Complaining Reveals Unbelief

The allotment referenced in verse 1 is what was given to the half-tribe Manasseh east of the Jordan (13:29-31). Manasseh was the elder, but subordinate to Ephraim. The allotment in verse 2 is what was given to the other half-tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan. Verses 3-6 give details of God's promise—namely, that the daughters of a man with no son would receive his inheritance, (See Numbers 27:1-11). Verses 14-18 record the people's complaining request of Joshua and their fear of the Canaanites which stand in contrast to Caleb's faith and courage.