What does Joshua 17:7 mean?
"¶ And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah." - Joshua 17:7
Joshua 17:7 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah."
This verse is part of the book of Joshua, which chronicles the military campaigns and the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. The specific verse details the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as they possessed their inheritance west of the Jordan River. In this passage, the borders of Manasseh's territory are described, extending from the Asher to Michmethah and along the right hand to the inhabitants of Entappuah.
To grasp the full meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The book of Joshua details the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham. Each tribe was allotted a specific portion of the land as an inheritance, fulfilling the covenant made by God with their ancestors.
The allocation of land to the Israelite tribes held immense significance as it represented God's blessings and provision. It was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. The intricate details of the land allocation showed that God was not only mindful of the collective nation of Israel but also of each individual tribe and their specific needs.
The mention of the border of Manasseh's territory from Asher to Michmethah and along the right hand to the inhabitants of Entappuah is not merely a geographical description, but it also carries spiritual and symbolic meaning. The right hand is often associated with strength, blessing, and favor in the Bible. The allocation of land along the right hand signifies the abundance and blessing that God was bestowing upon the tribe of Manasseh.
Furthermore, the geographical boundaries mentioned in this verse hold symbolic significance. The land of Shechem, a prominent city in ancient Israel, has historical and spiritual significance in the Bible. It is the place where God first appeared to Abraham and promised to give the land of Canaan to his descendants (Genesis 12:6-7). The mention of Shechem in the allocation of Manasseh's land serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
The verse also contains the reference to Entappuah, which is believed to have been a city in the territory of Manasseh. The mention of this city signifies the fruitfulness and abundance that the land of Manasseh would yield for its inhabitants. Additionally, the territorial boundaries from Asher to Michmethah indicate the expanse and prosperity of the land allotted to the tribe of Manasseh.
In summary, Joshua 17:7 is not just a geographical description of land allocation, but it holds deep spiritual and symbolic significance. It speaks of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, His provision, and blessing upon His people. The verse also reminds the readers of the historical and spiritual significance of the land of Shechem, and it symbolizes the fruitfulness and abundance that God bestows upon those who trust in Him. This verse serves as a reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His abundant provision for His people.
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Joshua 17:7 - "¶ And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah."
"¶ And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah." - Joshua 17:7
Joshua 7:17 - "And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:"
Joshua 10:17 - "And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah."
Joshua 17:17 - "And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:"
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 4:17 - "Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan."
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 24:17
Joshua 3:1-17
Joshua 6:17-25
Joshua 12:17 - "The king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;"
Joshua 7:16 - "¶ So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:"
Exodus 17:13 - "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword."
Joshua 7:22 - "¶ So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran unto the tent; and, behold, it was hid in his tent, and the silver under it."
"And he brought the family of Judah; and he took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought the family of the Zarhites man by man; and Zabdi was taken:" - Joshua 7:17
Joshua 7:10 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face?"
Joshua 10:7 - "So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour."
Joshua 1:7-9
Joshua 11:7 - "So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them."
"And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah." - Joshua 10:17
Joshua 17:15 - "And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee."
Joshua 19:17 - "¶ And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families."
Joshua 5:7 - "And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way."
"Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan." - Joshua 4:17
Joshua 21:17 - "And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,"
Joshua 7:20 - "And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:"
Joshua 7:7 - "And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord GOD, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!"
Joshua 7:23 - "And they took them out of the midst of the tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the LORD."
Joshua 3:7 - "¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee."