Joshua 17:14-18 · Bible study
Joshua 17:14-18 Commentary: Complaints and the Call to Action
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Joshua 17:14-18 examines the complaint of Joseph's descendants about their inheritance and Joshua's challenge to trust God and take action.
Research Summary
- Meaning: A complaint about insufficient inheritance is met with a rebuke that calls the people to trust God and take initiative to possess what He has given.
- Key words: lot (gôrāl), portion (ḥeḇel), chariots of iron (rekhev barzel), forest (ya‘ar), dispossess (yāraš).
- Main debate: Whether the complaint was justified, the consensus among commentators is that it was not, revealing arrogance and unbelief.
- Theological theme: God’s sovereign provision and the human responsibility to act in faith; promise requires participation.
- Best use: Preaching or teaching on contentment, initiative, and the partnership of divine gift and human effort.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
14Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.”
15Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.”
16“The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.”
17So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment,
18because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.”
WEB World English Bible 2000
14The children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me just one lot and one part for an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, because Yahweh has blessed us so far?”
15Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
16The children of Joseph said, “The hill country is not enough for us. All the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are in Beth Shean and its towns, and those who are in the valley of Jezreel.”
17Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, that is, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a numerous people, and have great power. You shall not have one lot only;
18but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”
KJV King James Version 1769
14And 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?
15And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
16And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Beth–shean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.
17And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:
18But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
14And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one part for an inheritance, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as hitherto Jehovah hath blessed me?
15And Joshua said unto them, If thou be a great people, get thee up to the forest, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill-country of Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
16And the children of Joseph said, The hill-country is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are in Beth-shean and its towns, and they who are in the valley of Jezreel.
17And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power; thou shalt not have one lot only:
18but the hill-country shall be thine; for though it is a forest, thou shalt cut it down, and the goings out thereof shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
14And the sons of Joseph speak with Joshua, saying, `Wherefore hast thou given to me an inheritance--one lot and one portion, and I a numerous people? hitherto hath Jehovah blessed me.'
15And Joshua saith unto them, `If thou art a numerous people, go up for thee to the forest, then thou hast prepared for thee there, in the land of the Perizzite, and of the Rephaim, when mount Ephraim hath been narrow for thee.'
16And the sons of Joseph say, `The hill is not found to us, and a chariot of iron is with every Canaanite who is dwelling in the land of the valley--to him who is in Beth-Shean and its towns, and to him who is in the valley of Jezreel.'
17And Joshua speaketh unto the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, `Thou art a numerous people, and hast great power; thou hast not one lot only ,
18because the mountain is thine; because it is a forest--thou hast prepared it, and its outgoings have been thine; because thou dost dispossess the Canaanite, though it hath chariots of iron--though it is strong.'
Darby Darby Bible 1890
14And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me as inheritance one lot and one portion, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as Jehovah has blessed me hitherto?
15And Joshua said unto them, If thou art a great people, then get thee up to the wood, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if the hill-country of Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
16And the children of Joseph said, The hill-country will not be enough for us; and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, those that are of Beth-shean and its dependent villages, and those that are in the valley of Jizreel.
17And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only,
18but the hill-country shall be thine, as it is a wood, thou shalt cut it down, and its outgoings shall be thine; for thou shalt dispossess the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots; for they are powerful.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
14And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, and said: Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to possess, whereas I am of so great a multitude, and the Lord hath blessed me?
15And Joshua said to them: If thou be a great people, go up into the woodland, and cut down room for thyself in the land of the Pherezite and the Raphaims: because the possession of mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
16And the children of Joseph answered him: We cannot go up to the mountains, for the Chanaanites that dwell in the low lands, wherein are situate Bethsan with its towns, and Jezrael in the midst of the valley, have chariots of iron.
17And Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasses: Thou art a great people, and of great strength, thou shalt not have one lot only:
18But thou shalt pass to the mountain, and shalt cut down the wood, and make thyself room to dwell in: and mayst proceed farther, when thou hast destroyed the Chanaanites, who as thou sayest have iron chariots, and are very strong.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Joshua 17:14
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that the complaint of Joseph’s descendants was not justified. Keil and Delitzsch note that Ephraim and western Manasseh together had around 59,000 men at the second census, far fewer than Judah (76,500) or even Dan and Issachar (64,000). The claim to be “a numerous people” was an exaggeration. Barnes detects in the tribe’s words “an arrogant and jealous spirit.” Calvin accuses them of dishonestly disguising the fact that the land they received was already ample and fertile. Joshua’s response, as Jamieson-Fausset-Brown describes it, “was full of wisdom as well as patriotism. Knowing their character, he treated them accordingly, and sarcastically turned all their arguments against themselves.” He did not alter the divinely appointed lot but called them to clear the forest and drive out the Canaanites, a rebuke of unbelief and cowardice.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Complaint as arrogance and unbelief: Supported by the census numbers (Numbers 26:34,37), the fertility of the land, and Joshua’s sarcastic tone in verse 15.
