Joshua 17:12-18

New International Version

¹² Yet the Manassites were not able^(A) to occupy these towns, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that region. ¹³ However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not drive them out completely.^(B)

¹⁴ 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.”^(C)

¹⁵ “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest^(D) and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites^(E) and Rephaites.^(F)”

¹⁶ The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron,^(G) both those in Beth Shan^(H) and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”^(I)

¹⁷ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment^{(J) 18} but the forested hill country^(K) as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron^(L) and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”