What does Joshua 17:2 mean?
"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." - Joshua 17:2
Joshua 17:2 (KJV): "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."
The verse from Joshua 17:2 is part of the Old Testament and falls within the historical narrative of the Israelites' journey to the promised land. This particular verse describes the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh. To fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to consider the context, themes, and symbolism within the passage.
Context:
The book of Joshua documents the Israelites' conquest and division of the land of Canaan. After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, and the book of Joshua details the conquest and division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua 17:2 specifically focuses on the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Themes:
1. God's faithfulness: Throughout the book of Joshua, the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites is a prominent theme. The allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh is a tangible example of God's faithfulness in providing for His people.
2. Inheritance: The allocation of land to each tribe reflects the concept of inheritance. In the Bible, inheritance is not just a physical possession but also a spiritual blessing. It is a reminder of God's covenant with the people of Israel and His promise to give them a land of their own.
3. Tribal identity: The division of the land among the twelve tribes highlights the importance of tribal identity and unity among the Israelites. Each tribe had its own territory, which contributed to the preservation of their distinct heritage and culture.
Symbolism:
1. Land as a blessing: In the Old Testament, the land of Canaan symbolizes God's blessings and provision for His people. The allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh represents God's favor and abundance bestowed upon them.
2. Unity and diversity: The different families within the tribe of Manasseh receiving their designated portions of land symbolize the unity and diversity within the community. Despite their diversity, they were united as part of the larger tribe of Manasseh.
3. Ancestral heritage: The mention of specific families within the tribe of Manasseh emphasizes the importance of ancestral heritage and lineage. The allocation of land was not arbitrary but was based on familial ties and lineage, highlighting the significance of family history and inheritance.
Overall, Joshua 17:2 provides a glimpse into the historical and cultural significance of land allocation within the Israelite community. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, the importance of tribal identity and unity, and the symbolism of land as a blessing and inheritance. This verse reinforces the idea that God is faithful to His people and provides for them according to His covenant promises.
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Joshua 17:2 Artwork
Joshua 17:2 - "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."
"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." - Joshua 17:2
Joshua 2:17 - "And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear."
Joshua 10:17 - "And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah."
Joshua 17:17 - "And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:"
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 4:17 - "Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan."
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 3:1-17
Joshua 6:17-25
Joshua 12:17 - "The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;"
Exodus 17:13 - "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
"And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah." - Joshua 10:17
Joshua 17:15 - "And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee."
Joshua 19:17 - "¶ And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families."
"Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan." - Joshua 4:17
Joshua 21:17 - "And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,"
"And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear." - Joshua 2:17
Joshua 9:2 - "That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord."
Joshua 13:17 - "Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon,"
Joshua 17:8 - "Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;"
Joshua 3:17 – "The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan."
Joshua 17:14 - "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?"
Joshua 1:16-17 (KJVA) 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.
Joshua 15:17 - "And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife."
Numbers 34:17 - "These are the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun."
Joshua 17:5 - "And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;"
Exodus 32:17 - "And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp."
Joshua 17:12 - "Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land."