Joshua 17:12-17
Yet the Manassites were not able to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.
The people of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one allotment and one portion for an inheritance? We are a numerous people, and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.”
“If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.”
The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”
But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
The Manassites were not able to occupy a big area, because they did not do as God had directed them. Do you recall obedience brings blessings and disobedience brings curses? It makes one wonder, is the United States, in this mess because we told God to stay out of our schools, our government, and many churches began to teach things that were not in the Bible.
What about the people of Joseph’s day, they had seen God fight for them, but now they are fearful of the Canaanites because they have chariots fitted with iron. Joshua reminds the people of who they are and that they can drive these people out of the land.
It is not a new thing that people who have experienced God doing great things for you soon forget, and believe in whatever they see, and not in the God who is unseen.
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
No comments:
Post a Comment