John Calvin Commentary Joshua 17:16

"And the children of Joseph said, The hill-country is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are in Beth-shean and its towns, and they who are in the valley of Jezreel." — Joshua 17:16 (ASV)

And the children of Joseph said, and so on. It is quite apparent that they were thinking only of themselves, because they quibble as much as they can to avoid following Joshua's suggestion—a suggestion than which, however, nothing was more reasonable. They object that the mountain is rugged and little better than a desert, and therefore, even if it were added to them, they would derive very little benefit from it.

In regard to the plain, which was cultivated and fertile, they object that they are shut out and debarred from it because of the formidable array of the enemy. Accordingly, they mention their iron chariots, as if they had not already learned by experience that the Lord was able, without any difficulty, to trample down both horses and chariots.

Joshua, however, with a simple and sincere answer, delivers a fitting rebuke for both their greed and their weakness and sluggishness. If the forest, as it is now, is not productive enough, cut down the trees and turn it into good fields; provided you are not sparing of your labor, you will have no reason to be dissatisfied with your dwelling place. Moreover, iron chariots cannot prevent the Lord from performing what He has promised you. The inheritance is yours; simply do your part by taking possession of it with due confidence.