Word of Encouragement (07/04/2023)

Then the people of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me but one lot and one portion as an inheritance, although I am a numerous people, since all along the LORD has blessed me?" (Josh. 17:14)

Here is another indirect prayer: the people of Joseph are addressing Joshua, God’s servant, regarding the allotment of the land. You can sense the bitter, accusatory tone of their voice. They are complaining about the small size of their allotment. To complain thus to Joshua was to complain to God since the allotment was made by lot (which reflected God’s decision).

It seems that their complaint is justified. As you know, the people of Joseph were made up of two tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim. Jacob, with his blessings on these two sons of Joseph, “adopted” them, and they became Israel’s patriarchs along with their ten uncles (because the tribe of Levi would eventually be set apart for the priestly service). So, we read later on in v. 17, “Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh....” It was only right that they should receive two portions, not just one. (But you may remember that the half-tribe of Manasseh decided to stay on the east side of the Jordan River and received a huge portion of the land.)

Here, we see an instance of a common mistake we often make: assuming that others are acting out of malicious intent instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. The people of Joseph could have expressed their concern that the allotment they had received might not be enough and humbly asked whether he could make any adjustments. But they talked to Joshua as if he discriminated against them in malice. This was an unfair and false accusation. As we said, the allotment was by lot; it was not up to Joshua. What is more, he was one of them, being an Ephraimite. Matthew Henry suggests that, for that very reason, the people of Joseph might have expected Joshua to give them preferential treatment. We often get disappointed and upset, not because actual injustice was done against us but because we had faulty expectations.

When we speak like the people of Joseph, we create an adversarial setting for the ensuing conversation. The other party is more likely to fight back or get defensive. Instead of working together for a solution, the two parties end up arguing against each other. Fortunately, Joshua was wise enough not to let this conversation escalate to a major conflict. But we can see how much more beneficial it is to take on the tone of a humble inquirer rather than a presumptuous accuser and judge. We should not presume to know what is in the hearts of others. God alone has that authority. We should be humble enough to give people a chance to explain themselves before we jump to conclusions.

Let us pray that God would make us peacemakers in the likeness of Jesus Christ instead of instigators of misunderstanding and conflict.

‍