Josh. 17 The inheritance of Manasseh, and its borders, Josh. 17:1–11. They could not drive out the Canaanites, but made them tributary, Josh. 17:12–13. The children of Joseph complain that their borders are too narrow: Joshua promises them the subduing of the Canaanites, Josh. 17:14–18.

He was the first-born of Joseph: the sense is, though Ephraim was to be more potent and numerous, yet Manasseh was the first-born, and had the privilege of the first-born, which was translated to Joseph, to wit, a double portion; and therefore though this were but half the tribe of Manasseh, yet…

A lot, or, a portion, or distinct inheritance. The rest of the children of Manasseh, to wit, those of them which had not received their possessions beyond Jordan, Num. 26:29;c. These were the male children: this expression is used to bring in what follows, concerning his female children.

No sons, but daughters; of whom see Poole “Num. 26:33”; see Poole “Num. 27:1”.

He gave them, i.e. Eleazar, or Joshua, with the consent of the princes appointed for that work.

Ten portions; either, 1. Six portions for the six sons, whereof one was Hepher; and because he had no sons, his part was subdivided into five equal parts, for each of the daughters. Or, 2.

Among his sons, i.e. no less than the sons; so their sex was no bar to their inheritance.

These cities of Ephrain; Tappuah, and the cities upon the coast descending to the river, &c., last mentioned. Are among the cities of Manasseh, i.e. are intermixed with their cities, which was not strange nor unfit, these two being linked together by a nearer alliance than the rest.

His border; either, 1. Manasseh’s, whose portion is here described, and whose name was last mentioned. Or, 2. Ephraim’s and Manasseh’s, both expressed in the foregoing words, and implied in the following, they. In Asher, i.e.

In Issachar and in Asher; either, 1. Bordering upon them, as in Asher is taken, Josh. 17:10, and as Aaron’s rod is said to be in the ark, i.e. close by it, Heb. 9:4; or, 2. Properly in them, as Ephraim had some cities in the tribe of Manasseh, Josh.

See Poole “Josh. 15:63”. Would dwell; were resolved to fight, rather than be turned out of their ancient habitations.

Which they were obliged to, now they were strong and numerous enough to possess those places.

The children of Joseph, i.e. of Ephraim and Manasseh, as is manifest, partly from Josh. 17:17, where it is so explained; and partly because they mention it as an unreasonable thing, that they, being two, should have out one lot. Spake unto Joshua, i.e.

He retorts their own argument: Seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into actions and valiant exploits, and enlarge thy borders by thy own hand, to which thou mayst confidently expect God’s assistance. To the wood country; to the mountain, as it, is called, Josh.

The hill is not enough for us; if we should invade and conquer it, and cut down both wood and men, yet it would not be sufficient for us. Heb. The hill will not be found, i.e.

Thou needest and deservest more than that lot, of which thou art actually possessed, and thou hast power to get more; which if thou endeavourest to do, God will bless thee, and give thee more.

The outgoings of it; either, 1. The productions or of that land, when it is cleared from the wood, and purged; or rather, 2. The valleys and fields belonging or adjoining to it, for there the Canaanites were, Josh. 17:16.