Joshua 17:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The tribes of Joseph object that the hill is too small and the valley Canaanites are too strong, with their iron chariots.
What Does Joshua 17:16 Mean?
The children of Joseph press their case further. The hill country, they say, is not enough, and the valleys are held by Canaanites armed with chariots of iron, both at Bethshean and in the valley of Jezreel. Their complaint now reveals a deeper reluctance, framed as fear of a stronger foe.
Their eyes are fixed on the chariots of iron rather than on the God who had already parted seas and toppled walls. The obstacle looms large because their confidence has shrunk. So often the difficulty before us swells in proportion to how small our trust in God has become. The same Lord who blessed them remained able to give the valleys, if only they would lift their gaze from the iron to the One who made it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joshua 17:16
What does Joshua 17:16 mean?
The tribes of Joseph object that the hill is too small and the valley Canaanites are too strong, with their iron chariots.