12 Yet the Manassites were not ablek 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.l

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.”m

15 “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forestn and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizziteso and Rephaites.p”

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,q both those in Beth Shanr and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”s

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 allotmentt 18 but the forested hill countryu as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with ironv and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”