Joshua 17:18 - but the hill country shall be yours. Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.”

Generated Verse: Joshua 17:18

What does "Joshua 17:18" mean?


This verse, Joshua 17:18, is part of Joshua's instructions to the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) regarding their inheritance in the Promised Land. Let's break down the meaning:

"but the hill country shall be yours": The tribes of Joseph were complaining that the land allotted to them was not sufficient (Joshua 17:14-16). Joshua is addressing their concerns by affirming that the hill country, a less desirable area compared to the fertile valleys, is indeed part of their inheritance.

"Although it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and it’s farthest extent shall be yours": This is a directive to actively clear and develop the land. Joshua acknowledges that the hill country is forested and likely more difficult to cultivate. However, he commands them to put in the effort to clear the trees and expand their territory. "Farthest extent" means they can claim and possess all of it.

"for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.": This is the core of the verse. Despite the perceived difficulty of the task and the formidable strength of the Canaanites (especially their iron chariots, which were a significant military advantage at the time), Joshua is encouraging them to overcome their fears and conquer their enemies. It's a call to faith and action, trusting in God's promise that they can overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Iron chariots were the tanks of the time.

In summary, the verse means:

Joshua acknowledges the challenges faced by the tribes of Joseph (infertile land and strong enemies). However, he assures them that:

The hill country is part of their inheritance.
They have the ability to overcome the challenges of clearing the land.
They have the power to defeat the Canaanites, even though they are strong and have advanced weaponry (iron chariots).

The verse serves as an encouragement to take initiative, overcome obstacles, and claim the full extent of their promised inheritance, trusting in God's support. It's a message of courage, perseverance, and faith in the face of seemingly impossible odds. It also highlights the need to actively work towards fulfilling God's promises, not just passively waiting for them to happen.

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