The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their allotted land. Then from the tribe of Manasseh, the five daughters of Zelophehad, who had no son, came to Joshua and claimed the land that Moses had promised to give them (Nu 27). They had petitioned both to Moses and to Joshua challenging the firm norms by their faith and courage. God honored these women's faith and courage and gave them an inheritance.

The tribes Ephraim and Manasseh complained that the land was not enough for them, because they neither cleared the forest nor drove out the powerful Canaanites equipped with iron chariots. Joshua saw that their real problem was not lack of land, but lack of faith, vision and fighting spirit. So, he encouraged them to be strong in the Lord to clear the forest to its farthest limits and drive their enemies out. Without faith, we see only obstacles and formidable enemies and complain. By faith we can see "spacious land" and great blessing beyond obstacles and enemies. Faith causes us to quit complaining and hold to what God has promised.


Application: Lord, help me to have faith and courage so that I may see God's great promises and hold onto them boldly. Help me to clear the land.
One Word: One word: Go up and clear land for yourselves