Josué 17
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
Josué 17
Utley - “southward” This is the term “Teman” (BDB 411 I), which denotes a compass direction. Israel marked her directions based on a person facing east (the tabernacle faced east), therefore, the south was on the left hand and the north on the right hand. Not all nations give directions in the same way. Egypt based its compass directions on a person facing south (i.e., to the head waters of the Nile, the source of all life in Egypt). The boundaries of Ephraim are found in both Josh. 16:5–10 and 17:7–12. TSK on Michmethath - Situated, probably, east of Shechem, though its precise situation, as well as that of many others, cannot, at this distance of time, be ascertained. Many of these towns were small, and we may rationally conclude, slightly built; and consequently have perished more than two thousand years ago. It would therefore be useless now to look for such places; though in many instances, their ancient names have been preserved, and their sites identified. Several towns even in England, mentioned by Cesar and other ancient writers, are no longer discernible; several have changed their names, and not a few their situation. Tappuah - Holman Bible Dictionary City of the north border of Ephraim (Joshua 16:8 ) whose environs were allotted to Manasseh (Joshua 17:7-8 ), likely the Tappuah of Joshua 12:17 and 2 Kings 15:16 . Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 7-13. There was great communication between Manasseh and Ephraim. Though each tribe had its inheritance, yet they should intermix one with another, to do good offices one to another, as became those, who, though of different tribes, were all one Israel, and were bound to love as brethren. But they suffered the Canaanites to live among them, against the command of God, to serve their own ends. Joshua 17:8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim. of Tappuah: Jos 12:17 15:34,53 16:8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the sons of Ephraim (see location of Tappuah on map above) - Joshua 17:9 The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and it ended at the sea. brook of Kanah, Jos 16:8 these cities: Jos 16:9 the outgoings: Jos 16:3,8 19:29 the sea: The Mediterranean The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook (these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh), and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and it ended at the sea - NLT = "Several towns south of the ravine were inside Manasseh's territory, but they actually belonged to the tribe of Ephraim." Kanah - Easton's Bible Dictionary A stream forming the boundary between Ephraim and Manasseh, from the Mediterranean eastward to Tappuah (see map above) (Joshua 16:8 ). It has been identified with the sedgy streams that constitute the Wady Talaik, which enters the sea between Joppa and Caesarea. Joshua 17:10 The south side belonged to Ephraim and the north side to Manasseh, and the sea was their border; and they reached to Asher on the north and to Issachar on the east. The south side belonged to Ephraim and the north side to Manasseh, and the sea was their border; and they reached to Asher on the north and to Issachar on the east. Joshua 17:11 In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, the third is Napheth. Manasseh: Jos 16:9 1Ch 7:29 1Sa 31:10,12, Beth-shan, 1Ki 4:12 Ibleam: 2Ki 9:27 1Ch 6:70, Bileam Dor: Dor, according to Eusebius, was situated on the Mediterranean, nine miles from Cesarea Palestine, towards Carmel. The village of Tortura, four leagues north of Cesarea, is supposed to nearly occupy it site. Jos 12:23 Jdg 1:27 1Ki 4:11 Endor: 1Sa 28:7 Ps 83:10 Taanach: Jos 12:21 Jdg 5:19 Megiddo: Jdg 1:27 5:19 1Ki 4:12 9:15 2Ki 9:27 23:29,30 2Ch 35:22 Zec 12:11 Map to help visualize descriptions of boundaries MANASSEH'S TOWNS IN ISSACHAR & ASHER In Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of En-dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, the third is Napheth - See map above to locate several of these cities (however Ibleam, En-dor, Napheth are not on map). NET - "Within Issachar's and Asher's territory Manasseh was assigned Beth Shean, Ibleam, the residents of Dor, En Dor, the residents of Taanach, the residents of Megiddo, the three of Napheth, and the towns surrounding all these cities." Note also on the map above that the northern boundary of Manasseh was the southern boundary of Issachar, Zebulun, and Asher (and was also demarcated by the Valley of Jezreel or Esdraelon - see this map for northern boundary) Did Manasseh possess their possessions? See Joshua 17:11 and also the passage below in book of Judges... Judges 1:27-28+ But Manasseh did not take possession of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; so the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. 