Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Joshua 16-18: Clear the Forest


The Jezreel Valley as Seen from Mt. Carmel

Used with permission from

Joshua 17:14-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)


"The tribe of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, Why have you given [us] but one lot and one portion as an inheritance when [we] are a great [abundant] people, for until now the Lord has blessed [us]?


Joshua replied, If you are a great people, get up to the forest and clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the Ephraim hill country is too narrow for you.


And Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and to Manasseh, You are a great and numerous people and have great power; you shall not have only one lot


But the hill country shall be yours; though it is a forest, you shall clear and possess it to its farthest borders; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong."






Looking at these verses symbolically, I see...the Josephites desiring to have their inheritance enlarged but being intimidated by the strength of man as represented by "iron chariots."  Joshua responds by assigning an extra lot, then encourages them by speaking these words of victory.  Though it is a forest (unknown territory to be claimed) you shall clear and possess it, and you shall drive out the Cannaanites.  


God's strength trumps the strength of man every time.  If we follow His lead and listen to His encouraging words, we will be victorious in claiming our inheritance as well.


Thank You, Lord, for Your encouragement and strength.  Although I am weak, with You, I am very strong!  AMEN!

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