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Text -- Joshua 17:14-18 (NET)
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
That is, of Ephraim and Manasseh.
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Wesley: Jos 17:14 - -- That is, expostulated with him, when they went and saw that portion which was allotted them, and found it much short of their expectation.
That is, expostulated with him, when they went and saw that portion which was allotted them, and found it much short of their expectation.
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Wesley: Jos 17:14 - -- Either, because they really had but one lot, which was afterwards divided by the arbitrators between them. Or, because the land severally allotted to ...
Either, because they really had but one lot, which was afterwards divided by the arbitrators between them. Or, because the land severally allotted to them, was but little enough for one of them.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- He retorts their own argument; seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into action, and enlarge thy borders by thy own hand, ...
He retorts their own argument; seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into action, and enlarge thy borders by thy own hand, to which thou mayest confidently expect God's assistance.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- country - To the mountain, as it is called, Jos 17:18, where among some towns there is much wood - land, which thou mayest without much difficulty pos...
country - To the mountain, as it is called, Jos 17:18, where among some towns there is much wood - land, which thou mayest without much difficulty possess, and so get the more room.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- The wood, for thy own advantage; in building more cities and towns; and preparing the land for pasture and tillage.
The wood, for thy own advantage; in building more cities and towns; and preparing the land for pasture and tillage.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- Supposed to be a savage and brutish kind of people, that lived in woods and mountains.
Supposed to be a savage and brutish kind of people, that lived in woods and mountains.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- Who lived in caves and mountains, now especially when they were driven out of their cities.
Who lived in caves and mountains, now especially when they were driven out of their cities.
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Wesley: Jos 17:15 - -- Or, seeing mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee, as thou complainest; take to thyself the rest of that hilly and wood country. Mount Ephraim was a par...
Or, seeing mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee, as thou complainest; take to thyself the rest of that hilly and wood country. Mount Ephraim was a particular portion of the land, belonging to the tribe of Ephraim. And this seems to be here mentioned, for all the portion allotted to Ephraim and Manasseh, as appears from their complaint, which was not, that this part, but that their whole portion was too strait for them.
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Wesley: Jos 17:16 - -- Heb. the hill will not be found, that is, obtained by us; those fierce and strong people the Perizzites and the giants will easily defend themselves, ...
Heb. the hill will not be found, that is, obtained by us; those fierce and strong people the Perizzites and the giants will easily defend themselves, and frustrate our attempts, having the advantage of the woods and mountains.
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Wesley: Jos 17:16 - -- That is, and if thou sayest, that if the hill either cannot be conquered, or is not sufficient for us, we may go down and take more land out of the pl...
That is, and if thou sayest, that if the hill either cannot be conquered, or is not sufficient for us, we may go down and take more land out of the pleasant and fruitful valleys, we shall meet with no less difficulty there than in the mountains.
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Wesley: Jos 17:16 - -- Not all made of iron, but armed with iron, not only for defence, but for offence also, having as it were scythes and swords fastened to them, to cut d...
Not all made of iron, but armed with iron, not only for defence, but for offence also, having as it were scythes and swords fastened to them, to cut down all that stood in their way.
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Wesley: Jos 17:17 - -- Thou needest and deservedst more than that lot, of which thou art actually possessed, and thou hast power to get more; which if thou endeavourest to d...
Thou needest and deservedst more than that lot, of which thou art actually possessed, and thou hast power to get more; which if thou endeavourest to do, God will bless thee, and give thee more.
JFB: Jos 17:14-18 - -- The two tribes join in laying a complaint before the leader, as to the narrow boundaries of their allotment and its insufficiency to be the residence ...
The two tribes join in laying a complaint before the leader, as to the narrow boundaries of their allotment and its insufficiency to be the residence of tribes so vastly increased. But Joshua's answer was full of wisdom as well as patriotism. Knowing their character, he treated them accordingly, and sarcastically turned all their arguments against themselves. Thus he rebuked their unbelief and cowardice.
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JFB: Jos 17:15 - -- Called so here by anticipation. The Gilboa range between Beth-shean and the plain of Jezreel is meant, anciently covered with an extensive forest.
