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Faith Requires Action (Joshua 16 & 17)

  • Writer: Kristi Bishop
    Kristi Bishop
  • Mar 6
  • 3 min read

These two chapters have been kind of hard to get through because it’s more land division again, and honestly, I’ve been walking through some emotional things lately.

But like I’ve said before… with anything in the Bible, there is always a reason it’s there and always a message tucked inside.

And we’re getting through this Bible Study....emotinal or not! 🙌




Joshua 16 and 17 focus on the land given to Joseph’s descendants: Ephraim and the remaining half of Manasseh that hadn’t yet received their portion.


One moment that really stood out to me was the mention of Zelophehad. He was Joseph’s great‑great‑great grandson who had no sons, only daughters. After he passed away, his daughters boldly approached Joshua, the priest, and the leaders and said:

“The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our relatives.”

And Joshua honored it.


He gave them their inheritance right alongside their father’s brothers — showing that God does not overlook anyone, even when human tradition might.


Clear the land

Both tribes received a large amount of land in the center of the country. But here’s the issue: they didn’t finish the job.   Instead of driving out the Canaanites completely, they allowed them to stay. And then, after not fully taking what they already had....they went to Joshua asking for more land.


Joshua told them to go up into the forest and clear the land for themselves.


Their response was basically, “It’s not big enough for all of us plus the Canaanites… we need more.”


Joshua came back with a strong reminder:


“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only the one allotment, but the forest as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Even though the Canaanites have iron chariots and are strong — YOU CAN drive them out.”


In other words:

Stop asking for more when you haven’t even taken hold of what you’ve already been given.

My Takeaway:



God's Promises are Not Limited by Human Tradition or Expectations...


Even when we receive our Promises there's still effort and faith that are Needed to FULLY Obey and Push all the way through!


His promises aren’t about what we can get from Him, but about drawing closer to Him and living out His purpose.

Let's not ask for more if we haven't been responsible with what we have already been given.

Sometimes our promises are hidden behind the very work we are trying to avoid.


So, lets trust God....not just for easy blessings through this journey but for the strength to face the hard parts too.


Faith requires action, and God is Always faithful as we step forward with Him


Reflection Questions:


  • Where might I be asking God for “more” while leaving parts of what He’s already given me unfinished or unattended?

  • What promise in my life requires effort, courage, or “clearing the forest” that I’ve been avoiding?

  • What am I allowing to remain in my territory....fear, habits, compromises....that God has already given me the strength to drive out?




⬇️I would Love to hear your thoughts! Let's stay connected...Feel free to respond and leave a comment below!!⬇️



Joshua 3&4 Bible Study --> Take action on your Faith (Joshua 3&4)


Joshua 9 & 10 Bible Study --> Facing Back to Back Battles! (Joshua 9 &10)

Joshua 11 & 12 Bible Study --> Walk with Purpose (Joshua 11 & 12)

Joshua 13 & 14 Bible Study --> There's Still work to do.... Joshua (13&14)

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