Joshua 17:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Joshua 17:2
2 There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
Chapter Context
Joshua 17 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, love, truth. Written during the conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Canaan was fragmented into city-states with various tribal alliances and religious practices.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Joshua and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Joshua 17:2
2 There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
Analysis
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families—After addressing Machir's Transjordanian inheritance, the text turns to the western half-tribe's Cisjordanian allotment. The phrase lemishpechotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם, "by their families") emphasizes equitable distribution according to clan divisions, ensuring each family unit received its nachalah (נַחֲלָה, permanent inheritance).
The detailed genealogy lists six clans: Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida—each representing a major family division within Manasseh. These are the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families, emphasizing patrilineal inheritance as the standard pattern. Gideon descended from Abiezer (Judges 6:11), connecting this land allotment to later redemptive history. The specificity demonstrates God's providential care in fulfilling promises to particular families, not just to Israel generically.
Historical Context
The six clans listed here correspond to the census in Numbers 26:30-33, showing continuity between wilderness organization and Canaan settlement. Each clan would have comprised hundreds or thousands of individuals requiring substantial territory. The region west of Jordan assigned to Manasseh included some of Canaan's most fertile land in the Jezreel Valley and Samarian highlands. Shechem, mentioned as a clan founder here, would become one of Manasseh's most important cities and first Israelite capital (Joshua 24:1, 25). The clan structure created stable social organization balancing tribal unity with family autonomy.
Reflection
- How does the detailed recording of family allotments demonstrate God's concern for individual families within His larger covenant community?
- What can we learn from the orderly distribution of inheritance about the relationship between corporate blessing and individual responsibility?
- How does God's faithfulness to preserve these specific family lines encourage your faith in His sovereign plan for your own family?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 7:18