Joshua 17 records how the land was divided among the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, including the daughters of Zelophehad who asked for their share, and the tension that arose when the descendants of Joseph felt their allotment was too small. These questions are written for a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study, and they move from what the chapter says, to what it means, to how it shapes everyday life. Each set of questions comes with a leader’s note so you can guide the discussion without preparing a separate summary.
Joshua 17 at a Glance
The chapter opens with the lot falling to Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph, and records the land given to Machir’s line in Gilead and Bashan. It then turns to the families of Manasseh and to the five daughters of Zelophehad, who approach Eleazar, Joshua, and the leaders to claim an inheritance, which is granted in keeping with God’s command. The boundaries of Manasseh and Ephraim are traced across the land, and Manasseh’s failure to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants of several cities is noted.
The final section shows the people of Joseph complaining that their portion is too small. Joshua answers by telling them to clear the forest of the hill country and to drive out the Canaanites, even those with iron chariots. The chapter ends not with a summary but with a challenge: the land is theirs to possess, but only through courageous work.
Observation Questions
Use these questions at the start of the session to slow the group down and let everyone look carefully at the text before anyone offers a view. Ask people to point to the words that support their answers, and resist explaining too quickly.
Joshua 17:4
They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father.
(WEB)
Read this verse to highlight the daughters’ request and the leaders’ response. It shows that God’s commands shape how we handle inheritance and fairness, and it gives the group a clear statement to return to during the discussion.
Joshua 17:12-13
12 Yet the children of Manasseh couldn’t drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 13 When the children of Israel had grown strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and didn’t utterly drive them out.
(WEB)
This passage names the partial obedience at the center of the chapter. Reading it aloud helps the group see how a small compromise can become a lasting pattern, which often leads to richer conversation about faithfulness.
Joshua 17:14-15
14 The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me just one lot and one part for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, because the LORD has blessed us so far?” 15 Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
(WEB)
These verses capture the complaint of the people of Joseph and Joshua’s direct reply. Reading them together lets the group hear both the concern and the challenge in the same breath, which makes the application questions easier to ground.
Joshua 17:17-18
17 Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, that is, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only; 18 but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Joshua’s final words are the strongest note of the chapter. Reading them at the close of the discussion reminds the group that the land is theirs to take and that God’s promise does not depend on the size of the obstacle.
Joshua 17:3-6
3 But Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons, but daughters. These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 They came to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the princes, saying, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. 5 Ten parts fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan; 6 because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh.
(WEB)
This passage introduces the daughters of Zelophehad and their claim to the inheritance. Reading it early in the session gives the group a human story to hold onto as they work through the more technical details of the boundaries.
Memory Verse for Joshua 17
Joshua 17:18
But the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
(WEB)
Joshua’s assurance that the hill country will be theirs, and that they will drive out the Canaanites despite their chariots, is a fitting verse to carry through the week. Encourage the group to repeat it aloud before closing so it stays with them.
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you remember the daughters who came forward and that your justice reaches people others might overlook. Thank you for the portion you have given each of us, and forgive us for the times we have settled for partial obedience or complained about what seemed too small. Give us courage to take up the work in front of us and the humility to ask for help when the task feels too large. Help us to encourage one another this week and to trust that the land you promise is ours to receive. Amen.
