RPG Adults
THE HERITAGE OF MANASSEH WEST OF JORDAN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4
Joshua 17
Proverbs 1:1-7
“…and a man of understanding shall
attain unto wise counsels.”
THE HERITAGE OF MANASSEH WEST OF JORDAN
The half tribe of Manasseh was given their inheritance west of Jordan. The other half had been allocated land east of Jordan by Moses. Manasseh was also included in the blessings of Jacob when he adopted both the sons of Joseph. The lot of the tribe west of Jordan was taken twice because Manasseh was a big tribe.
The inheritance of the tribe west of Jordan was given to Machir. He was the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead. He was given the land of Gilead and Bashan. This was like a double portion for the tribe of Manasseh since half the tribe had received inheritance east of Jordan. Others named in the text are Abiezer, Helek and all the male sons of Manasseh. This tribe was part of the wider tribe of Joseph. Prior to his death, Jacob had given special blessing to the family of Joseph and extended it in adopting Joseph’s two sons; he gave the birthright to Ephraim. Though the patriarch favoured the younger son according to God’s providence, he also gave special blessings to Manasseh. His words remained up to the time of the settlement.
Each family was given an heritage and all were satisfied. This was an important element in that situation because Joshua had to deal with all the tribes. It was God who directed Joshua because He had appointed the dwelling place of everyone. This was evident here because the people whom Joshua was dealing with were sinners. The ill motive of covetousness would not be far from them. However, God granted them grace and subdued any sinful reaction against Joshua. Thus, the division went smoothly. There were divisions and sub-divisions of the land until every family had received its portion.
It was previously recorded that the tribe of Manasseh had asked Joshua for a second lot because it was a larger tribe. Joshua took their request as from God and consented to it. The leader himself was also part of the tribes of Israel and God granted him wisdom so that he was not seen as favouring any of the tribes in this task.
THOUGHT: God-given wisdom fulfils all according to His will.
PRAYER: Father, give me wisdom like that of Joshua.