But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.
JOSHUA 17:18KJVWhat does Joshua 17:18 mean?
Joshua 17:18 promises the descendants of Joseph that they will possess the forested mountain land, even though it is currently covered with trees and occupied by strong Canaanites with iron chariots. The verse assures them that, despite these challenges, they will be able to clear the land and drive out its inhabitants.
Joshua is speaking to the tribe of Joseph (which includes Ephraim and Manasseh), addressing their concerns about not having enough land. He tells them that the wooded hill country will belong to them if they are willing to clear it, and that they will overcome the Canaanites living there, even though these enemies are well-equipped and powerful.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 17:18
- "mountain" (הַר, har): This word refers to the hilly or mountainous region being offered to the tribe, emphasizing that the land is not flat or easy to cultivate but requires effort to settle.
- "wood" (יָעַר, ya'ar): This highlights that the land is forested, meaning it is not immediately ready for farming or building and will require the people to clear the trees.
- "outgoings" (תּוֹצָאָה, totza'ah): This word can refer to the borders or the extent of the land, suggesting that the tribe will possess not just the central area but also its farthest reaches.
- "iron" (בַּרְזֶל, barzel) and "chariots" (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Mentioning iron chariots underlines the military strength of the Canaanites, showing that the challenge is real and not just about clearing trees but also about facing a formidable enemy.
Why Joshua 17:18 matters
- Joshua 17:18 clarifies that the land given to the tribe of Joseph is not limited to easy or already-cleared areas; it includes challenging terrain that requires effort and courage to claim.
- The verse addresses a common misunderstanding that God’s promises always come easily; here, the people must work hard and face strong opposition to receive their inheritance.
- This verse connects to the broader theme in Joshua of trusting God’s promises even when circumstances look difficult, and it shows that the boundaries of the land are not fixed by current obstacles but by God’s assurance.