Joshua Chapter 17 Summary - Key Points & Themes

Read Joshua Chapter 17 Summary

Manasseh's allotment includes territory both east and west of Jordan, with Machir the firstborn receiving Gilead and Bashan because he was a warrior; the remaining clans receive portions west of Jordan. Zelophehad's daughters appear before Joshua citing Moses' command that they receive inheritance among their brothers. Though Manasseh's land is great, the descendants of Joseph complain it is insufficient for their numbers; Joshua challenges them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites, iron chariots notwithstanding.

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Characters in This Chapter

Joshua

Successor of Moses who led Israel in conquering and settling the Promised Land

Caleb

Faithful spy who received Hebron as his inheritance at age 85

Rahab

Canaanite woman who hid the spies and was saved with her family

Achan

Israelite who sinned by taking devoted things from Jericho, causing Israel's defeat at Ai

Lot

Nephew of Abraham

Manasseh

King of Judah who Repented

Joseph of Arimathea

The One Who Buried Jesus

Noah

Builder of the Ark

Joshua the High Priest

First High Priest of the Second Temple

Moses

Prophet and Lawgiver

Places in This Chapter

Jericho

First city conquered, whose walls fell miraculously after Israel marched around them

Jordan River

Miraculously crossed on dry ground, marking Israel's entry into the Promised Land

Gilgal

First camp in Canaan where Israel was circumcised and celebrated Passover

Shechem

Site of covenant renewal and Joshua's final address to the tribes

Gilead

Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, known for its healing balm and rich pastures. It was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant at a cairn of stones they named Galeed (Gilead). The region was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

Jezreel

Jezreel was both a city and a fertile valley (also called the Valley of Megiddo or Armageddon). King Ahab had a palace here where Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's murder for his vineyard. Jehu killed Jezebel here, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. The valley has been a battlefield throughout history and is associated with end-times prophecy.

Position in Book

Entering the LandChapters 1-5

Conquering the LandChapters 6-12

Dividing the LandChapters 13-21

Allotment of territories to the tribes, Caleb's inheritance, cities of refuge, and Levitical cities.

Serving the LordChapters 22-24