Joshua 17:16-18 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 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 relieved them, by adding to it, or altering it, which it does not appear he did. It is probable, because Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, they promised themselves that they should have some particular favour shown them, and should not be confined to the decision of the lot so closely as the other tribes; but Joshua makes them know that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 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 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" F18 לא ימצא לנו "non invenietur nobis",... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 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 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 ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:18

But the mountains shall be thine ,.... Or "for" F19 כי "quia", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Gussetius, p. 378. it shall be thine; thou shalt get the possession of it, though attended with difficulties that seem insuperable: for , or "if, though" F20 כי "si", Junius & Tremellius, "licet", Ar. vers. Lat. . 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

The hill is not enough for us - The mountain of Gilboa being that which had fallen to them by lot. 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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 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, 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. From the whole history of the Israelites we find that it was difficult to please them; they had a dissatisfied... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

Verse 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 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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

Self-help. I. IT IS FOOLISH TO COMPLAIN OF OUR LOT UNTIL WE HAVE MADE THE BEST USE OF IT . The Ephraimites had not cleared their forest, yet they complained of the narrowness of their possession. We do not know the extent of our advantages till we try them. In murmuring at the privations of life we spoil the enjoyment of its blessings. Hardships which we ascribe to the arrangements of Providence may often be traced to our own indolence. The one talent is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Division of the Land Let us make some further observations on the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel. The descendants of Joseph receive but a small lot. They complain bitterly of this, saying, " We are a great people." Joshua replies that, just because they are a great people, they may be contented with the share assigned them, for they will have the opportunity of perpetually extending their borders. "The mountain shall be thine; for thou shalt drive out... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:16

And the children of Joseph said. This reply justifies Joshua's sarcasm. The Ephraimites and Manassites blame Joshua when they ought to be blaming themselves. They excuse themselves from a task which they are too idle to execute, and wish Joshua to make arrangements for them which are wholly unnecessary. The hill is not enough for us. Literally, the hill is not found for us—that is, is not sufficient (see Numbers 11:9 .2; Zechariah 10:10 ). Of the valley of Jezreel. Rather, in the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:17

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Joshua 17:18

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:18

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Joshua 17:16

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:14-18

The Pulpit Commentary - Joshua 17:16

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