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Commentary on Joshua 17 verses 14–18
Here, I. The children of Joseph quarrel with their lot; if they had had any just cause to quarrel with it, we have reason to think Joshua would have relieved them, by adding to it, or altering it, which it does not appear he did. It is probable, because Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, they promised themselves that they should have some particular favour shown them, and should not be confined to the decision of the lot so closely as the other tribes; but Joshua makes them know that in the discharge of his office, as a public person, he had no more regard to his own tribe than to any other, but would administer impartially, without favour or affection, wherein he has left an excellent example to all in public trusts. It was a very competent provision that was made for them, as much, for aught that appears, as they were able to manage, and yet they call it in disdain but one lot, as if that which was assigned to them both was scarcely sufficient for one. The word for complainers (Jde 1:16) is mempsimoiroi, blamers of their lot: - 1. That they were very numerous, through the blessing of God upon them (Jos 17:14): I am a great people, for the Lord has blessed me; and we have reason to hope that he that hath sent mouths will send meat. "I am a great people, and in so small a lot shall not have room to thrive." Yet observe, when they speak thankfully of their present increase, they do not speak confidently of the continuance of it. "The Lord has blessed me hitherto, however he may see fit to deal with me for the future." The uncertainty of what may be must not make us unthankful for what has been and is done in kindness to us. 2. That a good part of that country which had now fallen to their lot was in the hands of the Canaanites, and that they were formidable enemies, who brought into the field of battle chariots of iron (Jos 17:16), that is, chariots with long scythes fastened to the sides of them, or the axle-tree, which made great destruction of all that came in their way, mowing them down like corn. They urge that though they had a good portion assigned them, yet it was in bad hands, and they could not come to the possession of it, wishing to have their lot in those countries that were more thoroughly reduced than this was.
II. Joshua endeavours to reconcile them to their lot. He owns they were a great people, and being two tribes ought to have more than one lot only (Jos 17:17), but tells them that what had fallen to their share would be a sufficient lot for them both, if they would but work and fight. They desired a lot in which they might indulge themselves in ease and luxury. "No," says Joshua, "you must not count upon that; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread is a sentence in force even in Canaan itself." He retorts their own argument, that they were a great people. "If so, you are the better able to help yourselves, and have the less reason to expect help from others. If thou hast many mouths to be filled, thou hast twice as many hands to be employed; earn, and then eat." 1. He bids them work for more (Jos 17:15): "Get thee up to the wood-country, which is within thy own border, and let all hands be set to work to cut down the trees, rid the rough lands, and make them, with art and industry, good arable ground." Note, Many wish for larger possessions who do not cultivate and make the best of what they have, think they should have more talents given them who do not trade with those with which they are entrusted. Most people's poverty is the effect of their idleness; would they dig, they need not beg. 2. He bids them fight for more (Jos 17:17, Jos 17:18), when they pleaded that they could not come at the wood-lands he spoke of because in the valley between them and it were Canaanites whom they durst not enter the lists with. "Never fear them," said Joshua, "thou hast God on thy side, and thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, if thou wilt set about it in good earnest, though they have iron chariots." We straiten ourselves by apprehending the difficulties in the way of our enlargement to be greater than really they are. What can be insuperable to faith and holy resolution?
