Definition: And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me [but] one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I [am] a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 17:14. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Situation: Joseph was treated unfairly: The verse tells us that Joseph, who was a very important figure in the Israelites' history, was given a very unusual arrangement. He was assigned to one lot and one portion of land. “A great people” – This is the key. The phrase "a great people" refers to the Israelites themselves – they were considered a powerful and blessed nation. What the Children of Joseph Said: They’re questioning the fairness: The children of Joseph (likely Joseph's family) are saying, “Why did you give us this arrangement? We’re already a great people! Why would you give us just one lot and one portion?” The Underlying Meaning – It’s About Exploitation & Disrespect: This verse is telling us that the Israelites were being treated with disrespect and perhaps even exploited by Joseph. It suggests that he was prioritizing his own benefit over the well-being of the people. It points to a possible situation where Joseph was taking advantage of the Israelites’ status or power. In essence, it's a lament about injustice and a potential violation of trust. Important Context (Briefly): This story is part of a larger pattern in the Old Testament. It speaks to a time when there were issues with Joseph, and it highlights the challenges of maintaining balance between power and fairness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some historical context about this story? Discuss its significance in relation to other biblical themes (like justice or trust)?