by:
08/28/2025
0
“The hill country is not enough for us. Yet all the Canaanites who dwell in the plain have chariots of iron” (17:16). The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim (Joseph’s sons) wanted more land, but they were afraid of the militarized Canaanites who had “chariots of iron”. Joshua encouraged their expansion (v15) and reminded them that they had plenty of men and resources (v17). Joshua did not make light of the Canaanites’ power – they had chariots, and they were “strong” (v18) – but he insisted the two tribes go forward in faith.
“You are a numerous people and have great power” (v17). Joshua urged the Israelites not to focus on the enemy’s “chariots of iron” but on what the Lord had already given them, which was sufficient for the task.