28 It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely. Madvig - Manasseh's allotment included several key cities in the Valley of Jezreel, which extended from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean. Joshua 17:16 mentions the chariot problems in this area where the Canaanite "tanks" ("iron chariots") maneuvered freely (ED: THE LAND FOR NOT HILLY BUT FLAT). Beth-shean was an important fortress controlling a trading route across the Jordan. Egyptian troops were stationed there well into the twelfth century. Taanach was five miles southeast of Megiddo, and the two cities frequently are mentioned together (cf. 5:19). Megiddo, located on the main route from Egypt to the north (the "way of the sea"), controlled the pass at the entrance to the Jezreel Valley. It too remained under Egyptian domination till about 1150 B.C. Dor lies along the Mediterranean coast south of Carmel; Ibleam is situated at the southern end of the Jezreel Valley near Dothan. Joshua had defeated the kings of Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor (Josh 12:21, 23), but a permanent Israelite occupation did not follow. The Canaanites, like the Amorites in Jdg 1:34-35, were determined to keep their living areas and resist Israel. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary ) TSK - Beth-shean,(see also Wikipedia) the Scythopolis (see map) of the Greek and Roman writers, was situated in the plain of Jordan, west of that river, 120 furlongs (south) from Tiberias, according to Josephus, and 600 furlongs (north) from Jerusalem. (2 Mac 12:29.) It was the largest city of the Decapolis, and the only one on that side of Jordan. It is now called Bisan, 8 hours or 24 miles from Tiberias; and described by Dr. Richardson, exclusive of its ruins, as a "collection of miserable hovels, containing 200 inhabitants." NIV Study Bible - Beth-shan … Megiddo. These powerfully fortified cities (and others) were not conquered until later. When King Saul died in battle, the victorious Philistines fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan (1Sa 31:10) Dor - Holman Bible Dictionary (See also Wikipedia)(Place name meaning, “dwelling.” Canaanite city located at modern khirbet el-Burj, twelve miles south of Mount Carmel. Its early history shows connections with Egypt under Rameses II and with the Sea Peoples, who are closely related to the Philistines. Apparently the Tjeker, one of the Sea Peoples, destroyed the city shortly after 1300 B.C. Its king joined the northern coalition against Joshua (Joshua 11:2; Joshua 12:23 ) but met defeat. The Hebrew expression here, “Naphoth Dor ,” or heights of Dor is unexpected, since Dor lies on the seacoast. The reference must be to Mount Carmel. Dor lay in the territory assigned Asher, but the tribe of Manasseh claimed it (Joshua 17:11 ). The Canaanites maintained political control (Joshua 17:12; Judges 1:27 ). Dor served as a district headquarters under Solomon, governed by Solomon's son-in-law Ben-abinadab (1 Kings 4:11 ). Taanach - Holman Bible Dictionary - (See also Wikipedia) - Place name of uncertain meaning. One of the sites along the northern slope of the Mount Carmel range protecting the accesses from the Plain of Esdraelon to the region of Samaria. Irbid, Megiddo, and Taanach each protect strategic passes through the Carmel range. Taanach thus sat along one fork of the major north-south road of antiquity that went through Palestine, usually called the Via Maris. It also sat on an east-west road that led from the Jordan Valley to the Mediterranean Sea near modern Haifa. In the Bible, Taanach is only mentioned seven times, usually in lists such as tribal allotments (Joshua 17:11; 1 Chronicles 7:29 ), administrative districts (1 Kings 4:12 ), Levitical towns (Joshua 21:25 ), or conquered cities (Joshua 12:21; Judges 1:27 ). The most famous biblical reference to Taanach is that of the battle fought at “Taanach by the waters of Megiddo” where the Hebrew forces under Deborah and Barak defeated the Canaanites under Sisera (Judges 5:19 ). Taanach was a town of about 13 acres, about the same size as the better known Megiddo. Its history runs through the Bronze Ages and into the Iron Age, from about 2700 B.C. to about 918 B.C. when it was destroyed by the Egyptian Pharaoh Shishak. A large fortress was built on the site during the early Islamic period, and that fortress may well have continued in use during the Crusades. While Megiddo was apparently a major Canaanite administrative center, Taanach seems to have been less heavily populated and perhaps the home for the farmers of the surrounding area and their tenants. Excavations have shown a number of cultic objects and installations at Taanach, suggesting that it was a religious center as well. En-dor - Smith's Bible Dictionary (see also Wikipedia)(fountain of Dor). (About 7 miles SE of Nazareth) A place in the territory of Issachar, and yet, possessed by Manasseh. Joshua 17:11. Endor was the scene of the great victory over Sisera and Jabin. It was here that the witch dwelt, whom Saul consulted. 