Joshua 17
Manasseh's allotment is divided between west and east Jordan (the latter already settled), with the western portion granted to the daughters of Zelophehad—a striking affirmation of female inheritance rights within the tribe when male heirs are absent. The daughters' petition, granted by Joshua and Eleazar the priest (17:4), demonstrates that covenantal inheritance transcends gender and that leadership (Joshua/Eleazar) honors legitimate claims to familial property. The Manassites' complaint that their allotment is insufficient is met by Joshua's challenge: 'You are a numerous people; go up into the forest and clear ground' (17:15), suggesting that the land's full possession requires Israel's active participation and that the promise is not passive but demanding. The chapter's inclusion of female inheritance and its emphasis on Israelite initiative in actualizing territorial claims reveal that the covenant community's boundaries are broader and its responsibilities more active than automatic blessing alone.