Called so here by anticipation. The Gilboa range between Beth-shean and the plain of Jezreel is meant, anciently covered with an extensive forest.
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JFB: Jos 17:16 - -- Unusually strengthened with that metal, and perhaps armed with projecting scythes.
Unusually strengthened with that metal, and perhaps armed with projecting scythes.
Clarke: Jos 17:15 - -- If thou be a great people - Joshua takes them at their own word; they said, Jos 17:14, that they were a great people; then said he, If thou be a gre...
If thou be a great people - Joshua takes them at their own word; they said, Jos 17:14, that they were a great people; then said he, If thou be a great people or seeing thou art a great people, go to the wood country, and clear away for thyself. Joshua would not reverse the decision of the lot; but as there was much woodland country, he gave them permission to clear away as much of it as they found necessary to extend themselves as far as they pleased.
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Clarke: Jos 17:16 - -- The hill is not enough for us - The mountain of Gilboa being that which had fallen to them by lot
The hill is not enough for us - The mountain of Gilboa being that which had fallen to them by lot
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Clarke: Jos 17:16 - -- Chariots of iron - We cannot possess the plain country, because that is occupied by the Canaanites; and we cannot conquer them, because they have ch...
Chariots of iron - We cannot possess the plain country, because that is occupied by the Canaanites; and we cannot conquer them, because they have chariots of iron, that is, very strong chariots, and armed with scythes, as is generally supposed.
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Clarke: Jos 17:18 - -- The outgoings of it shall be thine - Clear away the wood, occupy the mountain, and you shall soon be able to command all the valleys; and, possessin...
The outgoings of it shall be thine - Clear away the wood, occupy the mountain, and you shall soon be able to command all the valleys; and, possessing all the defiles of the country, you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron: your situation will be advantageous, your numbers very respectable, and the hand of God will be upon you for good
1. From the whole history of the Israelites we find that it was difficult to please them; they had a dissatisfied mind, and hence were rarely contented. From the above account we learn that the children of Joseph were much inclined to quarrel with Joshua, because they had not such a lot as they wished; though they could not be ignorant that their lot, as that of the others, had been determined by the especial providence of God
2. Joshua treats them with great firmness; he would not attempt to alter the appointment of God, and he saw no reason to reverse or change the grant already made. They were both numerous and strong, and if they put forth their strength under the direction of even the ordinary providence of God, they had every reason to expect success
3. Slothfulness is natural to man; it requires much training to induce him to labor for his daily bread; if God should miraculously send it he will wonder and eat it, and that is the whole. Strive to enter in at the strait gate is an ungracious word to many; they profess to trust in God’ s mercy, but labor not to enter into that rest: God will not reverse his purpose to meet their slothfulness; they alone who overcome shall sit with Jesus upon his throne. Reader, take unto thee the whole armor of God, that thou mayest be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all - to Stand. And remember, that he only who endures to the end shall be saved.
Calvin: Jos 17:14 - -- 14.And the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, etc Although they clothe their complaint with some color of excuse, yet they dishonestly disguise th...
14.And the children of Joseph spoke unto Joshua, etc Although they clothe their complaint with some color of excuse, yet they dishonestly disguise the fact, that more was comprehended in one lot than was proper for one tribe. I know not, however, whether or not the lot was cast indefinitely for the sons of Joseph: it certainly does not seem congruous that it should be so. Joshua and the other dividers were not unaware that Ephraim and Manasseh formed two heads, or two stems: and it has repeatedly been said before that the land was divided into ten tribes, which number was not accurate, unless the tribe of Manasseh was considered distinct from that of Ephraim. It is certain, therefore, that they had not fallen into such a gross blunder as to throw the two names into one lot. Now, to conceal two tribes under the name of Joseph, in order to defraud them of half their right, would have been intolerable injustice. We may add, that the domain of each was distinctly explained and described by its proper boundaries. 159
We are therefore led to conclude, that when the lots were cast for the two tribes, the admirable counsel of God arranged that the brothers, who had a common father, should be contiguous and neighbors to each other. It is unworthy in them, therefore, to complain and plead that only one inheritance had been given to them, because Joshua had neither such heartlessness nor so much malice as to defraud them of a clear right either through thoughtlessness or envy. 160 But herein lay the falsehood of their complaint concerning narrow boundaries, that they counted all that was yet to be acquired by warlike prowess as nothing; as if the lot had assigned portions to the other tribes only in subjugated territory. Joshua, accordingly, in a single sentence, refutes and disposes of their plea, and retorts upon them a charge by which they were trying to throw obloquy upon him. If your resources and your numbers are so great, why, he asks, do you not make an inroad on the enemy, whose country has been given to you? Nor will the event disappoint you, if, trusting to the promise of God, you boldly proceed to the inheritance which he has bestowed upon you. We see how, although proper provision had been made for them, they were so blinded by sloth as to complain that they were straitened for room, because they were unwilling to move their finger to seek the full possession of their inheritance. Wherefore, this passage teaches us, that if at any time we think less is performed for us than is due, we ought carefully to shake off all delays, and not rashly throw upon others the blame which is inherent in ourselves.
