Manasseh’s portion contained key fortified cities and fertile regions, yet their incomplete obedience in settling the land left lasting challenges.
In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, the three heights. (v. 11)
This verse describes part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, descended from Joseph’s older son, Manasseh, who was born in Egypt to Joseph around the early 1900s BC. After the Exodus (c. 1446 BC) and the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God brought the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership into Canaan to conquer and divide the land (Joshua 1 - 12). Manasseh’s inheritance lay partially on the west side of the Jordan River, within the regions of Issachar and Asher. The text singles out a cluster of important cities: Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, En-dor, Taanach, and Megiddo. Those cities belonged to Manasseh, including “their towns,” suggesting extended regions around these city-centers. Megiddo in particular was very significant in ancient times because it overlooked strategic trade routes, and Taanach was a fortified stronghold close by. Beth-shean dominated the juncture of the Jordan and Jezreel Valleys, while Dor was a key coastal city on the Mediterranean. En-dor was located near the Hill of Moreh, tucked within the Jezreel region.
Although the verse states that Manasseh had these territories, related passages show that the tribe did not thoroughly drive out the Canaanites who continued to dwell there (Judges 1:27, ). The Israelites’ incomplete obedience in conquering the land led to the Canaanites persisting in these cities. In a broader context, God had called Israel to trust Him fully and remove all idols and idolatrous practices of the land (Deuteronomy 20:16-18), but the tribe of Manasseh and others at times failed to execute that task. This partial obedience would bring lingering challenges in future generations, resulting in cultural and spiritual compromises. Nevertheless, these lands held agricultural wealth, crucial trade routes, and strategic defensive positions—God had promised His people a bountiful land, even though they were expected to rely on Him to secure it.
The reference to “the three heights” at the end of this verse likely marks either higher fortifications or sections of the territory around Megiddo and Taanach. These elevated places could be vantage points or fortresses for the inhabitants. Their mention highlights how careful planning and fortification were essential during a time when territorial shifts and local conflicts were common.
It shows the territorial reach of Manasseh: multiple vital cities lay under their allotment as Israel established its new life in the Promised Land.
Manasseh’s tribal allotment included several significant cities, but they did not fully drive out the Canaanites, which foreshadowed future conflicts and spiritual struggles.
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Joshua 17:11 meaning
In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, the three heights. (v. 11)
This verse describes part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh, descended from Joseph’s older son, Manasseh, who was born in Egypt to Joseph around the early 1900s BC. After the Exodus (c. 1446 BC) and the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God brought the Israelites under Joshua’s leadership into Canaan to conquer and divide the land (Joshua 1 - 12). Manasseh’s inheritance lay partially on the west side of the Jordan River, within the regions of Issachar and Asher. The text singles out a cluster of important cities: Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, En-dor, Taanach, and Megiddo. Those cities belonged to Manasseh, including “their towns,” suggesting extended regions around these city-centers. Megiddo in particular was very significant in ancient times because it overlooked strategic trade routes, and Taanach was a fortified stronghold close by. Beth-shean dominated the juncture of the Jordan and Jezreel Valleys, while Dor was a key coastal city on the Mediterranean. En-dor was located near the Hill of Moreh, tucked within the Jezreel region.
Although the verse states that Manasseh had these territories, related passages show that the tribe did not thoroughly drive out the Canaanites who continued to dwell there (Judges 1:27, ). The Israelites’ incomplete obedience in conquering the land led to the Canaanites persisting in these cities. In a broader context, God had called Israel to trust Him fully and remove all idols and idolatrous practices of the land (Deuteronomy 20:16-18), but the tribe of Manasseh and others at times failed to execute that task. This partial obedience would bring lingering challenges in future generations, resulting in cultural and spiritual compromises. Nevertheless, these lands held agricultural wealth, crucial trade routes, and strategic defensive positions—God had promised His people a bountiful land, even though they were expected to rely on Him to secure it.
The reference to “the three heights” at the end of this verse likely marks either higher fortifications or sections of the territory around Megiddo and Taanach. These elevated places could be vantage points or fortresses for the inhabitants. Their mention highlights how careful planning and fortification were essential during a time when territorial shifts and local conflicts were common.
It shows the territorial reach of Manasseh: multiple vital cities lay under their allotment as Israel established its new life in the Promised Land.
Manasseh’s tribal allotment included several significant cities, but they did not fully drive out the Canaanites, which foreshadowed future conflicts and spiritual struggles.