Joshua 17 Devotional

Daughters Who Trusted His Word

“They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the command of the LORD.”Joshua 17:4 (BSB)

The clans of Manasseh are listed through their male descendants, but Zelophehad had no sons, only five daughters (17:2-3). Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah come before Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders and remind them that the LORD had commanded Moses to give them an inheritance among their relatives (17:4). When they first raised the matter, God himself had said they were right (Numbers 27:7). Now Joshua gives them their share, in keeping with the LORD's command (17:4-6).

The chapter sets their request beside another. The tribes of Joseph complain that one portion is too small for so many people, and Joshua answers that they are strong enough to clear the forest and overcome the Canaanites with their iron chariots (17:14-18). One request rests on what God had said; the other is a complaint about what they had already been given. The daughters asked for exactly what God had promised, and they found him faithful to it. You can come to God the same way.

To think about: Which promise of God could you bring to him in prayer today, asking him to do what he has said?