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Calvin: Jos 17:16 - -- 16.And the children of Joseph said, etc It is too apparent that they were thinking only of themselves, because they quibble as much as they can, in o...
16.And the children of Joseph said, etc It is too apparent that they were thinking only of themselves, because they quibble as much as they can, in order to avoid following the suggestion of Joshua, than which, however, nothing was more reasonable. They object, that the mountain is rugged and little better than a desert, and therefore, though it were added to them, they would derive very little benefit from it. In regard to the plain, which was cultivated and fertile, they object that they are shut out and debarred from it because of the formidable array of the enemy. Accordingly, they make mention of their iron chariots, as if they had not already learned by experience that the Lord was able, without any difficulty, to trample down both horses and chariots. Joshua, however, by a simple and right-hearted answer, administers due castigation, as well to their avarice as their effeminacy and torpor. If the forest, as it now stands, is not sufficiently productive, cut down the trees and convert it into good fields; provided you are not sparing of your labor, you will have no reason to be dissatisfied with your habitation. Iron chariots, moreover, cannot prevent the Lord from performing what he has promised to you. The inheritance is yours; do only your part by entering with due confidence on the possession of it.
TSK: Jos 17:14 - -- one lot : Gen 48:22; Num 26:34-37; Deu 33:13-17
a great : Gen 48:19, Gen 49:22-26
one lot : Gen 48:22; Num 26:34-37; Deu 33:13-17
a great : Gen 48:19, Gen 49:22-26
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TSK: Jos 17:15 - -- If thou be : Luk 12:48
the Perizzites : Gen 13:7; Exo 33:2; Ezr 9:1
giants : or, Rephaims, Gen 14:5, Gen 15:20; 2Sa 5:18, 2Sa 5:22
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TSK: Jos 17:16 - -- chariots : Jos 17:18; Jdg 1:19, Jdg 4:3
Bethshean : Jos 17:11; 1Ki 4:12
Jezreel : Jos 19:18; Jdg 6:33; 1Ki 4:12, 1Ki 18:46, 1Ki 21:1, 1Ki 21:23; 2Ki 9...
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TSK: Jos 17:18 - -- the mountain : Jos 17:15, Jos 15:9, Jos 20:7
for thou shalt : Jos 11:4-6, Jos 13:6; Num 14:6-9; Deu 20:1-4; Psa 27:1, Psa 27:2; Isa 41:10-16; Isa 51:1...
the mountain : Jos 17:15, Jos 15:9, Jos 20:7
for thou shalt : Jos 11:4-6, Jos 13:6; Num 14:6-9; Deu 20:1-4; Psa 27:1, Psa 27:2; Isa 41:10-16; Isa 51:12, Isa 51:13; Rom 8:31, Rom 8:37; Heb 13:6
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Jos 17:14 - -- Seeing I am a great people - The assertion can hardly have been warranted by facts, for at the census Num. 26 the two tribes of Manasseh and Ep...
Seeing I am a great people - The assertion can hardly have been warranted by facts, for at the census Num. 26 the two tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim together were not greatly more numerous than the single tribe of Judah; and now that half the Manassites were provided for on the eastern side of Jordan, the remaining children of Joseph could hardly be stronger than the Danites or the Issacharites. The children of Joseph seem therefore to exhibit here that arrogant and jealous spirit which elsewhere characterises their conduct (Jdg 8:1; Jdg 12:1; 2Sa 19:41; 2Ch 28:7 etc.). A glance at the map shows that their complaint was in itself unreasonable. Their territory, which measured about 55 miles by 70 miles, was at least as large in proportion to their numbers as that of any other tribe, and moreover comprehended some of the most fertile of the whole promised land.
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Barnes: Jos 17:15 - -- Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, but far from supporting the demands of his kinsmen he reproves them, and calls upon them to make good th...
Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, but far from supporting the demands of his kinsmen he reproves them, and calls upon them to make good their great words by corresponding deeds of valor. He bids them clear the country of its woods and thus make room for settling their people. The "wood country"means probably the range which runs along the northern border of Manasseh, and which connects the mountains of Gilboa with Carmel. Mount Ephraim, (a name perhaps used by anticipation) called "the hill"Jos 17:16, and "the mountain of Israel"Jos 11:16, is the eastern portion of the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh extending toward the Jordan. This was a hilly, though by no means barren, district.
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Barnes: Jos 17:16 - -- The possession by the Canaanites of chariots strengthened and tipped with iron, such as were used by the Egyptians Exo 14:7, is named here by the ch...
The possession by the Canaanites of chariots strengthened and tipped with iron, such as were used by the Egyptians Exo 14:7, is named here by the children of Joseph as a reason why they could not possess themselves of the plains. "The valley of Jezreel"is the broad low valley which sweeps from "Zerin"between the mountains of Gilboa and the range of little Hermon eastward down to the Jordan. It was most likely in this valley that the host of the Midianites was encamped, when attacked by Gideon Jdg 7:1, Jdg 7:8. The great plain of Jezreel, called the plain of Esdraelon (Esdrelom, Judith 1:8), extends from Carmel on the west to the hills of Gilboa, little Hermon, and Tabor on the east, a distance of full sixteen miles; and its breadth between the rocky mass of southern Palestine and the bolder mountains of Galilee on the north, is about twelve miles. Its position as well as its open area make it the natural battlefield of Palestine.
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Barnes: Jos 17:17 - -- Thou shalt not have one lot only - i. e. by dispossessing the Canaanites, thou shalt double the portion of land at thy disposal. The "but"with ...
Thou shalt not have one lot only - i. e. by dispossessing the Canaanites, thou shalt double the portion of land at thy disposal. The "but"with which the King James Version begins Jos 17:18 should be "for."
Poole: Jos 17:14 - -- The children of Joseph i.e. of Ephraim and Manasseh, as is manifest, partly from Jos 17:17 , where it is so explained; and partly because they mentio...
The children of Joseph i.e. of Ephraim and Manasseh, as is manifest, partly from Jos 17:17 , where it is so explained; and partly because they mention it as an unreasonable thing, that they, being two, should have out one lot.
Spake unto Joshua i.e. expostulated with him, when they went and saw that portion which was allotted to them, and found it much short of their expectation.
One lot, and one portion either,
1. Because they really had but one lot, which was afterwards divided by the arbitrators between them. Or,
2. Because the land severally allotted to them was no more than was little enough for one of them.
A great people or numerous; for so the Hebrew word oft signifies.
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Poole: Jos 17:15 - -- He retorts their own argument: Seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into actions and valiant exploits, and enlarge thy b...
He retorts their own argument: Seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into actions and valiant exploits, and enlarge thy borders by thy own hand, to which thou mayst confidently expect God’ s assistance.
To the wood country to the mountain, as it, is called, Jos 17:18 , where among some towns there is much wood land, which thou mayst without much difficulty possess, and so get the more room.
Cut down i.e. the wood, Jos 17:18 , for thy own advantage and use; partly in building more cities and towns; and partly for preparing the land for the use of pasture and tillage.
The Perizzites supposed to be a savage and brutish kind of people, that lived in woods and mountains.
Of the giants who lived in caves and mountains, now especially when they were driven out of their cities.
If Mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee or, seeing Mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee , as thou complainest, take to thyself the rest of that hilly and wood country. Mount Ephraim was a particular and eminent portion of the land, belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, as appears from Jos 19:50 20:7 21:21 Jud 4:5 . And this seems to be here mentioned synecdochically, for all the portion allotted to Ephraim and Manasseh, as appears from their complaint, which was not that this part, but that their whole portion, was too strait for them.
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Poole: Jos 17:16 - -- The hill is not enough for us if we should invade and conquer it, and cut down both wood and men, yet it would not be sufficient for us. Heb. The hi...
The hill is not enough for us if we should invade and conquer it, and cut down both wood and men, yet it would not be sufficient for us. Heb. The hill will not be found , i.e. obtained, by us; those fierce and strong people the Perizzites and the giants will easily defend themselves, and frustrate our attempts, having the advantage of the woods and mountains.
The Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley i.e. And if thou sayest, as we know thou wilt reply, that if the hill either cannot be conquered, or be not sufficient for us, we may go down and take more land out of the pleasant and fruitful valleys, we shall meet with no less difficulty there than in the mountains. Or thus, In going to the hills to which thou directest us, we must pass through valleys, where we shall be waylaid by powerful and armed enemies.
Chariots of iron not all made of iron but armed with iron, not only for defence, but for offence also, having as it were scythes and swords fastened to them, to cut down all that stood in their way.
The valley of Jezreel which was either in the tribe of Issachar, or upon the borders of it, Jos 19:18 .
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Poole: Jos 17:17 - -- Thou needest and deservest more than that lot of which thou art actually possessed, and thou hast power to get more; which if thou endeavourest to do...
Thou needest and deservest more than that lot of which thou art actually possessed, and thou hast power to get more; which if thou endeavourest to do, God will bless thee, and give thee more.
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Poole: Jos 17:18 - -- The outgoings of it either,
1. The productions or of that land, when it is cleared from the wood, and purged; or rather,
2. The valleys and fields ...
The outgoings of it either,
1. The productions or of that land, when it is cleared from the wood, and purged; or rather,
2. The valleys and fields belonging or adjoining to it, for there the Canaanites were, Jos 17:16 .
Haydock: Jos 17:14 - -- Spoke. Septuagint, "contradicted Josue." In effect, they spoke with a good deal of emotion. ---
Portion. Hebrew, "cord." (Calmet) ---
They add...
Spoke. Septuagint, "contradicted Josue." In effect, they spoke with a good deal of emotion. ---
Portion. Hebrew, "cord." (Calmet) ---
They addressed themselves to the general, before their territory was divided. (Masius) ---
Or they insinuate that the portion allotted to them both, would scarcely suffice for one tribe, and there was but little room for them to enlarge their dominion by subduing the Chanaanites, as the rest might do. Manasses was most concerned, as his numbers had increased 20,500 since he left Egypt, while his brother had diminished, Numbers xxvi. 34. (Calmet) ---
But then he had an extensive country on the other side of the Jordan. (Haydock)
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Haydock: Jos 17:16 - -- Thee. Destroy the Pherezite, &c., (Menochius) take their cities, and destroy the inhabitants, like so many trees, or cut down the wood to build hous...
Thee. Destroy the Pherezite, &c., (Menochius) take their cities, and destroy the inhabitants, like so many trees, or cut down the wood to build houses, and in order to cultivate the land for the production of corn and grass.
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Haydock: Jos 17:17 - -- Iron, armed with scythes, who will obstruct our passage to the mountains, as we dare not encounter them in the open field. (Haydock) (4 Kings xx. 2...
