"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?"
Historical Context:This verse takes place during the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The children of Joseph (the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim) approach Joshua, the leader of Israel, to express their concern about the portion of land they have received.
God’s Promises:The tribes of Joseph were descendants of Joseph, the favoured son of Jacob. God had promised to bless Joseph’s descendants and make them a great people. In Genesis 48, Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, and declared that they would be like his own sons. Therefore, the children of Joseph rightfully expected a significant portion of land.
Inheritance Distribution:The land distribution was based on the size of the tribes and the number of people in each tribe. However, the children of Joseph felt that the portion they received was inadequate considering their population. They questioned why they were given only one lot and one portion when they believed they deserved more due to their blessing from the Lord.
Joshua’s Response:In the following verses (Joshua 17:15-18), Joshua addressed their concern. He acknowledged their great population but challenged them to cultivate and expand their territory. He suggested that they were capable of clearing the forests and occupying the hill country, which was still inhabited by the Canaanites and their iron chariots. He encouraged them to exert their strength and take possession of the land God had given them.
Lesson and Application:
- Trusting God’s Promises:The children of Joseph had a legitimate concern, but they needed to remember God’s promise to bless them. Even when our circumstances don’t align with our expectations, we can trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises in His time and way.
- Taking Initiative:Joshua’s response showed that there was work to be done on their part. Similarly, in our lives, we need to take initiative, step out in faith, and actively pursue what God has called us to do. Sometimes, we have to put in effort and face challenges to fully experience the blessings God has prepared for us.
- Contentment:The children of Joseph’s complaint may indicate a lack of contentment. It’s essential for us to be grateful for the blessings we have received and avoid comparing ourselves to others. We can find contentment and joy in the portion God has given us, knowing that He has a unique plan for each of our lives.
Overall, Joshua 17:14 teaches us about trusting God’s promises, taking initiative, and finding contentment in the blessings we have received.
