Old Testament
Joshua 17:4
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the daughters of Zelophehad approach Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives." So, according to the LORD's command, he gave them an inheritance among their father's relatives.
And they came near before Eleazar the priest, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and before the princes, saying, The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. Therefore according to the commandment of the LORD he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the daughters of Zelophehad approach Eleazar the priest, Joshua, and the leaders of Israel to claim their inheritance. They remind them that God had commanded Moses to ensure they receive land among their relatives, highlighting the importance of their rights as heirs. This moment emphasizes the significance of God's promises and the need for leaders to uphold them. The leaders respond by honoring God's command, demonstrating their commitment to justice and fairness in distributing the land. This interaction illustrates the importance of advocacy and the role of community leaders in ensuring that God's laws are followed, especially regarding inheritance rights. It also reflects the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises, as He ensures that all His people, including women, receive their rightful inheritance. This verse serves as a reminder that everyone has a place and a promise in God's plan, and it encourages believers to seek their rightful inheritance in faith.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Joshua 17:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to advocate for our rights and the rights of others, especially in matters of justice and fairness. It reminds us to trust in God's promises and to seek His guidance in our pursuits, ensuring that we honor His commands in our actions.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Joshua 17:4 in the context of inheritance?
Joshua 17:4 highlights the importance of inheritance rights in Israelite culture, particularly for the daughters of Zelophehad. It emphasizes that God's commands, as relayed through Moses, included provisions for women to inherit land, which was a significant step towards gender equality in biblical times. This verse shows that God's promises extend to all His people, ensuring that everyone has a rightful place in His plan.
Who are the key figures mentioned in Joshua 17:4?
The key figures in Joshua 17:4 are Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders of Israel. Eleazar served as the high priest, responsible for spiritual leadership and guidance. Joshua, as Moses' successor, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Together, they represent the authority and leadership tasked with upholding God's commands regarding inheritance and justice.
How does Joshua 17:4 demonstrate God's faithfulness?
Joshua 17:4 demonstrates God's faithfulness by fulfilling His promise to the daughters of Zelophehad, ensuring they receive their inheritance as commanded to Moses. This act reflects God's commitment to justice and His desire for all individuals, regardless of gender, to have a stake in the community. It reassures believers that God honors His word and provides for His people.
What can we learn about advocacy from Joshua 17:4?
Joshua 17:4 teaches us the importance of advocacy, particularly in matters of justice and rights. The daughters of Zelophehad boldly approached the leaders to claim their inheritance, illustrating the need to speak up for oneself and others. This encourages individuals to advocate for fairness and equity in their communities, trusting that God supports their efforts for justice.
The Book of Joshua
1: God Commissions Joshua
After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.
Unlock the full Joshua summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.