SCRIPTURE: JOSHUA 17
This chapter recorded the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh. The sons of Manasseh had son sons but only daughters named Mhlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They went to Eleazar the priest and demanded that they be given inheritance. So, Joshua gave them inheritance according to the Lord’s command.
The people of Joseph asked from Joshua for more inheritance because they were numerous. But Joshua told them to clear the forested hill country and claim the land of Perizzites and Rephaites. He assured them that though the Canaanites had iron chariots and strings but they could drive them out.
THOUGHTS:
Traditionally, women could not inherit property in Israelite’s society. But the daughter of Manasseh asserted their rights and asked for it. Joshua put justice ahead of tradition and gave these 5 women the land they deserved. This teaches us that do not be ashamed to make an honorable request even if it is against the tradition. It is also best for the lawmaker to look carefully at the purpose of the law and the merits of each case.