⚔️ Main Summary of Joshua 16–17: ๐ The Two Sons of Joseph and the Legitimate Claim of These Tribes!
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In chapters 14–15, we saw the beginning of the distribution of the land of Canaan as an inheritance, while the record highlighted Caleb of the tribe of Judah. We also saw that all of this was carried out according to God's command, and that the land of Hebron was given to Caleb.
⚔️ Main Summary of Joshua 16
Chapter 16 begins the distribution of the inheritance to the descendants of Joseph. The text records that the land was distributed by lot.
The inheritance received by Manasseh and Ephraim, the two sons of Joseph, is described. In many other passages, Ephraim is mentioned first, but in the distribution of the inheritance, Manasseh is mentioned first, because he was the firstborn (v. 9). ๐
This may indicate that, in the distribution of the land—that is, the inheritance—God maintains the order of priority established earlier: the right of the firstborn.
When we look at this point, we can remember Deuteronomy 21:15–17, which says that even when the firstborn is the son of the unloved wife, he must still be recognized as the firstborn and receive a double portion of the inheritance.
Perhaps this is why the one who was born first is recorded first here, in accordance with the right of the firstborn. ๐
๐ And, just as at the end of chapter 15, something important is also recorded at the very end of chapter 16!
✔️ The descendants of Joseph also did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. (v. 10)
⚔️ Main Summary of Joshua 17
The very first verse of chapter 17 confirms what was recorded in chapter 16.
๐ Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph (v. 1), and the details of his inheritance are then recorded.
Here we again encounter the daughters of Zelophehad, who had already been mentioned twice before.
๐ They came before Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders, and claimed the inheritance that the LORD had commanded Moses to give them.
๐ In Numbers 36, we previously saw that this was not simply a regulation concerning marriage.
It was a final supplementary regulation concerning the distribution of the land of Canaan and the completion of the process of distributing the inheritance by lot.
And now, in Joshua 17, this is confirmed once again. ๐
✔️ At the same time, the text records that the descendants of Manasseh were unable to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan (vv. 11–12).
๐ The Right of Joseph's Descendants and the Solution
๐ The descendants of Joseph asked Joshua:
“Why have you given us only one lot and one portion?” (v. 14)
✔️ Joshua's solution is recorded in the final verse of chapter 17, verse 18.
1. A Way to Obtain a Greater Portion
๐ As we saw with the daughters of Zelophehad, the tribe of Manasseh seems to have made many claims concerning the land.
At first glance, this might simply look like greed.
But when we look carefully at the text, we see that they were a tribe that knew how to firmly claim what they understood to be their covenantal right. ๐
✔️ Through Jacob's blessing, Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were recognized as two separate tribes and became part of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Therefore, it would be correct that they received not merely “one lot and one portion,” but “two lots and two portions.” ๐
✔️ Fortunately, Joshua did not simply reject their request.
Instead, he gave them a very wise solution:
“You shall not have one portion only, for the hill country shall also be yours.”
He then tells them to clear the forest and develop the land. ๐
✔️ Therefore, Joshua's answer does not seem to simply reject the claim of Joseph's descendants.
Rather, it carries the meaning:
“You will not have only one portion; the hill country will also be yours.”
In other words, he accepts their claim while showing them a way to make that claim a reality.
2. What the Tribe of Joseph Had to Do to Obtain Their Portion
Joshua did not reject their request.
He showed them the way by which their request could be fulfilled.
And for that to happen, they first had to act.
๐ They were not to fear the Canaanites who had iron chariots, but to drive them out and clear the hill country!
✔️ Only when the descendants of Joseph took action could they obtain what they were claiming as their right.
✔️ In other words, they had to drive out the inhabitants in order for their claim to two portions to be fully realized.
๐ This truly is an extraordinary solution!
3. The Concern of Joseph's Descendants
When Joshua presented this solution, the descendants of Joseph expressed their concern.
Verse 14: They present their claim and raise a question.
Verse 15: Joshua designates the forested area that they are to clear.
Verse 16: The descendants of Joseph respond by saying that all the inhabitants of that region had iron chariots.
This was an expression of their concern and fear.
Indeed, they were worried because the Canaanites living in that region had iron chariots.
But Joshua gives them a powerful answer:
Even though they have iron chariots and are strong, you will be able to drive them out!
And once again, he tells them to clear and develop the land.
You will not have only one portion (v. 17);
The hill country will also be yours (v. 18);
If you clear it, even its farthest limits will be yours (v. 18).
✔️ When Joshua says, “even its farthest limits shall be yours,” could this possibly mean that they might receive even more than simply two portions? ๐
๐ Conclusion – 1
The Bible does not always explain everything directly.
Once again, we can see meanings that seem to be hidden in the order of events, in the way the records are arranged side by side, and even in the solution presented to a problem.
Through this way of recording events, we can once again sense the remarkable “wit” of God—the way He leaves certain things for us to discover for ourselves. ๐
๐ And perhaps there is yet another hidden meaning in Joshua 16–17.
The Bible records that the land belongs to God.
Therefore, we can think that the solution presented by Joshua was also a solution given within God's will. ๐
๐ Conclusion – 2
Just as the claim of the daughters of Zelophehad was in accordance with the completion of God's law,
the distribution of the inheritance to Joseph's descendants began within the blessing given by Jacob,
and afterward, God commanded Moses concerning how the inheritance was to be distributed,
now we see this process being carried out through Joshua.
This brings us once again to one of the main points we have seen in chapters 13, 14, and 15:
✔️ The command that the LORD gave to Moses → is carried out through Joshua!
✔️ And the entire process of distributing the land shows that God was present and working throughout every stage. ๐
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