What does "you are numerous and very powerful" teach about God's blessings? Context of Joshua 17:17 “Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—‘You are numerous and very powerful; you shall not have just one allotment.’” (Joshua 17:17) Snapshot of the moment • Israel is settling Canaan, distributing tribal inheritances. • The descendants of Joseph worry their land is too small. • Joshua points to two obvious blessings God has already given: size (“numerous”) and strength (“very powerful”). • Those blessings are presented as the key to claiming even more territory. Blessing #1 – God multiplies His people • Throughout Scripture, a growing family or nation is tangible evidence of divine favor. – “The Israelites were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and became exceedingly strong.” (Exodus 1:7) – “The LORD your God has multiplied you, and here you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.” (Deuteronomy 1:10) • God’s first blessing to Abraham was numerical expansion. (Genesis 15:5; 22:17) • Children and descendants are called a heritage and reward. (Psalm 127:3-5) Takeaway: God’s blessing often shows up in lives, relationships, and influence that keep expanding beyond what human effort could produce. Blessing #2 – God empowers His people • “Powerful” (Hebrew: koach) speaks of might, capacity, and ability. – “Remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18) – “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.” (Psalm 18:32) • Strength is not merely physical; it includes courage, resources, and skill to meet challenges. • In the New Testament, the principle continues: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10) Takeaway: When God blesses, He supplies the ability required to lay hold of what He promises. Purpose of the blessings • Joshua ties abundance and power directly to taking more land. God’s gifts are meant to be leveraged in faithful obedience. • Blessing and responsibility always travel together: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) • Ephraim and Manasseh were to clear forests and drive out Canaanites (Joshua 17:18). God’s provision equips His people for active, even difficult, assignments. Echoes through redemptive history • Joseph himself received a double portion in Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 48:22). His offspring now experience that promise in real time. • The principle surfaces again when Jabez prays, “Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!” and God grants it. (1 Chronicles 4:10) • Spiritual multiplication marks the church: “The word of God continued to spread, and the disciples were increasing in number.” (Acts 6:7) Living it out today • Recognize every increase—people, resources, influence—as a gift straight from God’s hand. • Expect God-given strength to match God-given assignments; He never calls without equipping. • Steward growth and power for Kingdom purposes, pushing forward into the “land” He sets before you. • Celebrate that the same God who made Ephraim and Manasseh “numerous and very powerful” still delights to bless abundantly—and to use those blessings to advance His promises in our generation. |
    |