Joshua 17
Joshua 17 • 1 min. read • grade level: 9
So following up this naturally, in Joshua 17 we have a lot for Manasseh, the first-born son of Joseph, and once more the case of the daughters of Zelophehad among the rest. Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of their cities, but the Canaanites willed to dwell in that land (Josh. 17:1212Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. (Joshua 17:12)). Had Manasseh looked to God the obstinacy of the Canaanites would have proved a slight defense. “And it came to pass, when the Israelites were waxing strong, they put the Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive them out.” They suited their own convenience, without care for the word of the Lord. The unfaithful are apt to complain, as the children of Joseph did to Joshua, as we learn from verse 14: “Why hast thou given me one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as Jehovah hath blessed me hitherto?” Joshua answered them on their own ground. If a great people, why not get up to the wood, and cut down for themselves? On their rejoining that the hill was not enough, and all the Canaanites of the valleys had chariots of iron, Joshua repeats his word to Ephraim and Manasseh: “Thou art a great people, and hast great power; thou shalt not have one lot only: but the mountain shall be thine “He does not swerve from nor add to his former decision; still less would he humor their vaunting pusillanimity or their sluggishness.