Joshua

Joshua 17: God commands an inheritance for daughters

Begin in prayer

Before listening to the daughters who ask for their inheritance, please consider the authority of God's word. Let us ask Him to help our family receive what He says and look to Christ for mercy.

He gave to Moses, when he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God’s finger.

Exodus 31:18

Lord God, You speak with authority and keep Your word. Open our eyes as we hear how these daughters receive land. Show us Christ and make us more like Him in trusting what You say. Please bless our family with humble hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Manasseh receives its lot, and Zelophehad's daughters receive an inheritance as the LORD commanded Moses. Ten parts fall to Manasseh besides Gilead and Bashan beyond the Jordan. Manasseh cannot drive out the inhabitants of its cities. When Israel grows strong, it puts the Canaanites to forced labor but does not utterly drive them out. Joseph's children ask why they have one lot, saying the hill country is not enough. Joshua tells them to clear the forest and says they shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots.

As you read Joshua 17, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives Manasseh land, including daughters who receive an inheritance as He commanded.

Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph, and the chapter describes the lot for his tribe (verses 1 and 2). Zelophehad had no sons, only five daughters named Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah (verse 3). They went to Eleazar, Joshua and the princes, and said the LORD had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance (verse 4). The text says Joshua gave it to them according to the commandment of the LORD (verse 4). So ten parts fell to Manasseh west of the Jordan, and the daughters had an inheritance among his sons (verses 5 and 6). Manasseh could not drive out the people of some of its cities (verse 12). When Israel grew strong, it put the Canaanites to forced labor and did not utterly drive them out (verse 13). Joseph's children said one lot was too small for so many people (verse 14). Joshua told them to clear land in the forest, and said they would drive out the Canaanites (verses 15 to 18).

How does Joshua 17 show us that God gives Manasseh land, including daughters who receive an inheritance as He commanded?

God commands land for Zelophehad's daughters.

Zelophehad had five daughters and no sons (verse 3). They came to Eleazar, Joshua and the princes and said the LORD had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance (verse 4). The LORD had said this when they first asked Moses (Numbers 27 verses 1 to 7). Paul wrote that all who belong to Christ, men and women, are heirs of the promise (Galatians 3 verses 28 and 29).

Manasseh does not utterly drive out the Canaanites.

Manasseh could not drive out the people of some of its cities, and the Canaanites kept living in that land (verse 12). When Israel grew strong, it put the Canaanites to forced labor (verse 13). The text says Israel did not utterly drive them out (verse 13).

Joshua tells Joseph's children to clear forest and drive out Canaanites.

The children of Joseph said one lot was too small, since the LORD had blessed them with many people (verse 14). Joshua told them to go up to the forest and clear land for themselves (verse 15). They answered that the Canaanites in the valley had iron chariots (verse 16). Joshua said they would drive out the Canaanites, though they were strong (verses 17 and 18).

Memorise

Therefore according to the commandment of Yahweh he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.

Joshua 17:4

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, how does my sin show that I need the gifts Jesus gives?

The daughters of Zelophehad came and said that the LORD had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance, and they received it. Paul wrote that all who belong to Christ, men and women, are heirs of the promise (Galatians 3 verses 28 and 29).

No one earns an inheritance from God, because every sinner has broken His law. Jesus died on the cross for His people, and He paid their whole debt so that they could be heirs. God raised Him from the dead.

So come to Jesus with nothing to bring. Turn from your sin and trust Him. Forgiveness and an inheritance are given to all who believe in Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD gave Zelophehad's daughters an inheritance, as He had commanded Moses. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Let us thank God that His command was carried out for these daughters. Ask Him to turn our hopes toward Jesus, and please invite each child to bring their own prayer to Him.

who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:14

God of truth, thank You that Your word governs every gift. Please forgive us for trusting our own goodness. Bring our family to faith in Jesus, and teach us to value the lasting inheritance found in Him. Help us to receive from You with thanks this week. Amen.