JOSHUA 16–17
Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph’s two sons, born to him in Egypt. Jacob adopted them as his own and gave them a special blessing from the Lord (Gen. 48), which explains why these two tribes were given such valuable land in the heart of Canaan. Joseph had kept the family alive during seven years of famine, and his descendants reaped the benefits. They were wealthy because of Joseph’s faith and love and Jacob’s special blessing.
However, we must not live only on what our ancestors have provided. We must also claim an inheritance for ourselves and our children (17:14–18). The two tribes did a lot of complaining but not much conquering! In the case of Zelophehad’s daughters (