Joshua 17
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12–13 Here we learn that the Manassites did not drive all the Canaanites out of their land (see Joshua 16:10). Even after they had become strong they did not do so (verse 13); in this, they were disobeying God’s clear command (see Deuteronomy 7:1–2; 20:1618). Perhaps they wanted the economic benefits of the Canaanites’ forced labor.
14–18 These verses further reveal the unworthy character of the people of Joseph (verse 14)—that is, the Ephraimites and Manassites: they were not satisfied with the amount of land they had been given.62 Joshua was not sympathetic to their complaint. They said they had too little land; Joshua said they had too little faith.
Joshua told them to go and settle the uninhabited forested land in their area; why should they live only in the towns the Canaanites had built! (verse 15). When the people of Joseph expressed fear of the Canaanites and their iron chariots63 (verse 16), Joshua answered them with the confidence of faith: “. . . you can drive them out” (verse 18).