Joshua 17:15
Joshua 17:15 in Multiple Translations
Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.”
And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
And Joshua said unto them, If thou be a great people, get thee up to the forest, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill-country of Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
Then Joshua said to them, If you are such a great people, go up into the woodlands, clearing a place there for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, if the hill-country of Ephraim is not wide enough for you.
Joshua told them, “If there's so many of you, if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, then go and clear ground for yourselves from the forest in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.”
Ioshua then answered them, If thou be much people, get thee vp to the wood, and cut trees for thy selfe there in the lande of the Perizzites, and of the gyants, if mount Ephraim be too narowe for thee.
And Joshua saith unto them, 'If thou [art] a numerous people, go up for thee to the forest, then thou hast prepared for thee there, in the land of the Perizzite, and of the Rephaim, when mount Ephraim hath been narrow for thee.'
Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest, and clear land for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.”
And Joshua answered them, If thou art a great people, then go up to the wood, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
And Josue said to them: If thou be a great people, go up into the woodland, and cut down room for thyself in the land of the Pherezite and the Raphaims: because the possession of mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee.
Joshua replied to them, “I agree that you do not have enough land in the hilly area of the tribe of Ephraim. So, since you have a lot of people, I will allot more land to you, in the hilly region. But you will have to cut down the trees in the forest and make a place for yourselves in the land where the Periz and Repha people-groups live.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 17:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 17:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ
אִם
עַם
רַ֤ב
אַתָּה֙
עֲלֵ֣ה
לְ/ךָ֣
הַ/יַּ֔עְרָ/ה
וּ/בֵרֵאתָ֤
לְ/ךָ֙
שָׁ֔ם
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
הַ/פְּרִזִּ֖י
וְ/הָֽ/רְפָאִ֑ים
כִּֽי
אָ֥ץ
לְ/ךָ֖
הַר
אֶפְרָֽיִם
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
עַם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
רַ֤ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֲלֵ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
הַ/יַּ֔עְרָ/ה
yaʻar
H3293
Jaar
Art | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בֵרֵאתָ֤
bârâʼ
H1254
to create
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
הַ/פְּרִזִּ֖י
Pᵉrizzîy
H6522
Perizzite
Art | Ngmsa
וְ/הָֽ/רְפָאִ֑ים
râphâʼ
H7497
Rapha
Conj | Art | N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָ֥ץ
ʼûwts
H213
to hasten
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
הַר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 17:15
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֗עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
עַם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
רַ֤ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֲלֵ֣ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/יַּ֔עְרָ/ה
yaʻar
H3293
"Jaar"
Art | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word Yaar refers to a forest or a copse of bushes, and also to a honeycomb. It is associated with Kiriath-jearim, a place name in the Bible. This word is used to describe natural environments.
Definition: honeycomb Another name of qir.yat ye.a.rim (קִרְיַת יְעָרִים "Kiriath-jearim" H7157)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: (honey-) comb, forest, wood. See also: Deuteronomy 19:5; Isaiah 10:18; Psalms 29:9.
וּ/בֵרֵאתָ֤
bârâʼ
H1254
"to create"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
This verb means to create or make something, often used to describe God's creative power. It can also mean to choose or select something. The Bible uses it to describe God's creation of the world.
Definition: 1) to create, shape, form 1a) (Qal) to shape, fashion, create (always with God as subject) 1a1) of heaven and earth 1a2) of individual man 1a3) of new conditions and circumstances 1a4) of transformations 1b) (Niphal) to be created 1b1) of heaven and earth 1b2) of birth 1b3) of something new 1b4) of miracles 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cut down 1c2) to cut out
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: choose, create (creator), cut down, dispatch, do, make (fat). See also: Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 40:28; Psalms 51:12.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/פְּרִזִּ֖י
Pᵉrizzîy
H6522
"Perizzite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Perizzite was a member of a Canaanite tribe, first mentioned in Genesis 13:7, that lived in southern Canaan before the conquest. They were one of the groups the Israelites encountered. The name likely means 'belonging to a village'.
Definition: Someone descended from Periz(?), first mentioned at Gen.13.7 § Perizzite = "belonging to a village" a people who inhabited southern Canaan prior to the conquest
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Perizzite. See also: Genesis 13:7; Joshua 9:1; Nehemiah 9:8.