1 Samuel 28:7. It was known to Eusebius, who describes it was a large village four miles south of Tabor. Here, to the north of Jebel Duhy, the name still lingers. The distance from the slopes of Gilboa to Endor is seven or eight miles, over difficult ground. Beth-Shean - Holman Bible Dictionary (see also Wikipedia) Place name meaning, “house of quiet.” Beth-shean stood at the crossroad of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys, commanding the routes north-south along the Jordan and east-west from Gilead to the Mediterranean Sea. Tell el-Husn, site of ancient Beth-shean, stands above the perennial stream of Harod, the city's primary water supply, giving the city a commanding view of the two valleys. Excavation of tell el-Husn and its surroundings were carried on by the University of Pennsylvania in several campaigns from 1921 to 1933. Settlements at Beth-shean were found to date back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The city became an important Canaanite site in the Early and Middle Bronze Ages (3300-1500 B.C.), but came under the domination of Egypt's 18th dynasty in the Late Bronze Age. The name Beth-shean (or -shan) is mentioned in the Egyptian texts of Thutmose III (1468 B.C.), the Amarna letters (1350 B.C.), Seti I (1300 B.C.), Ramses II (1280 B.C.) and Shishak (925 B.C.). Excavations have confirmed the Egyptian role in the life of Beth-shean in these periods (for example, through the discovery of scarabs and a cartouche bearing the name Thutmose III). Biblical references to Beth-shean relate to the period from Joshua until the United Monarchy. The city is listed among the allocations of the tribe of Manasseh, though the city was within the territory of Issachar (Joshua 17:6 ). Yet Manasseh was unable to control Beth-shean until the Canaanites were subdued in the reign of David (Joshua 17:16; Judges 1:27 ). After the defeat of Saul and the Israelite army by the Philistines (ca. 1006 B.C.), the bodies of Saul and his sons were hung on the walls of Beth-shean, where a temple to the Ashtaroth was located. Some valiant men from Jabesh-gilead rescued the bodies from this sacrilege and disposed of them in Jabesh (1 Samuel 31:1 ). Later the bodies were brought by David's men in Benjamin (2 Samuel 21:12-14 ). The city is listed among those under the administration of Baana (fifth district) during Solomon's reign (1 Kings 4:12 ). Though the city is not specifically mentioned in the 1 Kings 14:25-28 account of the invasion of Shishak from Egypt, Beth-shean is listed among the cities plundered. Afterward, the city played little role in Israelite history, though the city was occupied by Israelites of the Northern Kingdom from 815-721 B.C. The city remained abandoned for the most part until the Hellenistic period (third century B.C.), when it was rebuilt and renamed Scythopolis (“city of Scythians”). This city formed the foundation of a significant Hellenistic and Roman occupation that included temples, theater, amphitheater, colonnaded street, hippodrome, tombs, and many public buildings, which had spread to the northern, eastern, and southern quadrants around the earlier “tell.” Scythopolis was the largest city of the Decapolis (Matthew 4:25; Mark 5:20 ), and the only city of the league west of the Jordan River. The city continued to flourish in the Byzantine period until it was destroyed by Arabs in A.D. 636. The modern village of Beisan preserves the ancient name of the city. Joshua 17:12 But the sons of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. Jos 15:63 16:10 Ex 23:29-33 Nu 33:51-56 Jdg 1:27-28 Ro 6:12-14 Related Passages: Joshua 15:63+ Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day. Joshua 16:10+ But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers. Exodus 23:29-33+ (THIS DECLARATION WAS TO THE FIRST GENERATION) “I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30 “I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land. 31 “I will fix your boundary from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River Euphrates; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you will drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. 