Joshua 17:14

One lot. Here Ephraim and Manasseh are regarded as one tribe, the tribe of Joseph. At least it was to their advantage to be considered so now. They probably recalled the promise and prophecy of Jacob (Gen. 48:22) in which the aged patriarch gave to Joseph one portion above his brethren. But, at the same time, they seemed conveniently to forget that their brethren had received a portion across the Jordan. A selfish, grasping spirit always forgets how much has already been received. Manasseh and Ephraim were probably comparing their portion with what Judah had received. Then, too, they may have reasoned that Joshua, being of the tribe of Ephraim, would show them special favor. But Joshua was too great a man to yield to so small and selfish a proposal as that of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

A great people. The attitude of the children of Joseph is duplicated by many today. Those who have an exalted opinion of self often think that their greatness ought to be recognized by God and men, and if it is not recognized, then they maintain that something is wrong with either God or men. In the case under consideration, if the descendants of Joseph were a great people because of the blessing of the Lord, then they should have continued to look to Him for continued blessings rather than unfairly to request of Joshua more than their share.

There is ever a danger that when men are blessed of God they will attribute this blessing to some merit of their own. This may be the reason why they do not receive more of Heaven’s benefits. They are prone to interpret these favors wrongly, and while giving credit to God with the lips, in their hearts they are all the while giving credit to self.