Friday, August 14, 2015

Joshua 17: The Squeaky Wheel

It never fails.  Whenever something has to be distributed, cries of "Unfair!" are sure to be heard.  In the case of the dispensation of the Promised Land, the tribe of Joseph decides to lodge a complaint about their inheritance.

Discontented and unsatisfied, the tribe comes to Joshua and says, "Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, since we are a numerous people, whom all along the Lord has blessed?" (vs. 14).  Basically, they feel they haven't received enough.  They want more.

Joshua, dealing with a limited quantity of land, suggests that they solve their own problem.  Want more land?  Then take it!  He points out that if the tribe is as numerous as they claim, then they should have no problem clearing the forest and driving out the Perizzites and the Rephaim (giants).

The tribe of Joseph is suddenly not so sure.  Those Canaanites have iron chariots!  Joshua, who is always full of faith in the ability of the Lord to protect and provide for Israel, reassures them and tells them that they will be able to expand their border and successfully claim more land against the Canaanites.  The squeaky wheel will get the grease, if they work for it!

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