Joshua 16
Overview
Joshua 16 describes the allocation of land to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. This chapter provides insights into their territory and the challenges they face in fully claiming their inheritance. Key points include:
Territorial Boundaries: The land given to the descendants of Joseph extends from the Jordan River at Jericho, eastward into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel. It then goes from Bethel to Luz, passing along to the border of the Archites at Ataroth.
More Boundaries and Cities: The territory also descends westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the territory of Lower Beth Horon and to Gezer, ending at the sea.
Inheritance of the Tribe of Ephraim: The specific inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim is outlined within the land of Manasseh. Their boundary is detailed, including a list of specific towns and cities.
Issue with the Canaanites: The chapter notes that the Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. Consequently, the Canaanites continue to live among them but are subject to forced labor.
Overall Perspective on Joseph’s Descendants: The chapter provides a broader view of the allotment for Joseph’s descendants, emphasizing the joint heritage of Ephraim and Manasseh, and their struggle to fully occupy their assigned territories.
Joshua 16, while brief, plays an important role in the narrative of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. It highlights the intertwined destinies of Ephraim and Manasseh, reflecting the broader theme of the Israelite tribes working to establish themselves in the land promised to them by God. The presence of Canaanites within their territory foreshadows future conflicts and the complexities of fully realizing their inheritance.
Territorial Boundaries: The land given to the descendants of Joseph extends from the Jordan River at Jericho, eastward into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel. It then goes from Bethel to Luz, passing along to the border of the Archites at Ataroth.
More Boundaries and Cities: The territory also descends westward to the territory of the Japhletites as far as the territory of Lower Beth Horon and to Gezer, ending at the sea.
Inheritance of the Tribe of Ephraim: The specific inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim is outlined within the land of Manasseh. Their boundary is detailed, including a list of specific towns and cities.
Issue with the Canaanites: The chapter notes that the Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. Consequently, the Canaanites continue to live among them but are subject to forced labor.
Overall Perspective on Joseph’s Descendants: The chapter provides a broader view of the allotment for Joseph’s descendants, emphasizing the joint heritage of Ephraim and Manasseh, and their struggle to fully occupy their assigned territories.
Joshua 16, while brief, plays an important role in the narrative of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. It highlights the intertwined destinies of Ephraim and Manasseh, reflecting the broader theme of the Israelite tribes working to establish themselves in the land promised to them by God. The presence of Canaanites within their territory foreshadows future conflicts and the complexities of fully realizing their inheritance.
Joshua 16
1 And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,
2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
4 So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.
5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
7 And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.
8 The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.
9 And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.
10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.
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End of Joshua 16
1 Year Plan: Apr 6 - Josh 16, Josh 17, Luk 24
2 And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
3 And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
4 So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.
5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
6 And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
7 And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.
8 The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.
9 And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.
10 And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.
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End of Joshua 16
1 Year Plan: Apr 6 - Josh 16, Josh 17, Luk 24
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