~ Ephraim and Manasseh Receive Their Allotted Lands ~

So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph,
received their inheritance.
. . . 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.

. . . The people of Joseph said to Joshua,
"Why have you given us only one allotment
and one portion for an inheritance?
We are a numerous people
and the Lord has blessed us abundantly.

"If you are so numerous," Joshua answered,
"and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you,
go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves
there in the land of the Perizzites and Raphaites."

The people of Joseph replied,
"The hill country is not enough for us,
and all the Canaanites who live in the plain
have iron chariots,
both those in Beth Shan and its settlements
and those in the Valley of Jezreel."

But Joshua said to the house of Joseph --
to Ephraim and Manasseh --
"You are numerous and very powerful.
You will have not only one allotment
but the forested hill country as well.
Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours;
though the Canaanites have iron chariots
and though they are strong,
you can drive them out.

(Joshua 16:4, 10; 17: 14-18)