“There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.”
Context:The book of Joshua recounts the conquest and division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. Joshua 17 is part of the section that describes the allocation of the land to the tribe of Manasseh.
Tribe of Manasseh:Manasseh was one of the sons of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The tribe of Manasseh was a significant tribe and was granted a substantial portion of land in the Promised Land. This verse highlights that Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph, which emphasises its importance.
Machir the Firstborn:Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh and the grandson of Joseph. In the division of the land, the firstborn of each tribe usually received a prominent portion. Therefore, Machir received an inheritance that included the regions of Gilead and Bashan.
Man of War:The verse notes that Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, was a “man of war.” This phrase signifies that he was a skilled warrior and had distinguished himself in battle. Due to his military prowess, Machir was rewarded with the territories of Gilead and Bashan, which were known for their strategic value and fertile land.
Gilead and Bashan:Gilead and Bashan were two regions located east of the Jordan River. These areas were known for their rich pasturelands and abundant natural resources. Possessing these territories provided Manasseh with economic prosperity and a strategic advantage in terms of defence.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Honouring the firstborn:The allocation of land to the firstborn highlights the principle of honouring the firstborn in the biblical culture. It was a way of recognising their leadership and position within the family and tribe.
- Recognising and rewarding skill and valour:Machir’s inheritance demonstrates that the Israelites acknowledged and rewarded courage, valour, and military skill. It serves as a reminder that God honours those who faithfully serve Him and fulfil their responsibilities with excellence.
- God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises:The division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of land was a tangible fulfilment of God’s covenant with Israel.
Overall, Joshua 17:1 highlights the distribution of land to the tribe of Manasseh, emphasising the significance of the firstborn and the valour of Machir. It also serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people.
