14 Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the Lord has blessed us until now?” 15 So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.” (Joshua 17:14-15)
Notice Joshua does not question their greatness, or whether or not they are deserving of greater space for themselves. He simply turns their arrogance back on themselves and gives them what they are wishing for.
If they would be willing to do the difficult work to accomplish their desire. In effect, Joshua was saying “You want more land? Go conquer it!” “You’re a great people? Then the giants should be no problem for you! There’s all the land you could ever need and more – go take it!”
In other words, Joshua said “If what you say about yourself is true, and I believe it, then it should bear fruit in your life! Go for it, and let’s see it!”
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