage, Inheritance, Inherited, Manasseh, Manas'seh, Manasseh's, Manas'sites, Midst, Property, Received, Rest, Sons, TribeDictionary of Bible Themes Joshua 17:1-18 5235 boundary Library Scythopolis. Beth-Shean, the Beginning of Galilee. The bonds of Galilee were, "on the south, Samaris and Scythopolis, unto the flood of Jordan." Scythopolis is the same with Beth-shean, of which is no seldom mention in the Holy Scriptures, Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10. "Bethsaine (saith Josephus), called by the Greeks Scythopolis." It was distant but a little way from Jordan, seated in the entrance to a great valley: for so the same author writes, "Having passed Jordan, they came to a great plain, where lies before you the city Bethsane," … John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Original Sin Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" Joshua Links Joshua 17:6 NIVJoshua 17:6 NLT Joshua 17:6 ESV Joshua 17:6 NASB Joshua 17:6 KJV Joshua 17:6 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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