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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 17:17 captures a pivotal moment in the distribution of the Promised Land, where Joshua confronts the complaint of the powerful House of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh). Recognizing their substantial numerical strength and inherent capability, Joshua affirms their "greatness" and "power" but simultaneously challenges their expectation of an easy inheritance. He implies that their divinely bestowed strength necessitates active effort and perseverance to fully possess the land God had promised them, rather than passively accepting perceived limitations or fearing the remaining inhabitants.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Joshua's statement employs several potent literary techniques. Most prominent is the rhetorical strategy of Affirmation followed by a Challenge. He begins by affirming their self-assessment ("Thou art a great people, and hast great power"), which serves to validate their status and perhaps disarm their defensive posture. This affirmation, however, is immediately followed by a Direct Address and a Challenge ("thou shalt not have one lot only"), which reinterprets their perceived limitation as an opportunity for exertion and responsibility. There is an element of Irony in Joshua's response; the very strength and numbers they cite as a reason for needing more land or a different inheritance is turned back on them as the precise reason they should take more land through their own effort. This masterful rhetorical strategy effectively shifts responsibility from Joshua, the leader, to the complaining tribes themselves, empowering them while simultaneously demanding their active participation in the divine plan.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 17:17 profoundly illustrates the enduring biblical principle that divine promises often require human effort, courage, and faith for their full realization. God had indeed promised the entire land of Canaan to Israel as an inheritance, but the actual, full possession of it was contingent upon their obedience, courage, and active engagement in driving out the inhabitants. Joshua's words to the House of Joseph serve as a powerful reminder that God equips His people with the necessary strength and resources; therefore, perceived limitations or formidable obstacles should not lead to complacency, fear, or complaint, but rather to diligent application of that God-given power. This dynamic interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, emphasizing that our inheritance, whether physical or spiritual, is not merely a passive gift but often demands active pursuit and perseverance in faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's response to the House of Joseph offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers. We often stand at the threshold of God's promises, equipped with spiritual gifts, talents, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, yet we can be tempted to complain about perceived limitations or daunting "iron chariots" in our lives—whether they be spiritual battles, personal challenges, or ministry obstacles. This verse powerfully reminds us that our "great power" comes from God, and it is given not for passive enjoyment or comfortable inaction but for active engagement in His purposes. Our spiritual inheritance, personal growth, and the fulfillment of our calling often require us to step out in faith, courageously clear the "forests" of our lives (habits, fears, complacency), and confront the "Canaanites" (sin, spiritual opposition, worldly distractions) that hinder our full possession of God's promises. It is a compelling call to move beyond complaint and embrace the responsibility that comes with divine empowerment, actively working to expand the kingdom of God in our spheres of influence and to live fully into the abundant life Christ offers.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the House of Joseph complain despite being a "great people"?
Answer: The House of Joseph, comprising Ephraim and Manasseh, was indeed numerically superior and powerful, having received a significant portion of the land. However, their complaint in Joshua 17:14 stemmed from a desire for an easier inheritance and a reluctance to engage in the difficult work of fully dispossessing the remaining Canaanites. They perceived their allotted territory as insufficient due to their large numbers and were particularly intimidated by the Canaanites in the fertile valleys who possessed "chariots of iron," which represented advanced military technology. Their complaint reveals a common human tendency to prefer comfort and avoid arduous tasks, even when equipped with the means to overcome challenges. Joshua's response directly addresses this by reminding them of their inherent strength and challenging them to use it to secure their full inheritance.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua's declaration to the House of Joseph, affirming their "greatness" and "power" while challenging them to overcome perceived limitations, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Christ and the believer's inheritance in Him. Just as the tribes were given an earthly inheritance to possess through effort and faith, believers in Christ have received an infinitely greater spiritual inheritance, secured by Christ's finished work on the cross (Ephesians 1:11). We are called a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" (1 Peter 2:9), truly a "great people" in God's eyes, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Our "great power" is not merely human strength but the divine enablement to overcome spiritual "iron chariots"—sin, temptation, the forces of darkness, and the world's opposition (Ephesians 6:10-12). We are not to be content with a "single lot" of spiritual complacency or limited vision, but to actively "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to "make every effort to add to your faith goodness" (2 Peter 1:5-8). Christ has already secured the decisive victory over sin and death, and through Him, we are more than conquerors, called to actively live out and expand the reality of His kingdom in a world still marked by spiritual resistance, trusting in the power of the One who has overcome the world (John 16:33).