Joshua – Chapter 17

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the father of Galaad, who…" — so begins Joshua 17. The chapter centers on Manasses, Joseph and Joshua. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's covenant promises. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the father of Galaad, who was a warlike man, and had for possession Galaad and Basan.

2And to the rest of the children of Manasses according to their families: to the children of Abiezer, and to the children of Helec, and to the children of Esriel, and to the children of Sechem, and to the children of Hepher, and to the children of Semida: these are the male children of Manasses the son of Joseph, by their kindreds.

3But Salphaad the son of Hepher the son of Galaad the son of Machir the son of Manasses had no sons, but only daughters: whose names are these, Maala and Noa and Hegla and Melcha and Thersa.

4And they came in the presence of Eleazar the priest and of Joshua the son of Nun, and of the princes, saying: The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, that a possession should be given us in the midst of our brethren. And he gave them according to the commandment of the Lord a possession amongst the brethren of their father.

5And there fell ten portions to Manasses, beside the land of Galaad and Basan beyond the Jordan.

6For the daughters of Manasses possessed inheritance in the midst of his sons. And the land of Galaad fell to the lot of the rest of the children of Manasses.

7And the border of Manasses was from Aser, Machmethath which looketh towards Sichem: and it goeth out on the right hand by the inhabitants of the fountain of Taphua.

8For the lot of Manasses took in the land of Taphua, which is on the borders of Manasses, and belongs to the children of Ephraim.

9And the border goeth down to the valley of the reeds, to the south of the torrent of the cities of Ephraim, which are in the midst of the cities of Manasses: the border of Manasses is on the north side of the torrent, and the outgoings of it are at the sea:

10So that the possession of Ephraim is on the south, and on the north that of Manasses, and the sea is the border of both, and they are joined together in the tribe of Aser on the north, and in the tribe of Issachar on the east.

11And the inheritance of Manasses in Issachar and in Aser, was Bethsan and its villages, and Jeblaam with its villages, and the inhabitants of Dor, with the towns thereof: the inhabitants also of Endor with the villages thereof: and in like manner the inhabitants of Thenac with the villages thereof: and the inhabitants of Mageddo with their villages, and the third part of the city of Nopheth.

12Neither could the children of Manasses overthrow these cities, but the Chanaanite began to dwell in his land.

13But after that the children of Israel were grown strong, they subdued the Chanaanites, and made them their tributaries, and they did not kill them.

14And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, and said: Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to possess, whereas I am of so great a multitude, and the Lord hath blessed me?

15And Joshua said to them: If thou be a great people, go up into the woodland, and cut down room for thyself in the land of the Pherezite and the Raphaims: because the possession of mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee.

16And the children of Joseph answered him: We cannot go up to the mountains, for the Chanaanites that dwell in the low lands, wherein are situate Bethsan with its towns, and Jezrael in the midst of the valley, have chariots of iron.

17And Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasses: Thou art a great people, and of great strength, thou shalt not have one lot only:

18But thou shalt pass to the mountain, and shalt cut down the wood, and make thyself room to dwell in: and mayst proceed farther, when thou hast destroyed the Chanaanites, who as thou sayest have iron chariots, and are very strong.

Important Verses in Joshua 17

And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the father of Galaad, who was a warlike man, and had for possession Galaad and Basan.

Joshua 17:1

And there fell ten portions to Manasses, beside the land of Galaad and Basan beyond the Jordan.

Joshua 17:5

For the lot of Manasses took in the land of Taphua, which is on the borders of Manasses, and belongs to the children of Ephraim.

Joshua 17:8

And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, and said: Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to possess, whereas I am of so great a multitude, and the Lord hath blessed me?

Joshua 17:14

Historical Context

Joshua belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for israel settled in the land, called to remember how God fulfilled His promises. Chapter 17 of 24 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Manasses, Joseph, Joshua and Eleazar appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the…" It concludes: "But thou shalt pass to the mountain, and shalt cut down the wood, and make thyself room to dwell in: and mayst proceed…" In terms of historical background, Joshua narrates the entry into Canaan, the fall of Jericho, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers

When It Was Written

Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The list of names is not mere record-keeping: it anchors the story of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land in real families and real history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the father of Galaad, who was a warlike man,…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. Catholic tradition sees Joshua as a type of Jesus, who leads us into the true Promised Land (CIC 2578). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 958).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • God's presence casts out fear; His command 'Be not afraid' echoes throughout salvation history.

People in This Chapter

Manasses17 mentionsJoseph5 mentionsJoshua4 mentionsEleazar1 mentionMoses1 mention

Reflection for Today

The late section of Joshua—Chapter 17 of 24—opens a particular moment in the story of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land.

According to Catholic teaching, Catholic tradition sees Joshua as a type of Jesus, who leads us into the true Promised Land (CIC 2578). This chapter especially highlights care for the poor and vulnerable, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1265).

Let Joshua Chapter 17 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joshua Chapter 17 about?

Joshua 17 contains 18 verses. It opens with "And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the…" and closes with "But thou shalt pass to the mountain, and shalt cut down the wood, and make thyself room to dwell in: and mayst proceed…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Joshua 17?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And this lot fell to the tribe of Manasses for he is the firstborn of Joseph to Machir the firstborn of Manasses the father of Galaad, who was a warlike man, and had for…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Joshua Chapter 17?

This chapter mentions Manasses, Joseph, Joshua, Eleazar, Moses.

Who wrote Joshua and when?

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers. Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

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