Joshua 17:17
And Ioshua spake vnto the house of Ioseph, euen to Ephraim, and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: Thou shalt not haue one lot onely. Joshua 17:17 (KJV)
In this verse Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, addresses the descendants of Joseph—specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The Israelites had entered the Promised Land, and Joshua was allocating the land among the tribes. The tribe of Joseph was particularly numerous and powerful, and Joshua responds to their concern that a single allotment would be insufficient by assuring them that they will receive more than one lot.
Joshua acknowledges the greatness of Ephraim and Manasseh as the descendants of Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons who was blessed in Genesis 48:8‑22. Their lineage through Joseph’s two sons is the basis for receiving more than one portion of land, reflecting both their size and their privileged heritage.
The passage also underscores God’s promise of an inheritance. The division of the land fulfills the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in which He promised that their descendants would possess the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 15:18‑21). The allocation to Ephraim and Manasseh demonstrates the faithful enactment of that promise.
A principle of abundance emerges from Joshua’s words: God’s blessings are not limited or scarce. The great people and great power of these tribes imply that they must actively claim and expand their inheritance. This reminds believers that God’s blessings often require diligent effort and courageous action to be fully realized.
Application of the verse is twofold. First, it reaffirms God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises; just as He provided the land to Israel, He remains faithful to His promises today. Second, it encourages believers to trust in God’s provision while taking active steps to claim His blessings, knowing that His provision is sufficient but may require our faithful effort.
In conclusion, Joshua 17:17 highlights the allocation of more than one portion of land to Ephraim and Manasseh, affirming their right based on their lineage through Joseph’s sons and reminding us of God’s unwavering faithfulness and the need for diligent pursuit of His abundant blessings.