וְ/הָֽ/רְפָאִ֑ים
râphâʼ
H7497
"Rapha"
Conj | Art | N-proper
The Raphaite were a group of giants, including Goliath, mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16, who lived during the time of King David.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.21.16; father of: Goliath (H1555), Ishbi-benob (H3430), Saph (H5593), Lahmi (H3902), huge_man (H4060A); also translated "giant"; Also named: re.pha.im (רְפָאִים "Raphaite" H7497H) § giant, Rephah
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s). See also H1051 (בֵּית רָפָא). See also: Genesis 14:5; 2 Samuel 5:22; Isaiah 17:5.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָ֥ץ
ʼûwts
H213
"to hasten"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to hurry or make haste, often used to describe urgency or pressure. It appears in various forms, such as in Psalm 38:22, where David asks God to hasten and help him. The word conveys a sense of urgency or being pressed for time.
Definition: 1) to press, be pressed, make haste, urge, be narrow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to press, hasten 1a2) to be pressed, confined, narrow 1a3) to hasten, make haste 1a4) be narrow 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to urge, insist 1b2) to hasten
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n, -y), labor, be narrow. See also: Genesis 19:15; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 19:2.
לְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — Joshua 17:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 17:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:15
- Barnes' Notes on Joshua 17:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
- Sermons on Joshua 17:15
Context — Manasseh’s Western Inheritance
13However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they put the Canaanites to forced labor; but they failed to drive them out completely.
14Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.”
15Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.”
16“The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” 17So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 13:7 | And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land. |
| 2 | Genesis 14:5 | In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaites in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim, |
| 3 | Luke 12:48 | But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 5:22 | Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 5 | Genesis 15:20 | Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 5:18 | Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. |
| 7 | Exodus 33:2 | And I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. |
| 8 | Ezra 9:1 | After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. |
Joshua 17:15 Summary
Joshua 17:15 is a verse where Joshua is talking to the sons of Joseph, who are feeling like their allotted land is too small for their large population, as they had been blessed abundantly by the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:13-17. Joshua tells them to go and clear some land in the forest, which is inhabited by the Perizzites and the Rephaim, as listed in Exodus 3:8 and 33:2. This verse teaches us to trust God to provide for us, even when we feel like we don't have enough, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34. It also encourages us to be willing to work hard and overcome challenges to achieve our goals, as described in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hill country of Ephraim and why is it mentioned in Joshua 17:15?
The hill country of Ephraim refers to a mountainous region in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, as described in Joshua 16:1-10, and it is mentioned in Joshua 17:15 as the allotted inheritance for the sons of Joseph, which they felt was too small for their large population, as they had been blessed abundantly by the Lord, as seen in Deuteronomy 33:13-17.
Who are the Perizzites and the Rephaim mentioned in Joshua 17:15?
The Perizzites and the Rephaim were two of the many nations that inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelites, as listed in Exodus 3:8 and 33:2, and Joshua 17:15 instructs the sons of Joseph to clear an area in their land if they need more space.
Is Joshua 17:15 suggesting that the Israelites should attack and drive out the Perizzites and the Rephaim?
Joshua 17:15 is not necessarily instructing the Israelites to attack the Perizzites and the Rephaim, but rather to clear the land and make it habitable for themselves, as seen in Numbers 33:52-53, where the Lord commands the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land and destroy their idols.
How does Joshua 17:15 relate to the overall theme of the book of Joshua?
Joshua 17:15 relates to the overall theme of the book of Joshua, which is the conquest and division of the land of Canaan, as seen in Joshua 1:1-6, and it highlights the challenges and opportunities that the Israelites faced as they settled in the promised land, as described in Deuteronomy 1:6-8 and Joshua 13:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I need more space or resources, and how can I trust God to provide for me, as seen in Philippians 4:19 and Matthew 6:25-34?
- How can I apply the principle of clearing the land and making it habitable, as instructed in Joshua 17:15, to my own life and spiritual journey, as described in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5?
- What are some giants or obstacles in my life that seem insurmountable, and how can I trust God to give me the strength and courage to overcome them, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Ephesians 6:10-18?
