Joshua 17:15

Joshua 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."

Study Bible

Joshua answered them
Joshua, the leader of Israel after Moses, is addressing the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. His role as a leader is to guide and allocate the land among the tribes, ensuring fairness and adherence to God's commands.

If you have so many people
The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh were numerous, fulfilling the blessing given to Joseph by Jacob in Genesis 48:19, where Ephraim was prophesied to become a multitude of nations. Their large population necessitated more land for settlement.

that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you
The hill country of Ephraim was a central region in the land of Canaan, known for its rugged terrain. It was a significant area for the tribe of Ephraim, but its limited space and challenging geography made it difficult to accommodate a large population.

go to the forest and clear for yourself an area
Joshua instructs them to take initiative by clearing the forested areas. This reflects the need for hard work and self-reliance, as well as the responsibility to make the most of the land God has provided. It also echoes the command in Genesis 1:28 to subdue the earth.

in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim
The Perizzites were one of the Canaanite tribes inhabiting the land before Israel's conquest. The Rephaim were a group of ancient people known for their size and strength, often associated with giants. This reference highlights the challenges the Israelites faced in claiming their inheritance, requiring faith and courage.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joshua
The leader of Israel after Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land and distributing the land among the tribes.

2. Tribe of Joseph
Refers to the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, who were given a portion of the Promised Land.

3. Perizzites and Rephaim
Inhabitants of the land that the Israelites were to conquer. The Perizzites were a Canaanite tribe, while the Rephaim were a group of ancient people known for their size and strength.

4. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region allocated to the tribe of Ephraim, part of the inheritance given to the descendants of Joseph.

5. Forest Land
The area suggested by Joshua for the tribe of Joseph to clear and settle, indicating the need for effort and initiative in claiming their inheritance.

Teaching Points

Initiative and Responsibility
Joshua's response to the tribe of Joseph highlights the importance of taking initiative and responsibility in fulfilling God's promises. We are called to actively participate in God's plans for our lives.

Overcoming Obstacles
The need to clear the forest land symbolizes overcoming obstacles. Believers are encouraged to face challenges with faith and determination, trusting in God's provision.

Contentment and Gratitude
The tribe's complaint about their land allocation serves as a reminder to be content and grateful for God's blessings, while also being willing to work for further growth.

Faith in Action
The directive to clear the land emphasizes that faith requires action. Believers must be willing to put in effort and labor to see God's promises come to fruition.

Community and Cooperation
The task of clearing the land would require cooperation among the tribe members, illustrating the importance of unity and working together in the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Joshua's response to the tribe of Joseph challenge us to take initiative in our own spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of overcoming obstacles in our personal walk with God?

3. How can we balance contentment with our current blessings while striving for growth and expansion in our faith journey?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate faith in action in our daily lives?

5. How can we foster a spirit of cooperation and unity within our church or community to achieve common goals?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 48-49
The blessings of Jacob to his sons, including Joseph, which set the stage for the inheritance of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Deuteronomy 20:19-20
Instructions on how to treat trees during a siege, which can relate to the clearing of the forest land for settlement.

Judges 1:27-29
The failure of the tribes, including Manasseh, to fully drive out the Canaanites, which connects to the challenges faced in claiming their inheritance.