Land for Israelite women

Several of these chapters are describing land boundaries with land being divided in accordance with the Lord's command. It is very specific and you can read it yourselves. I will greatly edit the text.

Joshua Chapter 17

The next allotment of land was given to the half-tribe of Manesseh, the descendants of Joseph's older son. Gilead and Bashan on the east side of Jordan had already been given to the family of Makir because he was a great warrior. (He was Manasseh's oldest son and father of Gilead). However, Zelophehad, son of Hepher, who was a descendant of Manasseh, Makir, and Gilead, had no sons. Instead, he had five daughters. These women came to Eleazar the priest, Joshua, son of Nun and the Isrealite leaders and said that the Lord commanded Moses to give them an inheritance along with the men of the tribe.

So Joshua gave them an inheritance along with their uncles, as the Lord had commanded. The boundaries of Manasseh are found in verses 7-13.

Then the descendants of Joseph came to Joshua and asked him why he gave them one portion of land when the Lord had given them so many people? Joshua replied that if the hill country of Ephraim is not large enough for you, then clear the land for yourselves in the forest where the Perizzites and Raphaites live.

But they replied that the hill country was not enough for them and the Canaanites in the lowlands had iron chariots and were too strong for them.

So Joshua told them, "Since you are so large and strong, you will be given more than one portion. The forests of the hill country will be yours as well. Clear as much of the land as you wish and live there. I am sure you can drive out the Canaanites from the valleys too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots."

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: That traditionally women did not inherit property in the Israelite society of those times. But Moses put justice ahead of tradition and gave the women the land they deserved. In fact, God told Moses to add a law that would help other women in similar circumstances inherit property as well. Joshua was carrying out this law. He did not hesitate or make excuses, but looked at the purpose of the law and the merits of the case.

Note the difference in attitudes toward settling the Promised Land. Caleb took what God gave him and moved ahead to fulfill God's plan for him. He was confident God would help him drive out the wicked inhabitants and he could soon fully occupy his land. In contrast, the two tribes of Joseph were given rich lands but were afraid to drive out the inhabitants and take full possession. Instead, they begged for more land. But Joshua asked them to prove their sincerity by first clearing the unclaimed forests. They agreed, but (Judges 1:27) shows they failed to carry through.

How does this chapter relate to us today? We like to see females treated in a fair way and get what they rightfully deserve and that applies to us today too. Thanks to Moses and Joshua, the laws were changed to favor women in inheriting. We can thank these men of long ago, for the ability of women today to own property.

Certainly we can relate to people today who are like Caleb - hard working, never complaining and successful because of their ability to see the whole picture and strive for it. We also have people in our lives who are like the clan of Joseph who don't want to give it their all, who prefer to ask for more, who don't want the hardships that come with meeting a goal. Which are you? God wants us all to reach for our goals and be successful. He loves us no matter which type of person you are. But isn't it easier to be Caleb and be around the Caleb's of the world?

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, Teli’s family, Logan and the newly born Stella who is taking mother’s milk now and Lori (who suffered a terrible accident)and her family. Update on Stella: She has gained four ounces, but there is still concern for her lungs.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.