Joshua 17:5

And there fel ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Iordan; Joshua 17:5 (KJV)

Historical Context: Joshua 17 records the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel after they had conquered Canaan, and the book of Joshua chronicles the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, the land was divided among the twelve tribes.

The Tribe of Manasseh: Manasseh was one of the tribes descended from Joseph, who was the eleventh son of Jacob. Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, and both received an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

The Inheritance of Manasseh: The verse states that ten portions fell to the tribe of Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, indicating that the tribe received a significant allocation of land. Joshua 17:1‑2 records that there was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh because he was the firstborn of Joseph; to Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, was given Gilead and Bashan because he was a man of war. The rest of the children of Manasseh had their lot according to their families, including the children of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. Gilead and Bashan were regions located on the east side of the Jordan River, which were already allocated to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half‑tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 13:8‑11).

The Blessing of Land: This passage reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to provide the Israelites with the land of Canaan. The division of land among the tribes was a significant event, as it represented God’s provision and the establishment of the tribes’ inheritance. It showcased the blessings of the Promised Land that God had promised to His people.