Iron, armed with scythes, who will obstruct our passage to the mountains, as we dare not encounter them in the open field. (Haydock) (4 Kings xx. 23.) ---
Hebrew, "the hill is not enough for us, (or it will not be found, or be attacked by us) and all the Chanaanites," &c. (Calmet) ---
Septuagint, "the mountain of Ephraim will not contain us; all the Chanaanites who dwell in the land of Emek, (of of the valley) in Bethsan, and its villages, and in the vale of Jezrael, have chosen cavalry and iron." (Haydock) ---
They are invincible. (Calmet) ---
The slothful man saith there is a lion without, Proverbs xxii. 13. Josue over-rules the cowardly objection, and argues, from their own boasting, that they were numerous enough to overcome all their opponents. He was himself of the tribe of Ephraim. (Haydock) ---
Valley, extending about 10,000 paces from Bethsan to Legion. Jezrael ws in the middle of it, and is attributed to Issachar, chap. xix. 18. But it was probably on the frontiers of Manasses, who seems to have spoken as if it would belong to the first who had driven out the Chanaanites. The kings of Israel had a palace at Jezrael, and the vineyard of Naboth being contiguous to it, gave occasion to the sin of Jazabel, and to the destruction of Achab's family, 3 Kings xxi. 1. In this vale, Gedeon routed the Madianites, Judges vi. 33.
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Haydock: Jos 17:18 - -- Mountain, probably of Gelboe, as that of Ephraim was not sufficient, ver. 15. Gelboe extended almost as far as Bethsan, and it would afford a fine o...
Mountain, probably of Gelboe, as that of Ephraim was not sufficient, ver. 15. Gelboe extended almost as far as Bethsan, and it would afford a fine opportunity of attacking the nations below. Josue persists in his first resolution; and though of the same tribe, he is so little actuated by partiality towards his brethren, that they alone seem to have been dissatisfied with their portion. (Calmet)
Gill: Jos 17:14 - -- And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua,.... Which some understand of the children of Manasseh only; and, indeed, the complaint and arguments use...
And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua,.... Which some understand of the children of Manasseh only; and, indeed, the complaint and arguments used, as well as some circumstances in the account, best agree with them; yet certain it is, that the children of Ephraim accompanied the children of Manasseh, and were present at this interview, as appears from Jos 17:17; and if they did not join with them in the request and complaint expressly, they countenanced and encouraged the same by their presence:
saying, why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit: this seems to suit better with one than both; for there was a lot for the tribe of Manasseh also, as well as for Ephraim, Jos 17:1; by which it should seem that there were two, and if both made this expostulation, it was not fact; but it may be, that the inheritance which came to them by lot was not as yet divided, and so they called it one lot and one portion, and then it might with propriety be said by them both; and their sense be, that the lot or portion assigned them was only sufficient for one of them, and not for both:
seeing I am a great people; as especially both tribes put together were:
forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto? this best agrees with the tribe of Manasseh, which, since their coming out of Egypt, was increased twenty thousand five hundred, whereas the tribe of Ephraim was decreased; compare Num 1:33 with Num 26:34. Now it might have been expected by them, that as Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim, that he would have favoured their cause on that account, and that they should have obtained the grant of an addition by that means; but Joshua was impartial in his administration, and showed no favour and affection on that score, as appears by what follows.
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Gill: Jos 17:15 - -- And Joshua answered them,.... By retorting their own argument upon them:
if thou be a great people; which he does not deny, as they were for numbe...
And Joshua answered them,.... By retorting their own argument upon them:
if thou be a great people; which he does not deny, as they were for numbers and power:
then get thee up to the wood country; which was near them, and within their borders, and lay on hills and mountains, perhaps the mountains of Gilboa, and therefore are bid to go up:
and cut down for thyself there; cut down the trees of the wood, clear the ground of them, and so make it habitable, and by that means enlarge the places of their habitation:
in the land of the Perizzites, and of the giants; or Rephaim; the former of these were one of the seven nations of the Canaanites, who from their name seem to have dwelt not in the cities, and walled towns, but in villages, and scattered houses, in desert places, and among the woods, where also the giants had retired and dwelt after Joshua had driven them out of the cities; and by driving these out of their present habitations, they would gain more room to dwell in, and would find their lot sufficient for them:
if Mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee; either meaning all Ephraim, and even the whole lot of the sons of Joseph, or rattler the mount particularly so called; for the words may be rendered, "for Mount Ephraim hastens for thee" q; was clear or open for thee; ready to be delivered to thee, and thou mayest possess it at once.
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Gill: Jos 17:16 - -- And the children of Joseph said, the hill is not enough for us,.... Meaning either Mount Ephraim, and all included in it; or it may be rather the wood...
