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.”
These complainers promised themselves favor because Joshua was of their own tribe, yet he shows no partiality, he administers his office impartially to all. They call their competent provision a mere single lot as if scorning it, though they were blessed abundantly; but those who speak thankfully of present increase should not doubt God will supply what is yet to come.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 17:14-18
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 country; which was near them, and within their borders, and lay on hills and mountains, perhaps the mountains of Gilboa, and therefore are bid to go up: and cut...
The complaint was that their allotment could not contain such a numerous people, yet Joshua rebuked their unbelief and cowardice by turning all their arguments back upon them. His answer was full of wisdom and patriotism alike.
AI summary
Commenting on Joshua 17:14-18