- Complaint as understandable fear: The Canaanites' iron chariots were a real threat; earlier failures to drive them out (v.12-13) show the difficulty was not imaginary.
- Joshua’s response as wise leadership: He neither cancels the lot nor promises miraculous clearance; he redirects them to use their own strength and trust God’s promise (v.18).
What is clear: God had given the hill country to the house of Joseph; their task was to clear, occupy, and defend it with the strength He supplied.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Justification of the complaint | Most commentators agree the complaint was not justified; the land was sufficient and the census numbers did not support their claim to be unusually numerous. | Some see the complaint as rooted in arrogance (Barnes, Calvin), while others emphasize a fearful reluctance to fight (Matthew Henry, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown). |
| Joshua's tone | All traditions read Joshua’s reply as a rebuke that challenges the people to act rather than grumble. | Reformed commentators often highlight the sarcasm in Joshua’s words; Wesley and Clarke see it more as a call to courage mixed with gentle reproof. |
| One lot or two? | The passage presents the complaint as if Joseph’s descendants received a single lot; the text treats them as one house. | Calvin insists they actually received two separate lots for Ephraim and Manasseh and were disguising the fact; others think the lot was cast for the house of Joseph as a unit and then subdivided. |
| Role of human effort in receiving the promise | Christians of all traditions affirm that God’s gift requires active response, the land was given, but they had to clear and conquer. | Traditions differ on how much weight to place on human initiative vs. divine sovereignty in the life of faith, though here the text clearly calls for both. |
Historical & Cultural Context
This passage sits within the wider account of land distribution in Joshua 13, 21. The territory was assigned by lot, an act understood as God’s direct decision (Proverbs 16:33; see also Joshua 18:6). To challenge the lot was therefore to question God’s provision. At the first census (Numbers 2), Ephraim numbered 40,500 and Manasseh 32,200. By the second census (Numbers 26), the figures were 32,500 and 52,700 respectively, a combined western half of about 59,000. That was sizable but not extraordinary compared with other tribes.
The “chariots of iron” mentioned here were not merely war wagons but battle vehicles often fitted with metal blades, used effectively on flat ground. The valleys of Jezreel and Beth-shean were key strategic plains where such chariotry could dominate. The hill country, by contrast, was forested and less accessible to chariots but required clearing. The Perizzites and Rephaim mentioned in Joshua’s reply were peoples associated with the highlands and woodland. Rephaim were the legendary giants once defeated by Moses (Deuteronomy 3:11). Joseph’s descendants focused on the obstacles, the forest, the giants, the iron chariots, while ignoring the opportunity God had placed directly within their reach.
Earlier in the same chapter (verses 12, 13), we learn that Manasseh “couldn’t drive out the inhabitants” of certain cities and instead subjected them to forced labor. This pattern of partial obedience likely influenced Joshua’s sharp response. He would not accept excuses when God had given clear promises.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for Joshua 17:14-18. The main clause transitions (e.g., “but” in verse 18) differ slightly across English translations but reflect the same underlying Hebrew conjunction ki, which can be read as “for,” “but,” or “that.” These choices do not alter the meaning of the passage.
Reception History
In the early church, this passage was read as a lesson against murmuring and a call to the strenuous pursuit of holiness. Origen, in his homilies on Joshua, allegorized the clearing of the forest as the believer’s need to uproot vices in order to cultivate virtues. This spiritual interpretation remained influential in monastic traditions. Protestant commentators, especially in the Reformed tradition, emphasized how Joshua’s rebuke exposes the human tendency to claim God’s promises while shirking the labor they require. Matthew Henry applied the passage to Christians who desire “larger comforts” but shrink from “the difficulties that lie in the way.” In modern preaching, Joshua 17:14-18 is used to address issues of contentment, stewardship, and the courage to act on God’s promises despite real opposition.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The danger of overestimating our own blessing. Joseph’s descendants claimed to be a great people, yet their numbers were unexceptional. We often exaggerate our needs and underestimate God’s generosity.
- The fear that masks itself as a good reason. They pointed to iron chariots and strong enemies, real obstacles, but not insurmountable for a people with God’s promise. Fear can sound like prudence.
- The call to clear the forest. Joshua refused to give them more land; instead, he told them to take what was already theirs but lying fallow. God’s gifts often require our sweat and courage.
Five-point outline
- Grumbling tests leadership. The sons of Joseph approached Joshua with a complaint that assumed he had shortchanged them.
- Joshua’s reply redirects responsibility. He takes them at their word: “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear land for yourselves.”
- Obstacles become excuses. They shift from “not enough room” to “too many enemies”, a second layer of complaint.
- Joshua reaffirms their identity. “You are a numerous people and have great power.” He names their God-given strength.
- Promise plus action equals possession. “You shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron.” God’s victory does not eliminate the fight; it guarantees the outcome.
Illustration hooks
- A family given a fixer-upper house but complaining they wanted a move-in-ready home. The real issue is their reluctance to invest the work.
- A church with a worn-out building and a growing congregation. They eye a newer facility, but the leadership challenges them to renovate what they have and use the equity for mission.
