Thru the Bible in a Year
The book of Joshua is filled with action, but it is also filled with something else—division. Not division in the sense of conflict, but in the sense of inheritance. After years of wandering and warfare, Israel is finally receiving what was promised to them. Yet, as we see in Joshua 15–17, the process of receiving an inheritance from GOD is not simply a passive waiting; it requires faith, obedience, and effort.
In today’s reading, we follow Joshua as he continues distributing the land among the tribes. Each tribe receives its portion, but not all respond in the same way. Some, like Caleb, seize their inheritance boldly. Others, like Manasseh, hesitate, looking for an easier path. Their responses provide valuable lessons for us as we consider how we receive and walk in the spiritual inheritance GOD has given us.
The First Allotment: Judah’s Bold Possession (Joshua 15)
The first tribe to receive their portion was Judah. As one of the largest and most significant tribes, their territory was vast, covering land from the south to the west. But the standout story in this chapter is that of Caleb. Even in his old age, Caleb remained full of faith. He did not sit back and expect the land to fall into his lap. Instead, he actively took possession of it.
One striking moment is when Caleb challenges his people:
“To the man who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher, I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage.” (Joshua 15:16)
Caleb’s faith was contagious. His daughter, Aksah, also demonstrated boldness by asking for additional springs of water to support her land (Joshua 15:18-19). This is a powerful reminder that possessing GOD’s promises often requires not only courage but also wisdom. Like Caleb and Aksah, we must be willing to step forward in faith and ask boldly for what we need to thrive in the place GOD has given us.
The Second Allotment: Ephraim’s Partial Obedience (Joshua 16)
Next, the two sons of Joseph—Ephraim and Manasseh—receive their inheritance. This division is significant because Joseph’s two sons were elevated to full tribal status by Jacob. Their allotment was generous, reflecting the double portion aspect of the birthright that had been transferred from Reuben.
However, there is an ominous note in the account of Ephraim’s land:
“They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.” (Joshua 16:10)
Rather than fully obeying GOD’s command to drive out the inhabitants of the land, Ephraim allowed them to remain, choosing compromise over conquest. At first glance, this may have seemed like a practical solution—enslaving the Canaanites rather than destroying them. But this decision would have long-term consequences, as these remaining peoples would later become a source of corruption and idolatry for Israel.
How often do we, like Ephraim, settle for partial obedience? We may claim GOD’s promises, but if we leave room for compromise, we allow footholds of sin to remain in our lives. Whether it’s lingering habits, unhealthy relationships, or fear of full surrender, anything left unconquered in our spiritual lives has the potential to grow into a bigger problem.
The Third Allotment: Manasseh’s Excuses (Joshua 17)
Manasseh, Joseph’s other son, received an even larger portion of land. However, the attitude of the tribe was very different from Caleb’s. When they saw the difficult terrain and the strong enemies in their land, they hesitated. Instead of moving forward in faith, they complained:
“The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron.” (Joshua 17:16)
Manasseh wanted more land, but they didn’t want to put in the work to conquer it. They wanted privilege, but not responsibility. Joshua’s response was direct:
“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its furthest limits will be yours.” (Joshua 17:17-18)
Joshua didn’t entertain their excuses. He called them to step into what GOD had already given them. This is a lesson for all of us. Sometimes, instead of waiting for an easier way, we need to step forward in faith and take hold of what GOD has already placed in front of us. Victory is not always about having fewer obstacles—it’s about having more trust in GOD’s strength.
Spiritual Application: How Do We Claim Our Inheritance?
Each of these tribes teaches us something about claiming our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
Like Caleb, we must boldly step into GOD’s promises. We cannot wait passively; we must take action in faith.
Like Ephraim, we must avoid compromise. Partial obedience leads to long-term consequences.
Like Manasseh, we must stop making excuses. GOD calls us to courage and perseverance.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we have an inheritance that is far greater than land or possessions:
“In Him, we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” (Ephesians 1:11)
The question is: Are we walking in that inheritance, or are we hesitating? Are we fully trusting GOD, or are we allowing fear and compromise to hold us back?
Final Thought: No Inheritance Without Effort
Claiming GOD’s promises requires faith, action, and perseverance. GOD had given the Israelites the land, but they still had to conquer it. In the same way, we must take hold of the spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ. Let’s not be like Manasseh, looking for an easy way out. Instead, let’s be like Caleb, trusting in GOD’s faithfulness and boldly stepping into all He has for us.
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Related Article:
Possessing the Promised Land – Crosswalk.com
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