33 “They shall not live in your land, because they will make you sin against Me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Numbers 33:51-56+ (THIS DECLARATION WAS TO THE SECOND GENERATION) “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places; 53 and you shall take possession of the land and live in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it. 54 ‘You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the larger you shall give more inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give less inheritance. Wherever the lot falls to anyone, that shall be his. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 55 ‘But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. 56 ‘And as I plan to do to them, so I will do to you.’” Judges 1:27-28+ But Manasseh did not take possession of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages; so the Canaanites persisted in living in that land. 28 It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely. Romans 6:12-14+ (THIS DECLARATION IS TO THE "NOW" GENERATION, THOSE WHO FOLLOW CHRIST) Therefore do not let sin ("THE CANAANITES") reign (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting (present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the members of your body to sin ("THE CANAANITES") as instruments of unrighteousness; but present (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey = "JUST DO IT!") yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. THEY WOULD NOT SO THEY COULD NOT! But the sons of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites persisted in living in that land - Repeatedly God has reassured Joshua and the Israelites that He is able to defeat their enemies. And yet His doing so does not give Israel (in this case the sons of Manasseh) a "pass" so to speak. In other words God's promise of His power and provision was not teaching them to "Let go, let God" a teaching that is NOT in the Bible! The more accurate truth is "Let God, let's go!" The sons of Manasseh for some reason did not engage in the "Let God" part of this "divine dynamic." Whether they were fearful, unbelieving, apathetic, lazy, etc, the point is that they did not engage the Canaanites. In other words, they "WOULD NOT" engage them and as a result they "COULD NOT" disengage them! Do not be deceived beloved brethren! THOUGHT - We need to be careful we do not fall into this trap beloved brother or sister in Christ. God has given us His supernatural power by His indwelling Holy Spirit to defeat EVERY "Canaanite" lurking in the "fortress" of our heart. Our responsibility is to engage the enemy in mortal (moral) combat, in faith and full dependence on the Spirit Who will enable us to put to death the "Canaanites" in our life (Romans 8:13+). If you need a reminder read Paul's wise words of warning in 1Co 10:6, 11+. And if you think you don't need a reminder, read Paul's command in 1Co 10:12+. Have you made up your mind to put the "Canaantes" to death or would you rather "compromise" with them and suffer the consequences of this "unholy yoke"? There is another thought to consider -- Jesus said that as His disciples we are to be in the world but are not to be of the world. We are not to let the "Canaanites" in our midst compromise our walk with Christ (cf Jn 17:11, 15, 18, cf 1Co 5:9-10+). This begs the question of all of who are followers of Christ, are we living a holy life in the midst of an unholy people, a crooked and perverse generation (cf Php 2:15+)? Peter writes to us who reside as aliens and strangers (1Pe 1:1+, 1Pe 2:11+) in this fallen world that "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), FOR I AM HOLY.” ." (1Pe 1:14-16+, cf Ro 12:2+) Kenneth Gangel says that the Manassehites "simply used the Gibeonite maneuver and made them forced laborers, a plan that backfired some years later.///The settling of the promised land should have been an easy task after the seven-year conquest, but we find that the tribes lacked the initiative and courage to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants completely. This problem repeats itself throughout the second half of the Book of Joshua" (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Joshua) Utley - 17:12–13 This is parallel to Joshua 16:10 and Jdgs. 1:28. Moses’ commands in Deut. 20:10–18, to allow defeated people to become servants, only applied to cities outside of Canaan. These verses reveal the disobedience of the larger tribes (cf. Num. 33:55). Even though the Canaanites were made servants, their fertility worship polluted and weakened the worship of YHWH. This would ultimately result in the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. Howard - Cities and Territories Remaining to Be Conquered - Another important type of information in the territorial lists deals with territories and cities that the Israelite tribes failed to conquer. These are described in two sets of passages. The first set described is “the land that remains,” and it is found intact in Joshua 13:2–6 (see the commentary there). The second set is sometimes called the “conquest lacunae,” that is, the cities and territories from which the Israelites were not able to drive out the Canaanite inhabitants. The most organized list of these is found in Jdg 1:21, 27–35, but previews of much of the same material are found scattered throughout the lists in Joshua. The table below shows these and compares the information on the “conquest lacunae” in Joshua with that in Judges. (Source: David Howard - Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture Volume 5 The New American Commentary) Cities Not Conquered by the Israelites TRIBES JOSHUA JUDGES PEOPLE CITIES Israelites in General Judah Jebusites Jerusalem Benjamin Jebusites Jerusalem W. Manasseh Canaanites Beth Shan, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, Endor,* Naphoth* Ephraim Canaanites Gezer Zebulun Canaanites Kitron, Nahalol Asher Canaanites Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib, Helbah, Aphek, Rehob Naphtali Canaanites Beth Shemesh, Beth Anath Dan Amorites Leshem Note - This is a list of the so-called “Conquest Lacunae,” consisting primarily of cities the Israelites did not conquer (see Kallai, Historical Geography, 102–11). It differs from the list of “Remaining Lands,” which are listed together in Josh 13:2–6 and consist of territories the Israelites did not conquer (in addition to Kallai, see Na’aman, Borders and Districts, 39–73). (Source: David Howard - Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture Volume 5 The New American Commentary) Joshua 17:13 It came about when the sons of Israel became strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely. strong: Jdg 1:28 2Sa 3:1 Eph 6:10 Php 4:13 2Pe 3:18 put the: Jos 16:10 De 20:11-18 Jdg 1:30,33,35 2Ch 8:7,8 Related Passages: Joshua 16:10 But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer (THUS DISOBEYING Dt 20:16-18+), so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers. PHYSICALLY STRONG BUT SPIRITUALLY COMPROMISED! It came about when the sons of Israel became strong - The time to which this refers is not clear, and some think it alludes to the reigns of David and Solomon. If context rules, this most likely refers to this initial period when the tribes were beginning to possess their possessions. Since the text says they became strong, one would expect this next phrase to say they defeated the Canaanites. After all they had the perfect model to emulate in Joshua who had waged war against the Canaanites for 7 years and achieved victory after victory. If they followed his leadership, how could they not achieve similar victory over the Canaanites? Clearly, they failed to follow the lead of their leader Joshua. In short, they failed to obey their ultimate "Joshua" Jesus the Captain of the hosts of the LORD (Joshua 5:13-15)! They put the Canaanites to forced labor - God had told Israel to utterly destroy them, completely conquer them, not compromise with them! But - This is a sad term of contrast marking a reversal in the direction to which God had called them and even enabled them to carry out. Today we call this rebellion which describes the act of open resistance to an established ruler, in Israel's case, Yahweh! As subsequent events will prove, there will ALWAYS be costly consequences when we "rebel" against Yahweh! The solution is not to rebel by obey! They did not drive them out completely - This is almost a redundant statement because obviously they did not drive them out completely if they put some to forced labor. God's word was clear in Deuteronomy 20:16-18+ “Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance (WHICH WOULD BE THE ALLOTMENT IN JOSHUA 17), you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. 