Read Joshua 17:14-18 – Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?” So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.” But the children of Joseph said, “The mountain country is not enough for us; and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Beth Shean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.” And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—saying, “You are a great people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot, but the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong.” (NKJV)
The tribes that descended from Joseph (Manasseh and Ephraim) had grown greatly because of God’s blessing on their forefather. Now as the land is being partitioned, they require more than what Joshua had assigned. So, they seek a greater inheritance in order to have the room they need and want. Joshua’s response offers them a chance to be worthy of the types of blessing that Joseph had known—blessings that come from demonstrating faith in God. Their reluctant response is concerning, but their benefit becomes greater because they have to roll up their sleeves to fully receive their inheritance. It’s a good principle—those who have everything given to them often end up being unworthy of what they have received.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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