And the children of Joseph said, the hill is not enough for us,.... Meaning either Mount Ephraim, and all included in it; or it may be rather the wood country on the hills and mountains they were bid to go up to; signifying, that if they could gain that out of the hands of the Perizzites and giants, and clear it of the wood, and make it habitable, even that would not be sufficient for them; or that hill and mountain cannot be "found by us" r or obtained and possessed by us; we are not able to get it into our hands; there being a valley between us and that:
and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron; not chariots made of iron, but chariots with iron scythes fastened to the sides, or axle trees of them, which when driven with great force and fury, would cut down the infantry in battle, as grass is cut down with scythes, see Jdg 4:2,
both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel; both which belonged to the tribe of Manasseh, or were on the borders of it, though as yet they had not got possession, see Jos 17:11; and this circumstance seems to favour the notion, that tribe of Manasseh were at least chiefly concerned in this address.
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Gill: Jos 17:17 - -- And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh,.... From whence it is clear that some of both were present; and they bein...
And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh,.... From whence it is clear that some of both were present; and they being brethren, and their interests united, and their cities intermixed, it would be to their mutual advantage to have an enlargement; which the tribe of Manasseh wanted more especially, more of their cities that fell to their lot being in the hands of the Canaanites, than of any other:
saying, thou art a great people, and hast great power; were very numerous, and so able to contend with the Canaanites, and make themselves more room:
thou shalt not have one lot only; or only have what they were possessed of, but should have more; and, as they wanted more, they were able enough to get more; and if they exerted their power, relying on the providence of God, through his blessing on their endeavours, they would certainly have an increase of their portion.
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Gill: Jos 17:18 - -- But the mountains shall be thine,.... Or "for" s it shall be thine; thou shalt get the possession of it, though attended with difficulties that seem i...
But the mountains shall be thine,.... Or "for" s it shall be thine; thou shalt get the possession of it, though attended with difficulties that seem insuperable:
for, or "if, though" t.
it is a wood; the habitation of the Perizzites, and giants, and so dangerous to go un to it, and full of trees, and so seems unprofitable and useless:
and thou shalt cut it down; both the inhabitants of it, and the trees of it, and clear it of both, and make it both safe and commodious to dwell in, which would be a fine enlargement for them:
and the outgoings of it shall be thine; all it produces when cultivated, and all the parts adjacent to it:
for thou shall drive out the Canaanites; this Joshua assures them of, to encourage them to attempt it:
though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong; be not afraid of their chariots, though terrible, nor of their giants and mighty men, God will be on your side, and you have nothing to fear from them, see Jos 11:4; whether the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh took this advice of Joshua is not said.
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes: Jos 17:14 Heb “Why have you given me as an inheritance one lot and one portion, though I am a great people until [the time] which, until now the Lord has ...
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NET Notes: Jos 17:16 Heb “and there are iron chariots among all the Canaanites who live in the land of the valley, to those who are in Beth Shean and its daughters a...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 17:14 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, f...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 17:15 And 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 Per...
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Geneva Bible: Jos 17:18 But the mountain shall be thine; for it [is] a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: ( k ) for thou shalt drive ou...
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expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> Jos 17:1-18
TSK Synopsis: Jos 17:1-18 - --1 The lot of Manasseh.7 His coast.12 The Canaanites not driven out.14 The children of Joseph obtain another lot.
MHCC -> Jos 17:14-18
MHCC: Jos 17:14-18 - --Joshua, as a public person, had no more regard to his own tribe than to any other, but would govern without favour or affection; wherein he has left a...
Matthew Henry -> Jos 17:14-18
Matthew Henry: Jos 17:14-18 - -- Here, I. The children of Joseph quarrel with their lot; if they had had any just cause to quarrel with it, we have reason to think Joshua would have...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Jos 17:14-18
Keil-Delitzsch: Jos 17:14-18 - --
Complaint of the Descendants of Joseph respecting the inheritance allotted to them . - Jos 17:14. As the descendants of Joseph formed two tribes (E...
Constable -> Jos 13:1--21:45; Jos 16:1--17:18
Constable: Jos 13:1--21:45 - --II. THE DIVISION OF THE LAND chs. 13--21
Chapters 13-24 describe how Joshua divided the land and the results of ...
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