14 And 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.' 15 And 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.' 16 And 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.' 17 And 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', 18 because 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.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Joshua 17:14-18
Commentary on Joshua 17:14-18
(Read Joshua 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 good example to all in public trusts. Joshua tells them, that what was fallen to their share would be a sufficient lot for them, if they would but work and fight. Men excuse themselves from labour by any pretence; and nothing serves the purpose better than having rich and powerful relations, able to provide for them; and they are apt to desire a partial and unfaithful disposal of what is intrusted to those they think able to give such help. But there is more real kindness in pointing out the advantages within reach, and in encouraging men to make the best of them, than in granting indulgences to sloth and extravagance. True religion gives no countenance to these evils. The rule is, They shall not eat who will not work; and many of our "cannots" are only the language of idleness, which magnifies every difficulty and danger. This is especially the case in our spiritual work and warfare. Without Christ we can do nothing, but we are apt to sit still and attempt nothing. if we belong to Him, he will stir us up to our best endeavours, and to cry to him for help. Then our coast will be enlarged, 1 Chronicles 4:9,10, and complainings silenced, or rather, turned into joyful thanksgivings.