Joshua 17:14
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, became separate tribes after Jacob adopted them (Genesis 48), making Joseph's descendants a double portion fulfilling firstborn rights transferred from Reuben. By Joshua's time, these tribes were numerous and powerful, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy (Genesis 48:19) that Manasseh would be great but Ephraim greater. Their territory in the central highlands included fertile valleys and strategic locations, yet also required clearing forests and fighting remaining Canaanites. The complaint about land allocation occurred during the distribution at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1), after initial territories were assigned to Judah, Ephraim, and western Manasseh. Archaeological evidence suggests the central highlands required significant agricultural development through terracing and forest clearing, explaining why fertile land wasn't immediately usable. Ancient Near Eastern land distribution typically favored powerful clans, but Israel's system balanced population size with geographic realities and divine allotment. The Joseph tribes' complaint demonstrates the tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty in land distribution.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Joseph tribes' complaint challenge you to examine areas where you feel entitled to God's blessings without corresponding faithfulness and effort?
- What does Joshua's response teach about the balance between trusting God's provision and taking responsible action to develop what He gives?
- In what ways do you tend toward Ephraim's prideful entitlement rather than Caleb's humble courage?
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) complain about their territorial allocation, revealing entitlement and presumption. The phrase 'why hast thou given me but one lot' uses the singular despite two tribes, perhaps indicating unified complaint or Ephraim's dominance. Their self-assessment 'I am a great people' (am-rav anoki, עַם־רָב אָנֹכִי) expresses prideful self-importance. The claim 'forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto' (ad-asher ad-ko berachani Yahweh) correctly attributes growth to divine blessing yet wrongly assumes blessing entitles them to more territory without effort. This complaint contrasts sharply with Caleb's faith—he requested difficult territory and conquered it (14:12), while Joseph's descendants want more land without additional conquest. The complaint reveals several spiritual failures: ingratitude for God's provision, unwillingness to work for what they receive, and presumption that blessing removes the need for faith and effort. Reformed theology recognizes this pattern: God's gracious blessings should produce humble gratitude and diligent stewardship, not entitlement and complaint. Their attitude foreshadows Ephraim's later tribal pride and rebellion contributing to the northern kingdom's formation and eventual judgment.