Joshua Chapter 17
One of the descendants of Manasseh, Zelophehad, did not have any sons to inherit a portion of land, only four daughters. In this time period this would certainly have been a problem since an inheritance is passed down to the sons. But these daughters remembered the promise of God made before they ever entered the promised land.
Numbers 27:6-8 And the LORD said to Moses, “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. And you shall speak to the people of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall transfer his inheritance to his daughter…”
Let's Reflect
1. What were the names of the four daughters of Zelophehad?
2. Isn’t it interesting how the lineage of people named in the Bible was recorded going back many generations? Most of us today find it difficult to trace our lineage past our great grandparents.
3. It is true that the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim (descendants of Joseph) received the largest plots of land because they were the biggest tribes. In fact, half of the tribe of Manasseh had already been given land on the east side of the Jordan. This was all God’s design. However, there were some cities within their allotment that they did not occupy. What was the reason? See verse 12.
4. According to verse 14, what complaint did the people bring to Joshua?
5. What was Joshua’s solution to their complaint? Did they like his answer?
6. Why were the people so afraid of the Canaanites?
7. The descendants of Joseph were correct in that God had blessed them immensely. They wanted a gift of land that would be simply handed to them. They wanted it to be easy. God told them through Joshua that they needed to trust Him and do the work to occupy the land that they had been given. What in your life might God be wanting you to conquer so that you can enjoy the benefits that will be gained from trusting Him?
