RPG Adults
THE BOUNDARIES OF MANASSEH WERE DESCRIBED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Joshua 17
1 Kings 4:1-19
“And Solomon had twelve officers
over all Israel…”
THE BOUNDARIES OF MANASSEH WERE DESCRIBED
The tribe of Ephraim preceded the half tribe of Manasseh in acquiring the inheritance. However, when the lot was cast for Manasseh, they became neighbours. It is recorded that ten portions fell to Manasseh beside the land of Gilead and Bashan.
Asher, Issachar and Ephraim were their neighbours. All the towns in the land that was allocated to Manasseh were given to them for their heritage. During the reign of King Solomon, these places were heritages of these tribes and the king assigned a prince to each tribe. The list of those officers was given. Since the tribes did not change their heritage from the time of Joshua to the time of the kings, it was convenient to use those divisions as administrative units. God is a God of order, and He gave these provisions to Israel to make the task easier for those who were entrusted with the work of leadership.
An additional lot was given to Manasseh, and Joshua also gave consent to that lot so that their portion was expanded. It was added that they did not drive out the Canaanites but put them under tribute (Josh 17:12-13). They might have borrowed the idea from the fate of the Gibeonites. The Canaanites were subdued and made to serve. It was not an easy task for they had to secure the land for themselves and then decide the fate of those people who were previously the bona fide owners of the land. There were many intricacies and decisions to be made but, on the whole, the command of God was their guide. The Canaanites were neutralised. The tribe of Manasseh got their inheritance and settled in Canaan.
The narrative is a step-by-step fulfilment of God’s promise to settle Israel. Details of every tribe were given and incidental occurrences were settled mutually as Joshua continued his duty.
THOUGHT: Trust God and He will lead and guide you to the lot that He has ordained for you.
PRAYER: Father, guide my actions to fulfil all Thy will.