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Joseph was the firstborn of Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife—the only wife he really desired. Joseph had two sons by his Egyptian wife, Asenath. Half of the tribe of Manasseh had received its inheritance across the Jordan. Ephraim and the rest of Manasseh now received allotments, mostly in the northern part of the hill country. Both Ephraim and Manasseh received portions in order to bring the number of tribal allotments to twelve. This was necessary because the priestly tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance of land. It also brought to reality the bountiful blessing Jacob had pronounced upon Joseph (Ge 49:22-26). As Judah in the South, so Joseph exercised leadership in Israel from its central position in the North.
The provision for the daughters of Zelophehad (17:3ff.) was in fulfillment of God’s command to Moses (Nu 27:1-8). Israelite society was not a patriarchal monolith.
The account of Joseph’s allotment ends with their request for more land. Even though they considered themselves to be a numerous people, they were afraid to challenge the Canaanites in the valleys of Jezreel and Beth Shan, because the Canaanites had iron-plated chariots. As a result, they were restricted to the hill country.
Rather than rebuke them for their fear, Joshua instructed Ephraim and Manasseh to clear the hill country forests. Hard work would enlarge their inheritance. He also promised that eventually they would drive out the Canaanites in spite of their iron chariots. This gave them a hope by which they could enlarge their faith and conquer their fear.