03.26.2015 Old Testament: Jos 17.14–18

To read the Bible in a year, read Joshua 16–18 on March 26, In the year of our Lord 2015

By Don Ruhl

The tribe of Joseph grew immensely, and had in fact become two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh. They could see that the land allotted to them would not be enough. Therefore, they approached Joshua and asked for more,

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” (Joshua 17.14–18). 

They asked and they received. You know that Jesus taught us to ask and we would receive. He did not authorize greediness, but He did authorize what is reasonable. Ask Him.