- How can I balance my own desires and needs with the will of God, as Joshua did in Joshua 17:15, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in my decisions, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5-8?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 17:15
And Joshua answered them,.... By retorting their own argument upon them: if thou [be] a great people; which he does not deny, as they were for numbers and power: [then] get thee up to the wood
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 17:15
And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
He retorts their own argument: Seeing thou art a great and numerous people, turn thy complaints into actions and valiant exploits, and enlarge thy borders by thy own hand, to which thou mayst confidently expect God’ s assistance. To the wood country; to the mountain, as it, is called, , where among some towns there is much wood land, which thou mayst without much difficulty possess, and so get the more room. Cut down, i.e. the wood, , for thy own advantage and use; partly in building more cities and towns; and partly for preparing the land for the use of pasture and tillage. The Perizzites; supposed to be a savage and brutish kind of people, that lived in woods and mountains. Of the giants, who lived in caves and mountains, now especially when they were driven out of their cities. If Mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee, or, seeing Mount Ephraim is too narrow for thee, as thou complainest, take to thyself the rest of that hilly and wood country. Mount Ephraim was a particular and eminent portion of the land, belonging to the tribe of Ephraim, as appears from 20:7 21:21 . And this seems to be here mentioned synecdochically, for all the portion allotted to Ephraim and Manasseh, as appears from their complaint, which was not that this part, but that their whole portion, was too strait for them.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
Joshua 17:15 And Joshua answered them, If thou [be] a great people, [then] get thee up to the wood [country], and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.Ver. 15. If thou be a great people.] Thus he retorteth their arguments upon themselves, that if they were so numerous, they were the better able to enlarge their borders by their own endeavours, though it might be to their pains and peril. Get thee up to the wood.] Where many hands may make light work, and soon lay all level, fit for thy use. If mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee.] And so thou want room, as bees do, that for like cause, do hang out of the hive’ s mouth on heaps.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
Verse 15. If thou be a great people] Joshua takes them at their own word; they said, Joshua 17:14, that they were a great people; then said he, If thou be a great people or seeing thou art a great people, go to the wood country, and clear away for thyself. Joshua would not reverse the decision of the lot; but as there was much woodland country, he gave them permission to clear away as much of it as they found necessary to extend themselves as far as they pleased.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 17:15
15. And Joshua answered them] They expected of their fellow-tribesman a better guardianship of their interests. If thou be a great people] There is a kind of delicate irony in Joshua’s reply. “Yes, it is true that thou art a numerous people, and hast great strength, and oughtest to have more than one share. But if thou wouldest have it, procure it for thyself! Rely on thine own power and resources!” get thee up to the wood country] i.e. the forest of the “mountain of Ephraim.” This was a district, which extended as far south as Ramah and Bethel (1 Samuel 1:1; 1 Samuel 7:17; 2 Chronicles 13:19). It is an elevated district of limestone, consisting of rounded hills separated by valleys of denudation, but much less regular and monotonous than that part more to the south, about and below Jerusalem; with wide plains in the heart of the mountains, streams of running water, and continuous tracts of vegetation. That the “mount” was then covered with woods is clear from 1 Samuel 14:25; 2 Samuel 18:6, and even now travellers have found wooded heights, and forests of oak trees, between Carmel and the mountains of Samaria. To these mountain heights even the members of other tribes resorted for shelter and for power. “Ehud the Benjamite, when he armed his countrymen against Moab, ‘blew his trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim’ (Judges 3:27-28); Deborah, though, as it would seem, herself of the northern tribes, ‘dwelt between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim’ (Judges 4:5). Tola, of Issachar, judged Israel in Shamir, in Mount Ephraim (Judges 10:1). Samuel, too, was of Ramathaim-zophim of Mount Ephraim.” Stanley, S. and P., p. 231.
The name, “Mount Ephraim,” is applied here, in anticipation, to the mountain which afterward received it as a standing name, from the tribe of Ephraim, to which it was first assigned. cut down for thyself] “Cut down for thyself there,” says the great Captain, “in the land of the Perizzites (see above, Joshua 3:10) and of the giants” or Rephaim (see above, ch. Joshua 12:4), “if Mount Ephraim is too narrow.”
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 17:15
Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, but far from supporting the demands of his kinsmen he reproves them, and calls upon them to make good their great words by corresponding deeds of valor.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 17:15
15. If thou be a great people — Here is notable irony, but no “mockery,” as Ewald assumes. The great captain could wield cutting sarcasm as well as deadly weapons. It is the best medicine for conceit and self-adulation.
Sermons on Joshua 17:15
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The Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of facing hard places in life as opportunities for spiritual growth and discipline. He illustrates this through the stories of the daughter |
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Joshua Chapter 9 the Discipline or Hard Places by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson explores the lessons from Joshua Chapter 9, emphasizing the significance of hard places in our spiritual journey. He highlights the faith of the daughters of Zelopheha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 13:5-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of love and unity among believers. He shares a personal story about his uncle who never came to the Lord because of the figh |
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(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent |
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Through the Bible - Genesis - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God. He emphasizes that God watches every transaction and attitu |
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Imperatives - Authority by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the 300 soldiers who fought alongside Gideon. He emphasizes that their discipline and way of life revealed their true char |
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(Genesis) 26 -\tthe Lure of the Invisible and Abram's Choice by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon on the book of Genesis, the preacher focuses on the story of Abram and his journey back to the holy land after facing difficulties in Egypt. Despite Abram's previous |