יהושע, פרק י״ז, פסוק י״ז

Joshua's response to the descendants of Joseph acknowledges their unique strength and their capacity to reshape the boundaries of their inheritance. He makes it clear that the land they initially received is not a fixed limit, but rather a starting point that they have the ability to expand.

Joshua highlights two distinct qualities that define these tribes. First, they possess a large population, and second, they have great physical strength [מלבי״ם]. This power is the result of their consistent and continuous growth over time [רלב״ג]. Because of these traits, they hold the military capability required to fight and actively push their borders outward [מצודת דוד].

In light of these significant advantages, Joshua determines that their territory will not remain a single, small, and restricted portion [רלב״ג, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Instead, they possess the means to increase their land holdings. Recognizing this necessity, Joshua understands that additional territories must be integrated into their borders, specifically by incorporating certain cities situated within the neighboring lands of the tribes of Asher and Issachar [מלבי״ם].