What was the specific complaint of the Josephites that prompted Joshua's response?

The Josephites, comprising the large tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, complained that their allotted territory, though significant, was insufficient for their numerous population. They specifically mentioned that the mountainous region of Ephraim was "too narrow" and that the Canaanites in the valley, particularly those in Beth Shean and Jezreel, possessed iron chariots, making them too difficult to dispossess (Joshua 17:14 and Joshua 17:16). They were essentially asking for more land or an easier conquest.

Who were the Perizzites and the "giants" mentioned in this verse?

The Perizzites were one of the indigenous Canaanite peoples inhabiting the land of Canaan before and during the Israelite conquest. They are frequently listed among the nations to be dispossessed by Israel (e.g., Genesis 15:20, Exodus 3:8). The "giants" refer to the Rephaim (Hebrew: רְפָאִים), an ancient, often large-statured race that predated the Israelites in Canaan. Remnants of these formidable people were found in various parts of the land, including the territory allotted to the Josephites. Their presence underscored the formidable nature of the task of fully possessing the land, requiring significant military effort and faith.

What does "cut down for thyself" imply beyond literal deforestation?

While literally referring to the arduous task of clearing dense forests for agriculture and settlement, "cut down for thyself" carries a deeper implication of diligent, self-initiated effort and perseverance. It suggests that the Josephites needed to actively work to transform their inheritance from a wild, challenging territory into a productive and fully possessed land. Metaphorically, it implies confronting and overcoming obstacles, whether physical, spiritual, or psychological, through hard work and determination, rather than expecting an easy path or waiting for someone else to do the work. It's a call to take ownership and responsibility for one's God-given inheritance and calling.

17:14 17:14

Joshua 17:15

17:16 17:16

Bible Versions

And Joshua answered them, If thou [be] a great people, [then] get thee up to the wood [country], and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.

And Joshua {H3091} answered {H559} them, If thou be a great {H7227} people {H5971}, then get thee up {H5927} to the wood {H3293} country, and cut down {H1254} for thyself there in the land {H776} of the Perizzites {H6522} and of the giants {H7497}, if mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669} be too narrow {H213} for thee.

Y'hoshua answered them, "If you are a great people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the territory of the P'rizi and the Refa'im - since the hills of Efrayim don't give you enough space."

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.”

And Joshua said unto them, If thou be a great people, get thee up to the forest, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill-country of Ephraim is too narrow for thee.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Genesis 14:5

And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that [were] with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emims in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
Genesis 13:7

And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
Ezra 9:1

¶ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
2 Samuel 5:18

The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Genesis 15:20

And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims,
2 Samuel 5:22

And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

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