And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?
They hide their discontent under a mask of piety, but the truth is plain: they received what was proper for one tribe, not two. Joshua and the dividers knew full well that Ephraim and Manasseh were two distinct heads; God's counsel placed these brothers as neighbors to one another. To accuse Joshua of such heartlessness or malice is unworthy, he neither defrauded them through carelessness nor envy, and equity was strictly observed.
AI summary
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
The lot assigned them went undivided, so they called it one portion though it belonged to both tribes; their complaint amounts to saying the single allotment was too small for two. Manasseh had swelled by twenty thousand since Egypt, yet Joshua showed no favor to his own tribe. He administered with impartiality, as the sequel proves.
AI summary