Joshua 17:10

Joshua 17:10

ESV: the land to the south being Ephraim's and that to the north being Manasseh's, with the sea forming its boundary. On the north Asher is reached, and on the east Issachar.

KJV: Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

NIV: On the south the land belonged to Ephraim, on the north to Manasseh. The territory of Manasseh reached the Mediterranean Sea and bordered Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.

NKJV: Southward it was Ephraim's, northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea was its border. Manasseh's territory was adjoining Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.

NLT: In general, however, the land south of the ravine belonged to Ephraim, and the land north of the ravine belonged to Manasseh. Manasseh's boundary ran along the northern side of the ravine and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. North of Manasseh was the territory of Asher, and to the east was the territory of Issachar.

Meaning

Joshua 17:10 delineates the western Manassehite tribal territory's northern and southern boundaries. Southward, Manasseh's portion shared a border with Ephraim. Northward, it bordered Asher's territory. The verse precisely locates a key point on this northern boundary at Michmethath, a place situated opposite Shechem. This description provides crucial geographical detail regarding the extent and neighbors of the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Manasseh within the Promised Land.

Cross References

Context

Joshua 17 details the allocation of territory to the tribe of Manasseh in the Promised Land. This particular verse, Joshua 17:10, provides precise geographical boundaries for the western half-tribe of Manasseh. It follows the initial description of Manasseh's inheritance (vv. 1-6) and the specific allocation to Zelophehad's daughters (vv. 3-6), which adjusted Manasseh's inheritance structure. The preceding verses (7-9) outlined Manasseh's western and southern limits. Verse 10 completes the territorial description by defining Manasseh's northern border and the precise location of a key landmark on that boundary, Michmethath opposite Shechem. This meticulous outlining of borders reflects the systematic fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land inheritance. Such precise delineations were vital for ancient tribal societies to establish ownership, prevent disputes, and prepare for settling the land.

Word analysis

• Southward: (נגבה - negbah) Literally "to the Negev" or "to the dry country." In this context, it simply means in the direction of the south. It indicates the adjoining nature of Manasseh's border with Ephraim.
• it (belonged to Manasseh): Refers to the main part of Manasseh's western inheritance being described.
• belonged to Ephraim: Highlights the contiguous boundary between the two half-tribes descended from Joseph. Despite being two distinct tribes, their territories were closely intertwined, reflecting their shared paternal lineage and Jacob's blessings on Ephraim over Manasseh.
• and northward: (צפונה - tsephonah) Indicates the opposite direction from southward, specifying the boundary with the next tribe.
• it bordered Asher: Signifies that Asher was Manasseh's northern neighbor, situating Manasseh strategically between their Josephite brethren to the south and a northern coastal tribe.
• and they: Refers to Manasseh, or specifically their boundary lines.
• reached: (נגע - naga') "To touch," "to extend to," indicating the extreme point of their boundary.
• to Michmethath: An identifiable geographical landmark in central Canaan, precise identification is debated, but its function here is to mark the boundary point. Its mention shows the specific nature of the land allocation.
• opposite Shechem: A highly significant and ancient city in central Canaan, often associated with covenant renewal (Gen 12:6, 33:18, Josh 24:1, 25-27). Its location provided a clear reference point for Michmethath and highlighted the strategic position of Manasseh's land, encompassing a vital spiritual and political center. Shechem itself was later designated as a Levite city and a city of refuge.

Commentary

Joshua 17:10 is a pivotal verse in understanding the detailed fulfillment of God's promises of land to Israel, specifically through the careful allotment to the tribe of Manasseh. This precise geographic description of Manasseh's borders, particularly with Ephraim to the south and Asher to the north, illustrates God's methodical provision and organization. The explicit mention of "Michmethath opposite Shechem" underscores the meticulousness of the land division process. Shechem, a historically and spiritually significant site (where Abraham first built an altar, Jacob settled, and Joshua would later renew the covenant), being located opposite this boundary point, indicates the strategic value and centrality of Manasseh's assigned territory. While brief, this verse showcases the reality of God's covenant faithfulness through Joshua's leadership, defining distinct and manageable portions for each tribe to possess. It also implicitly sets the stage for the challenges Manasseh would face, as occupying such a vast and strategically important area, particularly with unexpelled Canaanites, proved to be an ongoing struggle for them (Josh 17:11-13). Spiritually, this passage reminds us that God is a God of order and provision, carefully defining the sphere of our inheritance and responsibility.

Bonus section

The tribal territories, though specifically defined, often had enclaves or areas where other tribes (like Ephraim having cities within Manasseh, Josh 16:9) or unexpelled Canaanites (Josh 17:11-13) resided. This highlights the ideal allocation versus the practical reality of conquest and settlement. The division of the land by lot, as seen throughout Joshua, emphasized divine sovereignty and fairness in the distribution, ensuring that the inheritance was by God's decree, not human preference or power. The distinct portions for each tribe underscore the concept of nachalah (נחלה), a secure and permanent inheritance, signifying both God's gift and a place of belonging within the covenant community.

Explore joshua 17 images, wallpapers, art, audio, video, maps, infographics and timelines