The verse highlights that Machir received the land of Gilead and Bashan not just because he was the firstborn of Manasseh, but specifically "because he was a man of war." This emphasizes that military prowess and the ability to conquer and defend were crucial qualifications for securing and holding these strategically important, and likely contested, territories.
Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war. And allotments were made to the rest of the people of Manasseh by their clans, Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph, by their clans.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After distributing land to other tribes, Joshua now turns to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. This portion details how Machir, Manasseh's firstborn and a warrior, received the extensive territories of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. The text then sets the stage for explaining how the remaining portion of Manasseh's tribe received their inheritance west of the Jordan, addressing a specific inheritance claim by Manasseh's granddaughters.
Why is Manasseh, the firstborn, getting a significant inheritance mentioned here, especially when Jacob seemed to bless Ephraim more? This verse unpacks that.
The tribe of Manasseh receives its allotment, and the text immediately connects it to Manasseh being Joseph's firstborn.
The Blessing vs. The Birthright
Jacob, in his old age, blessed Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. He intentionally placed his right hand on Ephraim (the younger) and his left on Manasseh (the elder), signifying that Ephraim would become greater than his brother (Genesis 48:14-20). This was a prophetic blessing, pointing to the future prominence of the tribe of Ephraim.
However, this verse reminds us that birthright and blessing are distinct. Manasseh, as the firstborn, still held the traditional rights of primogeniture. This meant a claim to a larger or more significant inheritance. The text clarifies that despite Jacob's prophetic blessing favoring Ephraim, Manasseh's status as the firstborn still secured a substantial portion for his tribe.
Machir: The Seed of the Inheritance
The specific allotment mentioned in verse 1 goes to Machir, Manasseh's firstborn son. This highlights how the inheritance rights flowed through the patriarchs. Machir himself is called the 'father of Gilead,' indicating his foundational role in establishing that territory.
It's not just about birthright; this verse gives another crucial reason for Machir's allocation: he was a 'man of war.' What does this tell us about God's people receiving their inheritance?
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The verse explicitly states that Machir received Gilead and Bashan 'because he was a man of war.' This wasn't just a casual mention; it points to a significant principle.
Frontier Defense and Divine Provision
The lands of Gilead and Bashan were strategically important and likely challenging to secure and hold. They lay east of the Jordan River, serving as a frontier. Possessing such territories required not just a claim but also the strength and courage to defend them against potential enemies, like the Amorites who had previously occupied them.
God's provision of land for His people wasn't solely based on tribal claims or birth order. It also recognized and rewarded valor and military prowess. Those who were equipped and willing to fight for the land, and thus protect their brethren who settled west of the Jordan, were entrusted with these crucial regions.
A Legacy of Strength
This indicates that God equips and calls certain individuals and tribes for specific responsibilities. Machir's legacy, and that of his descendants, was tied to their martial strength, making them suitable stewards of these strategic lands.
The story of Manasseh’s allotment quickly reveals a surprising twist: the daughters of Zelophehad also received an inheritance. How did this happen?
While verse 1 focuses on Machir, the broader context of Joshua 17 (especially verses 3-6) details how the daughters of Zelophehad also received an inheritance.
A Precedent Set by Divine Command
Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, had no sons but five daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. According to the customs of the time, land inheritance typically passed through male heirs. However, these daughters appealed to Joshua and the priests, referencing a specific commandment from the Lord given through Moses: that if a man died without a son, his inheritance should pass to his daughter (Numbers 27:1-11).
Equity in Distribution
God’s law ensured fairness. The daughters' plea was heard, and they were granted an inheritance among their father's kinsmen. This meant their portion was added to the inheritance of their tribe, ensuring they weren't disinherited due to lacking brothers. This act demonstrates God's care for justice and His provision even for those on the margins of patriarchal inheritance systems.
