Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Joshua Ch.17 / 24 Ch.s
JOS:17
* The lot of Manasseh. (1-6) The boundaries of Manasseh, The
Canaanites not driven out. (7-13) Joseph desires a larger
portion. (14-18)
#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.
#7-13 There was great communication between Manasseh and
Ephraim. Though each tribe had its inheritance, yet they should
intermix one with another, to do good offices one to another, as
became those, who, though of different tribes, were all one
Israel, and were bound to love as brethren. But they suffered
the Canaanites to live among them, against the command of God,
to serve their own ends.
#14-18 Joshua, as a public person, had no more regard to his own
tribe than to any other, but would govern without favour or
affection; wherein he has left a good example to all in public
trusts. Joshua tells them, that what was fallen to their share
would be a sufficient lot for them, if they would but work and
fight. Men excuse themselves from labour by any pretence; and
nothing serves the purpose better than having rich and powerful
relations, able to provide for them; and they are apt to desire
a partial and unfaithful disposal of what is intrusted to those
they think able to give such help. But there is more real
kindness in pointing out the advantages within reach, and in
encouraging men to make the best of them, than in granting
indulgences to sloth and extravagance. True religion gives no
countenance to these evils. The rule is, They shall not eat who
will not work; and many of our "cannots" are only the language
of idleness, which magnifies every difficulty and danger. This
is especially the case in our spiritual work and warfare.
Without Christ we can do nothing, but we are apt to sit still
and attempt nothing. if we belong to Him, he will stir us up to
our best endeavours, and to cry to him for help. Then our coast
will be enlarged, #1Ch 4:9,10|, and complainings silenced, or
rather, turned into joyful thanksgivings.