171 Now this was the lot for the tribe 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 . 2 So the lot was made for the rest of the sons of Manasseh according to their families : for the sons of Abiezer and for the sons of Helek and for the sons of Asriel and for the sons of Shechem and for the sons of Hepher and for the sons of Shemida ; these were the male descendants of Manasseh the son of Joseph according to their families . 3 However, Zelophehad , the son of Hepher , the son of Gilead , the son of Machir , the son of Manasseh , had no sons , only e daughters ; and these are the names of his daughters : Mahlah and Noah , Hoglah , Milcah and Tirzah . 4 They came near before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua the son of Nun and before the leaders , saying , "The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers ." So according to the command of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among their father's brothers . 5 Thus there fell ten portions to Manasseh , besides e the land of Gilead and Bashan , which is beyond e the Jordan , 6 because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons . And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 17:1-6
Commentary on Joshua 17:1-6
(Read Joshua 17:1-6)
Manasseh was but half of the tribe of Joseph, yet it was divided into two parts. The daughters of Zelophehad now reaped the benefit of their pious zeal and prudent forecast. Those who take care in the wilderness of this world, to make sure to themselves a place in the inheritance of the saints in light, will have the comfort of it in the other world; while those who neglect it now, will lose it for ever. Lord, teach us here to believe and obey, and give us an inheritance among thy saints, in glory everlasting.