Joshua 17:14 - Meaning and Application

Here, the children of Joseph complain about their inheritance. If they had any real reason to complain, Joshua would likely have helped them by adding to it or changing it, but he does not do that. It seems likely that because Joshua himself was from the tribe of Ephraim, they expected special treatment and thought they would not be held to the lot as strictly as the other tribes. But Joshua shows them that, as a public leader, he was no more concerned for his own tribe than for any other. He would act fairly, without favor or bias, and he leaves a good example for all who hold public office.

What had been given to them was a fair share, as much as they could reasonably manage. Yet they speak of it in a complaining way as only one lot, as if the portion given to both tribes was barely enough for one. The word used for such complainers in (Jude 1:16) means people who blame their own lot.

First, they were very numerous because God had blessed them (Joshua 17:14). They say, “I am a great people, because the Lord has blessed me.” We can rightly hope that the God who gives mouths will also provide food. They mean, “We are a large people, and this land is too small for us to grow well.” Still, notice that when they speak thankfully about their increase so far, they do not speak confidently about what will happen next. “The Lord has blessed me until now,” they seem to say, “though he may deal with me differently in the future.” We should not stop being thankful for past and present kindness just because the future is uncertain.

Second, a large part of the land that had fallen to them was still in the hands of the Canaanites. These were strong enemies, and they brought iron chariots into battle (Joshua 17:16). These were chariots fitted with long blades, either on the sides or the axle, that cut down everyone in their path like grain. So they argue that, although they had been given a good portion, it was in bad hands, and they could not take it. They wanted land that had been more fully conquered already.

Joshua tries to calm them and help them accept their lot. He agrees that they are a large people, and since they are two tribes, they should have more than one lot (Joshua 17:17). But he tells them that what they have been given will be enough for both tribes, if they will only work and fight. They seem to want a place where they can live in comfort and ease. Joshua answers, in effect, that they must not expect that. Even in Canaan, they must still eat their bread by labor and hardship.

He turns their own argument back on them. If they are such a large people, then they are all the more able to help themselves and the less reason to expect help from others. If you have many mouths to feed, you also have many hands to work. Earn first, then eat.

Joshua first tells them to work for more (Joshua 17:15). “Go up into the forest land within your own borders,” he says, “and put all your hands to work cutting down the trees, clearing the rough ground, and making it good farmland.” Many people want larger possessions, but they do not make good use of what they already have. They think they should receive more gifts and opportunities, yet they do not make use of the gifts already given to them. Much poverty is caused by laziness. If people would dig, they would not need to beg.

Then Joshua tells them to fight for more (Joshua 17:17, 18). They had argued that they could not reach the forest land because Canaanites stood in the valley between them and it, and they were afraid of them. Joshua answers, “Do not be afraid. You have God on your side, and you will drive out the Canaanites if you truly set yourselves to it, even though they have iron chariots.” We often limit ourselves by thinking the difficulties ahead are greater than they really are. What can stand against faith and holy resolve?