Joshua 17:14-18 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 17:14-18

How does Joshua answer Joseph’s request for more room?

Berean Standard Bible

14 Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” 15 Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” 16 “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” 17 So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, 18 because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”

What is the context?

Ephraim and Manasseh appeal to their numbers and the Lord’s blessing as reasons for a larger portion. Joshua answers that their strength should be used to clear the wooded hill country.

They reply that the hills are insufficient and the valleys are defended by Canaanites with iron chariots. Joshua repeats that they are numerous and strong, and directs them to clear the forest and take the territory despite the opposition.

The exchange joins the inheritance with responsibility and effort. Joshua does not simply dismiss the difficulties, but he refuses to let the claim of strength become only an argument for receiving more without taking action.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads Joshua’s reply as turning complaint into action. The USCCB presentation likewise keeps the claim of great numbers alongside the work of clearing and the challenge of the chariots. The passage concerns these tribes’ commission; it is not a promise that every obstacle to any person’s desired expansion must yield.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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