Put in the work

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as I attempt to read the Bible with fresh eyes, as if I don't know anything about it, and without consulting experts on what it "really" means. Let's see where this takes us! 

Joshua 17

I'm reading Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

It appears that the vision of The LORD as communicated by Moses had not entirely been accomplished. The Canaanites (children of flesh) were not driven out of Gibeon, Jerusalem, and Gezer by the Israelites (children of spirit). And now, it seems, Canaanites weren't driven out of the towns allotted to the tribe of  Manasseh.   

Manasseh did make those towns do forced labor; I wonder if that's equivalent to and a replacement for "paying taxes." But they complained to Joshua that they didn't have enough land and couldn't capture the towns.

Joshua essentially told them that it was not his problem. He's saying they have enough land if they clear the forests and drive out the Canaanites. He thought they were numerous enough and mighty enough to do both without the aid of the other tribes.

It's as if Manasseh wanted the land, and wanted the towns, but didn't want to put in the work even though they did have ultimate control of the land.

If you were given a house and a large backyard, would you go to the mayor and demand that your neighbors take care of the house and do the yard work for you?

This seems like what Manasseh is asking of Joshua. And Joshua is saying, you were given this gift, but it's up to you to put in the work to take care of it. Others won't take care of it for you, because it's yours.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support! You may contact James for your writing, editing, and research needs: jamesleroywilson-at-gmail.com.

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)