Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph’s two sons, born to him in Egypt. Jacob adopted them as his own and gave them a special blessing from the Lord (Gen. 48), which explains why these two tribes were given such valuable land in the heart of Canaan. Joseph had kept the family alive during seven years of famine, and his descendants reaped the benefits. They were wealthy because of Joseph’s faith and love and Jacob’s special blessing.
以法莲和玛拿西是约瑟在埃及生的两个儿子。雅各把他们归在他的名下，赐予他们耶和华特别的祝福（创48）；这也解释了两个支派为何被分得迦南地中心的宝贵土地。约瑟在七个荒年期间一直维持着家族的性命，而他的子孙也从中收益。他们之所以得以富裕是基于约瑟的信心和爱心，以及雅各特别的祝福。
However, we must not live only on what our ancestors have provided. We must also claim an inheritance for ourselves and our children (17:14–18). There those who did a lot of complaining but not much conquering! And there were those who had not because they claimed not.
然而，我们不能只靠祖先的供应过生活。我们也必须为自己和孩子取得产业（17:14-18）。有些人抱怨很多，却不多做事！另有些人一无所有，因为他们从不去争取。
Praying the Scripture 用经文祷告
- We are reminded that Yahweh’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isa 55:9) in these chapters. Verses 1–4 mention the sons of Joseph: Manasseh and Ephraim (v. 4). This was the order of birth; Manasseh was the older of Joseph’s sons. However, the writer proceeds to describe Ephraim’s territory before Manasseh’s allotment. Although this is subtle, it is deliberate. For when Joseph presents the lads for Jacob’s blessing he places Manasseh, the older, opposite Jacob’s right hand, and Ephraim opposite Jacob’s left (v. 14). However, Jacob crossed his arms and placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, giving him priority! This is a mysterious God who is sovereign in His way. Let’s pray that we honor and respect God’s sovereignty in our lives.
这几章经文提醒我们耶和华的道路高过我们的道路，祂的意念高过我们的意念（赛55:9）。第1-4节提到约瑟的儿子玛拿西和以法莲（第4节）。这乃照他们的出生顺序：玛拿西是约瑟的大儿子。然而，笔者在继而形容分得之地时，却先列出以法莲所得的产业。这看来无足轻重，却是刻意的。当约瑟带了他儿子领受雅各的祝福时，他把较年长的玛拿西对向雅各的右手，却把以法莲对向雅各的左手（第14节）。然而，雅各双臂交叉，把他的右手按在以法莲的头上，给了他优先！这是一个既莫测高深，又在凡事有主权的神。让我们祈祷我们会对神在生命中的主权给予尊荣与崇敬。
- In the case of Zelophedad’s daughters, they approached Joshua boldly and reminded him about the Lord’s promises. Remember Zelophedad died having no sons. His five daughters appealed to Moses, asking Moses not to divert the inheritance to the nearest male relative but to them. This is uncustomary but the Lord decided in their favor. This request reflects the five daughters’ faith. Many Christians lack the boldness, assurance, and confidence to lay hold of God’s provisions. Let’s us be bold and claim God’s provision for us. Let us also come know the Lord’s promises intimately and pray boldly.
至于西罗非哈的女儿，她们大胆地来到约书亚面前，提醒他神所应许的话。西罗非哈死时并没有儿子；他的五个女儿恳求摩西，叫摩西不要把产业转分给最亲的男亲属，而是分配给她们。这虽不是惯例，但神应允了她们的祈求。这祈求反映的是那五个女儿的信心。许多基督徒缺乏胆识、把握和信心来领受神的恩惠。让我们壮胆，勇于领受神所赐予我们的供应。让我们也来更深切地晓得神的应许，并大胆地祈祷。