- An entrepreneur who gets a small start-up loan but bemoans not receiving the full capital they wanted, ignoring the fact that the market niche is already theirs to develop.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does it feel like God has given me less than I expected, when I have prayed and served faithfully?
- How can I tell the difference between a genuine obstacle and an excuse driven by fear?
- When does seeking more from God become covetousness, and when is it legitimate ambition?
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites us to examine the gap between how we see ourselves and how God has already equipped us. Joseph’s descendants saw their inheritance as cramped and their enemies as invincible. Joshua saw their strength and the divine promise that made defeat impossible. In your group, let each person read the passage aloud, then work through the questions below. Let the conversation move from what the text says to what it asks of you this week.
Discussion questions
- What were the two reasons Joseph’s descendants gave for being dissatisfied? (See v.14 and v.16.)
- How did Joshua’s first reply (v.15) take their own claim, “a great people”, and turn it back on them?
- Why do you think they focused on the Canaanites’ iron chariots rather than on God’s past victories? What does that reveal about their mindset?
- Joshua tells them they “shall” drive out the Canaanites (v.18). Yet the chapter earlier admits that Manasseh had failed to drive them out (v.12-13). What changed, God’s command, or the people’s responsibility?
- In what areas of your life do you tend to focus on the obstacles rather than the resources God has already given you?
- Joshua refuses to give more land; he insists they take what is already theirs by clearing the forest. How does that challenge our idea of God’s provision?
- What would it look like this week to “cut down the forest” in a situation where you feel stuck?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Genesis 48:19 | His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” |
| Genesis 48:22 | Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.” |
| Genesis 49:22 | “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a spring. His branches run over the wall. |
| Genesis 49:26 | The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my ancestors, above the boundaries of the ancient hills. They will be on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who is separated from his brothers. |
| Numbers 26:34 | These are the families of Manasseh. Those who were counted of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred. |
| Numbers 26:37 | These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were counted of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families. |
| Deuteronomy 33:13 | About Joseph he said, “His land is blessed by Yahweh, for the precious things of the heavens, for the dew, for the deep that couches beneath, |
| Deuteronomy 33:17 | Majesty belongs to the firstborn of his herd. His horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them he will push all the peoples to the ends of the earth. They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
11 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke highlights Joshua's firm refusal to reverse the divinely appointed lot despite the complaints of Joseph's descendants. Instead of yielding, Joshua challenges them to clear the woodland themselves, promising that hard work and their advantageous position will let them overcome the Canaanites and their iron chariots under God's ordinary providence.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that the complaint of Joseph’s descendants was unreasonable and revealed an arrogant, jealous spirit. Their territory was already large and fertile compared to other tribes, and Josephus himself, an Ephraimite, rebuked them rather than supporting their demands. He called on them to back their words by clearing the wooded hill country instead of complaining.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin argues that the complaint from Joseph's descendants was dishonest: Ephraim and Manasseh were already separate tribes and each received its own inheritance. He sees Joshua's reply as a sharp rebuke to their greed and faint-heartedness, telling them to clear the forest and trust God against iron chariots rather than make excuses.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that Joshua meets the complaint of Joseph's descendants with delicate irony. Instead of granting more land outright, he challenges them to clear the forested hill
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes highlight that Joshua does not give Joseph's descendants more land but instead calls them to take action. He directs them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites, even those with iron chariots. The point is that God's blessing requires active faith and effort, not mere complaint.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes the uncertainty over whether Manasseh alone or both Joseph tribes complained about having only one lot. He emphasizes Joshua's impartial response: since they claim to be a great and blessed people, they should clear the wooded hill country and drive out the Canaanites, despite their iron chariots, to enlarge their territory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB highlights Joshua's sharp, almost sarcastic response to Joseph's tribes. Instead of granting their request for more land, Joshua turned their own complaint against them, rebuking their unbelief and cowardice by pointing to the very resources they complained about as the means to claim more territory.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch argues the complaint of Joseph's descendants was groundless. The census numbers showed Ephraim and half-Manasseh combined were weaker than Judah, Dan, or Issachar. Moreover, their allotted land was exceptionally fertile. Joshua therefore rebuked their fear, urging them to clear the forests and drive out the Canaanites themselves.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange emphasizes that Joshua's reply to the complaint of Joseph's sons is not a biting insult but a fine, noble irony. He argues Joshua, being unselfish and of the same tribe, challenges them to clear the forest and conquer the Canaanites themselves, relying on their own strength.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry highlights that because Joshua was from Ephraim, Joseph's descendants expected him to favor them beyond the lot. Instead, Joshua administered impartially, refusing to give his own tribe special treatment, leaving an example of integrity for all public leaders.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley highlights that Joshua turns the complaint of Joseph's descendants back on them: since they claim to be a numerous people, they should use that strength to clear the wooded hill country themselves. Joshua rejects their excuses about iron chariots and giants, urging action and trust in God's help rather than passive grumbling about their allotted portion.