Joshua 17:1 - This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
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What does "Joshua 17:1" mean?
This verse from Joshua 17:1 explains the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh and specifically highlights a special case within that tribe. Let's break it down:
"This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph." - This part sets the context. It's referring to the allocation of land in Canaan after the Israelites conquered it. Manasseh, being the firstborn son of Joseph (who received a double portion of inheritance as a descendant of Jacob/Israel), was entitled to a significant portion of land. The "lot" refers to the portion of land assigned to them, determined by drawing lots as directed by God.
"As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan." - This is the key point of the verse.
Machir the firstborn of Manasseh: Machir was the son of Manasseh and the ancestor of a clan within the tribe.
the father of Gilead: This indicates that Machir's descendants settled and became prominent in the region of Gilead.
because he was a man of war: This explains why Machir's descendants received a specific territory, Gilead and Bashan. His clan was known for their military prowess and bravery. Their ability to conquer and defend territory led to their settlement and possession of those lands before the overall land allocation by lot.
therefore he had Gilead and Bashan: Gilead and Bashan were fertile and strategically important regions east of the Jordan River. Machir's clan, through their military might, had already secured these areas. So, while the rest of the tribe received their land by lot, Machir's descendants were recognized as having a prior claim due to their military achievements.
In essence, the verse is saying:
The tribe of Manasseh received their allocated territory. Within that tribe, Machir's clan, known for their military strength, had already conquered and settled the regions of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan River. As a result, they were given those lands specifically because of their military achievements, even before the general land division by lot.
The verse highlights that the land allocation was not simply a matter of random selection. It took into account pre-existing situations, such as the military successes of certain clans, to ensure a fair distribution of land among the tribes. It suggests that bravery and ability were rewarded within the overall framework of God's plan for distributing the Promised Land.
Joshua 17:1 - This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
What does "Joshua 17:1" mean?
This verse from Joshua 17:1 explains the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh and specifically highlights a special case within that tribe. Let's break it down:
"This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph." - This part sets the context. It's referring to the allocation of land in Canaan after the Israelites conquered it. Manasseh, being the firstborn son of Joseph (who received a double portion of inheritance as a descendant of Jacob/Israel), was entitled to a significant portion of land. The "lot" refers to the portion of land assigned to them, determined by drawing lots as directed by God.
"As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan." - This is the key point of the verse.
Machir the firstborn of Manasseh: Machir was the son of Manasseh and the ancestor of a clan within the tribe.
the father of Gilead: This indicates that Machir's descendants settled and became prominent in the region of Gilead.
because he was a man of war: This explains why Machir's descendants received a specific territory, Gilead and Bashan. His clan was known for their military prowess and bravery. Their ability to conquer and defend territory led to their settlement and possession of those lands before the overall land allocation by lot.
therefore he had Gilead and Bashan: Gilead and Bashan were fertile and strategically important regions east of the Jordan River. Machir's clan, through their military might, had already secured these areas. So, while the rest of the tribe received their land by lot, Machir's descendants were recognized as having a prior claim due to their military achievements.
In essence, the verse is saying:
The tribe of Manasseh received their allocated territory. Within that tribe, Machir's clan, known for their military strength, had already conquered and settled the regions of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan River. As a result, they were given those lands specifically because of their military achievements, even before the general land division by lot.
The verse highlights that the land allocation was not simply a matter of random selection. It took into account pre-existing situations, such as the military successes of certain clans, to ensure a fair distribution of land among the tribes. It suggests that bravery and ability were rewarded within the overall framework of God's plan for distributing the Promised Land.