**Purpose of the Passage**
The passage in Joshua 17 describes the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, a descendant of Joseph. It demonstrates how the inheritance of the land was distributed fairly, including a provision for the daughters of Zelophehad who had no brothers Joshua 17:3-6. The passage also emphasizes God's command and the people's obedience in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel, illustrating God's faithfulness in providing for His people.
**Major Occurrence**
The central event is the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh. Special attention is given to the daughters of Zelophehad, who receive an inheritance because God had commanded Moses to grant them a portion. The daughters of Zelophehad, did not just seat on the promises of God to them without taking the right steps of faith to actualised it. They went ahead to ask for their right, reminding the priest and Joshua that God already told Moses to give them their inheritance even though they were female. In those days only men were counted in the census.
Another key occurrence is the tribe of Joseph (including Ephraim and Manasseh) expressing dissatisfaction with their land allocation, prompting Joshua to instruct them to clear the forest land and take possession of more territory, including land occupied by the Canaanites.
**Lesson in the Passage**
The lesson in this passage is that God’s promises are fulfilled, but effort and faith are required to fully claim His blessings. Though the daughters of Zelophehad received their inheritance through faith and persistence, the children of Joseph needed to act and claim more land by working for it and driving out the Canaanites Joshua 17:14-28 (who had the chariots of iron), even though they seemed strong and well-equipped.
**Application for Born-Again Christians**
As Christians, this passage teaches us that God's promises require both faith and action. Just as the tribe of Manasseh had to fight for their inheritance, we must actively pursue God’s purposes in our lives, trusting in His strength even when facing challenges. The faith of the daughters of Zelophehad also encourages us to approach God with boldness, knowing that He is just and provides for all His children. We can apply this lesson by working diligently in our spiritual walk and confronting obstacles with faith in God's power.
Joshua 18
**Purpose of the Passage**
The passage in Joshua 18 outlines the process of dividing the remaining land among the seven tribes of Israel that had not yet received their inheritance Joshua 18:1-2.
The purpose is to detail how Joshua, under God's guidance, organized the land division, ensuring that all tribes, except the Levites (the priesthood of the Levites was their inheritance Joshua 18:7), received their rightful inheritance. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God in taking possession of the land He promised to them Joshua 18:8-10.
**Major Occurrence**
The major event is the setting up of the tent of meeting in Shiloh, where the Israelites gather to receive their inheritance. Joshua instructs representatives from each tribe to survey and describe the land Joshua 18:4-10. Once they returned, Joshua cast lots before the Lord to apportion the land, starting with the tribe of Benjamin, whose territory was described in detail. The boundary lines for Benjamin’s land are mapped, and its cities are listed Joshua 18:11-28.
**Lesson in the Passage**
The lesson is that God’s promises must be actively pursued. Even though the land had been subdued, the Israelites were hesitant to claim their inheritance, prompting Joshua to ask, "How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land?" (Joshua 18:3). This demonstrates that God’s blessings often require initiative and action on our part to receive them.
**Application for Born-Again Christians**
As Christians, we are reminded to actively pursue the promises of God in our lives. Like the Israelites, we may delay in stepping into what God has prepared for us.
This passage encourages us to act in faith and not hesitate to claim our spiritual inheritance. We are called to be diligent, taking steps to fulfill God’s plan, trusting that He will guide us, just as He guided the Israelites in dividing the land.
Studying the word of God is not a facade it is real and must be daily prioritize as a true believer. The word of God guides us in ways to exercise our faith because we learn from people who have encountered God in the Bible days and it encourages us to apply this in our lives.
I pray that as you read these articles, it encourages you to grab your Bible and study the word of God. Remember you only get to know God more through His word.
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