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SUMMARY
Joshua 17:14 captures a pivotal moment in the allocation of the Promised Land, revealing the inherent tension between divine blessing and human discontent. The powerful and numerous tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, collectively known as the "children of Joseph," approach Joshua with a complaint, asserting that their allotted inheritance—a single "lot and portion"—is insufficient for their vast population, despite acknowledging God's abundant blessings upon them. This verse sets the stage for a crucial dialogue concerning the responsibilities that accompany God's provision and the need for diligent effort in possessing one's full inheritance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message and reveal the underlying human and theological tensions. The primary device is Dialogue, presenting a direct confrontation between the Josephites and Joshua, which immediately draws the reader into the tension of the scene and highlights the interpersonal nature of the grievance. The Josephites' opening statement is framed as a Rhetorical Question ("Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit?"), designed not to elicit information but to express their strong dissatisfaction, challenge the perceived inadequacy of their inheritance, and implicitly question Joshua's judgment. There is a powerful and poignant Irony in their complaint, as they cite God's blessing ("the LORD hath blessed me hitherto") as the very reason for their perceived lack, revealing a profound disconnect between acknowledging divine favor and embracing the responsibility that comes with it. Furthermore, the passage contains an element of Foreshadowing, as the Josephites' reluctance to exert effort in clearing their land hints at the future struggles of Israel in fully dispossessing the Canaanites, a recurring and tragic theme that dominates the subsequent book of Judges.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:14 serves as a powerful microcosm of the ongoing tension between God's generous provision and humanity's often ungrateful or entitled response. The Josephites, having been abundantly blessed by God with numerical growth, paradoxically use this blessing as a basis for complaint, demanding more without the commensurate effort required to fully possess what they have already received. This highlights a fundamental theological truth: God's blessings often come with responsibilities, and true stewardship involves diligent effort and faith, not passive expectation. Their complaint reveals a desire for an "easy" inheritance, failing to grasp that the promise of the land required active, faith-filled engagement to fully realize its potential. This narrative underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, even when His people struggle with impatience, entitlement, or a lack of courage to fully step into their inheritance. It reminds us that while God provides, He also calls us to participate actively in His plan, trusting His wisdom even when our circumstances seem challenging.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The complaint of the children of Joseph resonates deeply with the human condition across all ages. It serves as a potent reminder that even amidst undeniable blessings, our hearts can be prone to discontent, focusing on perceived insufficiencies rather than cultivating gratitude for what God has already provided. This passage challenges us to examine our own attitudes: Do we view God's blessings as entitlements that should lead to an easier life, or as resources and responsibilities that call us to greater faithfulness and effort? Spiritual and material growth often necessitates greater diligence, faith, and courage to fully realize the potential of God's provision. Like the Josephites, we are called to actively engage with the opportunities and challenges God places before us, trusting that He has equipped us for the task, even when it requires clearing "forests" or confronting "Canaanites" in our lives. Instead of complaining about perceived limitations, we are encouraged to lean on God's strength to overcome obstacles, understanding that our inheritance in Christ is vast and requires our active participation to fully experience and steward.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the "children of Joseph" and why were they so numerous?
Answer: The "children of Joseph" refers collectively to the two powerful tribes descended from Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph himself was a prominent figure in Egypt, and his descendants were blessed by Jacob, who adopted Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them full tribal status (Genesis 48:5). Their numerical strength is confirmed by the census records in Numbers 26, where Ephraim and Manasseh together comprised a very large portion of the Israelite population, making them one of the most significant tribal groups.
What does "one lot and one portion" mean, given their size?
Answer: While the Josephites complained about receiving "one lot and one portion," this refers to the single, combined inheritance allocated to the house of Joseph, which then encompassed the two distinct tribal territories of Ephraim and Manasseh. Their inheritance was actually quite substantial and strategically located in the fertile central highlands of Canaan (Joshua 16 and Joshua 17). Their complaint was not about the size of their allocated territory per se, but about the effort required to fully possess it. Much of their land was still forested or inhabited by Canaanites, and they desired an already cleared and easily settled inheritance commensurate with their large population, rather than undertaking the strenuous work of expansion and disinheritance.
How did Joshua respond to their complaint?
Answer: Joshua did not simply concede to their complaint. Instead, his response, found in Joshua 17:15-18, challenged them to actively possess their inheritance. He essentially told them, "If you are so numerous and great, then go clear the forests and drive out the Canaanites in your allotted territory!" He affirmed that their strength was a reason for greater effort, not greater entitlement. This response highlights a key principle: God's blessings often come with responsibilities and require active participation to fully realize their potential.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The complaint of the children of Joseph, though rooted in the Old Testament land inheritance, offers profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Their desire for an easier, pre-cleared inheritance, despite God's abundant blessing and promise, points to a deeper spiritual truth. In Christ, believers receive an immeasurably richer inheritance—not a physical land, but eternal life, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:11-14). Just as the Josephites were called to actively possess their land, believers are called to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), not to earn it, but to diligently live out the reality of what Christ has already secured. Jesus, the ultimate "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), has already conquered sin and death, clearing the way for our spiritual inheritance. Our "greatness" as a people of God is not in our numbers or earthly power, but in our identity as children of God through adoption in Christ (Romans 8:15-17). The "forests" and "Canaanites" we face are spiritual battles against sin, temptation, and the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), which we are empowered to overcome through the strength of Christ who lives in us (Philippians 4:13). Thus, the Josephites' complaint serves as a reminder that our spiritual blessings in Christ call us to active faith, grateful stewardship, and courageous engagement in the mission He has given us, rather than passive entitlement.