17 “But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the LORD your God has commanded you, 18 so that (HERE IS WHY THEY MUST BE ANNIHILATED!) they may not teach you to do according to all their detestable things which they have done for their gods, so that you would sin against the LORD your God. Holman OT Commentary - Joshua expected that the people would also follow the Lord's command in driving out the Canaanites as they were clearly told to do, thereby following Joshua's example set in the first seven years of the conquest. But these three sins—complacency, compromise, and complaint—continually dogged the tracks of the tribes as they attempted to take over the land. Throughout its long and tumultuous history, Israel learned over and over again that complacency, compromise, and complaint always lead to failure... Forced labor ((04522)(mas/mac or mis/mic) masculine noun designating forced labor or service, tribute. It refers to labor forced on someone or service demanded, usually by the state (Gen. 49:15; Deut. 20:11; 1 Kgs. 5:14; Isa. 31:8); usually overseen by a foreman or task-master (Ex. 1:11; 1 Kgs. 4:6, 12:18). A person not willing to work or a lazy person may be put to forced labor (Pr 12:24). Gilbrant - Occurring over twenty times in the Hebrew Bible, mas has cognates attested in Tell el-Amarna, Akkadian, Old South Arabian and Ethiopic. It also appears in Middle Hebrew and Targumic. The noun denotes a government-enforced taxation, filled by labor or material goods. The latter usage is only attested in Est. 10:1, which records King Ahasuerus' empire-wide tax. The noun is used seven times to refer to the reduction of the former inhabitants of the Promised Land to forced laborers by the invading Israelites (Josh. 16:10; 17:13; Judg. 1:30, 33, 35; 1 Kings 9:21; 2 Chr. 8:8). There was the equivalent of a cabinet post for the person in charge of forced labor. The same name appears under the reigns of David, Solomon, Rehoboam and Adoram (2 Sam. 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:6; 12:18; 2 Chr. 10:18). It is logically possible that the same individual filled this post for Solomon's reign and an overlapping portion of the others. There were lower officials involved with the implementation of the taskmasters (Exo. 1:11). All citizens were subject to the levy for forced labor for public works (1 Kings 9:15) as well as the Canaanite classes who were consigned to this status in perpetuity. The permanent status of mas was a risk of war. In the instructions for how to pursue holy war, Yahweh instructs the population that they must offer peace and the status of mas to the inhabitants of certain besieged cities before destroying the city and killing the inhabitants (Deut. 20:11). The eventual fall of Assyria, the rod of Yahweh's vengeance against Israel, is assured by the promise that they will "fall with the sword, not of a mighty man... and he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited" (Isa. 31:8). The Book of Lamentations begins with the imagery of Jerusalem, a former princess, now reduced to an antithetical status of forced labor, imagery of defeat in war (1:1). Forced labor could also have been the result of laziness, of unwillingness to work extra hours to produce a surplus. In the Blessing of Jacob, Issachar is accused of having strength but lacking interest in working hard for himself, preferring the lack of anxiety about his labors at the end of the day, willingly becoming a laborer (Gen. 49:15). Likewise, an aphorism in Prov. 12:24 declares, "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule, while the slothful will be put under tribute." (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Strong's - 1) gang or body of forced labourers, task-workers, labour band or gang, forced service, task-work, serfdom, tributary, tribute, levy, taskmasters, discomfited 1a) labour-band, labour-gang, slave gang 1b) gang-overseers 1c) forced service, serfdom, tribute, enforced payment 22v - forced(2), forced labor(13), forced laborer(1), forced laborers(5), laborers*(2), men subject to forced labor(1), taskmasters*(1), tribute(1). Gen. 49:15; Exod. 1:11; Deut. 20:11; Jos. 16:10; Jos. 17:13; Jdg. 1:28; Jdg. 1:30; Jdg. 1:33; Jdg. 1:35; 2 Sam. 20:24; 1 Ki. 4:6; 1 Ki. 5:13; 1 Ki. 5:14; 1 Ki. 9:15; 1 Ki. 9:21; 1 Ki. 12:18; 2 Chr. 8:8; 2 Chr. 10:18; Est. 10:1; Prov. 12:24; Isa. 31:8; Lam. 1:1 Joshua 17:14 Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance, since I am a numerous people whom the LORD has thus far blessed?" one lot: Ge 48:22 Nu 26:34-37 De 33:13-17 a numerous people: Ge 48:19 49:22-26 Related Passage: 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. SONS OF JOSEPH COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR INHERITANCE. Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance, since I am a numerous people whom the LORD has thus far blessed (barak)?" - Who are the sons of Joseph? This must refer to both Ephraim and (WEST) Manasseh. Ponder their question for a moment. Who determined the lot according to Pr 16:33? So ultimately who is their complaint against? The implication is that they are not content with God's promised provision. They would have done well to realize that they did NOT deserve anything from God. That He gave them land at all is a manifestation of His magnificent grace. THOUGHT - Are we ever like the sons of Joseph? God has given us a certain "lot" in life, but we are not content with Hif gift. To a degree, this mindset probably affects most of God's children from time to time. We need to confess and repent. Then and only then will we experience contentment. It behooves us all to meditate on Paul's predicaments described in Philippians 4:11-12+. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. As a result of having learned to content and learned the secret, then and only then could he truly declare "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me." (Php 4:13+). We love to quote verse 13 but sadly often simply yank it out of context and lose the full meaning of this powerful passage. Donald Campbell comments "The descendants of Joseph registered a belligerent complaint with Joshua, claiming that their allotment was too small in light of their large population. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary Old Testament) Madvig - The relative sizes of the various tribes as recorded in Numbers 26 indicate that Ephraim and Manasseh should have qualified for one allotment each. When one looks at a map, however, and considers the relative size of the territory granted to each tribe, it becomes apparent that the first two lots in the territory west of the Jordan were disproportionately large (i.e., Judah and Joseph). In terms of square miles, the Joseph tribes had little reason to complain. Moreover, the land they were given was the most fertile in all Palestine. Joshua was certainly justified in resisting their request. (The Expositor's Bible Commentary Volume 3) ESV Study Bible makes an interesting point that "With the influx of the Israelites into Canaan, many settlements appear in areas never before settled: the highlands and the deserts. To support this human settlement in those areas not so easily cultivable, the Israelites borrowed or developed fresh agricultural techniques. One principal development of settlers in the mountains was agricultural terracing. In addition, plastered cisterns and rock-lined silos are abundant at these sites; they are rare in earlier periods." There may be some background that relates to the complaint by the sons of Joseph - "With the influx of the Israelites into Canaan, many settlements appear in areas never before settled: the highlands and the deserts. To support this human settlement in those areas not so easily cultivable, the Israelites borrowed or developed fresh agricultural techniques. One principal development of settlers in the mountains was agricultural terracing. In addition, plastered cisterns and rock-lined silos are abundant at these sites; they are rare in earlier periods." (ESV Study Bible) Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary - Verses 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. Blessed (Lxx = eulogeo)(01288) barak is a verb which literally can mean to kneel (to go to one's knees - Camel in Ge 24:11, Solomon in 2Chr 6:13) as contrasted with standing position or even a bowing at the waist). And so barak can refer to an act of adoration sometimes on bended knee. To give divine blessings (Ge 1:22, 9:1-7) To esteem greatly or adore God for His blessings (Ge 24:48, Ps 103:1) To invoke blessings upon another (Ge 24:60, 27:4, 27) The Hebrew is usually translated in the Lxx with eulogeo which literally means to speak well of and in this context to pronounce or bestow a blessing or gracious benefit upon the recipient. The English definition of to bless means "pronounce words in a religious rite, to confer or invoke divine favor upon; ask God to look favorably." Barak in Joshua - Jos. 8:33; Jos. 14:13; Jos. 17:14; Jos. 22:6; Jos. 22:7; Jos. 22:33; Jos. 24:10
Josué 17
Utley - “Jezreel” The name means “God sows”. Like several names in this list it can refer to a place and a person. 1. a place a. city—Josh. 15:56; 1 Sam. 25:43 (1) in Judah, Josh. 19:18 (2) in Issachar, b. valley—Josh. 17:16; Jdgs. 6:33 c. district—1 Kgs. 21:23; 2 Kgs. 9:10, 36, 37 2. a person a. 1 Chr. 4:3 b. Hosea 1:4 Joshua 17:17 Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, You are a numerous people: Jos 17:14 YOU ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR NEEDS! Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power - Joshua is old and primarily an administrator but he is still a seasoned military man and he gives the sons of Joseph two reasons they should not be fearful - you have a numerical and power advantage! You shall not have one lot only - NET = "You will not have just one tribal allotment." NLT = "you will be given more than one portion."