Understand the original words
goral · Hebrew Noun
A portion of land or a share of possessions assigned to a person or group, often by divine decree or lot, representing God's provision for His people.
bekor · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Referring to the first-born son, who held a place of preeminence, double portions of inheritance, and leadership responsibilities in ancient Near Eastern families.
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A military or organized family unit or subdivision of a tribe in Israel, playing a central role in the census and the distribution of the land.
ben · Hebrew Noun
Refers to descendants, usually focusing on the male line, emphasizing the preservation of family lineage and ancestral name.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Exodus from Egypt
The liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt marks the beginning of their journey as a nation and their conquest of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Transjordanian Territories
Tribes like Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh conquered lands east of the Jordan River, including Gilead and Bashan, prior to the main conquest of Canaan.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Division of the Land of Canaan
After the initial conquest, the land west of the Jordan River was systematically divided by lot among the remaining tribes of Israel, including the western half of Manasseh.
c. 1406 BC
Zelophehad's Daughters Claim Inheritance
The daughters of Zelophehad successfully petitioned Joshua and the elders for an inheritance, setting a precedent for female succession in land ownership.
This passage details Jacob's blessing of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, where he intentionally placed his right hand on the younger, Ephraim, over the firstborn Manasseh. This shows the divine preference and the unique status of Manasseh as the firstborn, a theme revisited in Joshua 17:1 when allotting land.
Numbers 32:1-42Here we see the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of Manasseh (led by Machir), requesting and receiving land east of the Jordan. The reason given for Machir's tribe receiving this land aligns with Joshua 17:1, highlighting their identity as warriors responsible for defending the conquered territories.
Joshua 13:29-31This passage specifically describes the inheritance given to the half-tribe of Manasseh east of the Jordan, including Gilead and Bashan. It reinforces the context of Joshua 17:1 by showing that Machir's lineage, identified as men of war, had already secured significant territory based on their strength.
1 Chronicles 7:14-15This provides genealogical detail about Manasseh's son Machir, noting his mother was an Aramean and that his descendants were brought up on Joseph's knees. This adds depth to the identity of Machir and his lineage as a significant part of Manasseh's tribe.
Judges 5:12-18This triumphant song from the time of Deborah mentions the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali. The absence of Reuben and Gad, and the specific mention of Manasseh fighting alongside others, underscores their historical identity as people of battle.
calvinJoshua 17:1-10: "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."
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.
Fuit quoque sors tribui Manasse (ipse en…
bensonJoshua 17:1: "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."
Joshua 17:1 . There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh — That half of it which had no portion on the other side Jordan. For he was the firstborn of Joseph — The sense of this, as it here stands, is very obscure. But if the particle כי , ki, here rendered for, b…
The verse highlights that Machir received the land of Gilead and Bashan not just because he was the firstborn of Manasseh, but specifically "because he was a man of war." This emphasizes that military prowess and the ability to conquer and defend were crucial qualifications for securing and holding these strategically important, and likely contested, territories.
After distributing land to other tribes, Joshua now turns to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. This portion details how Machir, Manasseh's firstborn and a warrior, received the extensive territories of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. The text then sets the stage for explaining how the remaining portion of Manasseh's tribe received their inheritance west of the Jordan, addressing a specific inheritance claim by Manasseh's granddaughters.
After distributing land to other tribes, Joshua now turns to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joseph's firstborn son. This portion details how Machir, Manasseh's firstborn and a warrior, received the extensive territories of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan. The text then sets the stage for explaining how the remaining portion of Manasseh's tribe received their inheritance west of the Jordan, addressing a specific inheritance claim by Manasseh's granddaughters.
"Then allotment was made to the people of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph. To Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, were allotted Gilead and Bashan, because he was a man of war. And allotments were made to the…" — The verse highlights that Machir received the land of Gilead and Bashan not just because he was the firstborn of Manasseh, but specifically "because he was a man of war." This emphasizes that militar…
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Last reviewed October 2026
