Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

The second half of the tribe of Manasseh and Ephraim were next. “The allotment of the descendants of Joseph went from the Jordan by Jericho, at the waters of Jericho to the east, into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel; it continues from Bethel to Luz, and it passes along to the territory of the Arkites at Ataroth. Then it goes down, to the west, to the territory of the Japhletites, up to the territory of Lower Beth-horon, then to Gezer, and it ends at the sea” (Joshua 16:1-3).

Ephraim got the section with Beth Horon and Jericho. Some of their cities were also in the middle of what went to Manasseh. They did well most places, but did not drive out the Canaanites in Gezer. They subdued them into heavy labourers, but didn’t drive them out.

Manasseh took the rest. Now one of the tribal heads had no sons (Numbers 27:6-7; 36:1-12). The daughters came to Joshua and Eleazar the high priest and basically confirmed the rights that Moses had given them. A total of ten regions were given to Manasseh, including the one that the daughters held. In Issachar and Asher, there were also cities given to Manasseh (seven of them). However, they couldn’t drive out the Canaanites there because the Canaanites were determined to stay. They were made into heavy labourers, but they stayed.

Some of the descendants of Joshua complained to Joshua. You can see why. They were fairly mixed together and given portions inside other portions. They were ticked that it was small but they were numerous. Joshua pointed out if they wanted more land, go up into the forests and clear land where the Perizzites were. If they didn’t want to be in the hills, go make space in the lowlands. They balked at that. According to them, the Canaanites had iron chariots both in Beth Shan and the Jezreel Valley. Joshua held tight. He told them to make themselves space. Make themselves land. He reminded them that THEY were numerous AND the Lord was with them, so no one could stand against them – unless they wouldn’t work for more space.

This is a great lesson for everyone. Work is required. Challenges will need to be overcome. Are we going to trust in God and go do what He says we can? Or are we going to sing the Song of the Desert and whine about how scary and hard it is? God made them a promise: He was fighting for them! They were ignoring that. Looking at what they could see with their eyes, instead of what should have been in their hearts (2 Corinthians 4:18). We have the same choice today. I encourage you to hold on to the promises of God and ignore iron chariots. Cut down trees if you need to. If God says it can be done because He is fighting for you, then it CAN be done!

Summary

Key Players: God, Joshua, Children of Joseph

Key Themes: Possession, Working for Reward

Key Verse(s): Joshua 16:1-4; 17:1-2, 16-18