Joshua 16
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1The lot came out for the children of Joseph from the Jordan at Jericho, at the waters of Jericho on the east, even the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel. 2It went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the Archites to Ataroth; 3and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Beth Horon the lower, and on to Gezer; and ended at the sea. 4The children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance. 5This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper. 6The border went out westward at Michmethath on the north. The border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah. 7It went down from Janoah to Ataroth, to Naarah, reached to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan. 8From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families; 9together with the cities which were set apart for the children of Ephraim in the middle of the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 10They didn’t drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell in the territory of Ephraim to this day, and have become servants to do forced labor.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And the territory of the people of Joseph went from the Jordan by Jericho, east of the waters of Jericho, into the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel;”
Joshua 16:1
Summary
In Joshua chapter 16, the land of Ephraim and the western half of Manasseh is allotted to the descendants of Joseph. The chapter describes the boundaries of the territory assigned to Ephraim, outlining its cities and the geographical features that define its borders. The narrative emphasizes the significance of land allocation among the tribes of Israel as a fulfillment of God's promise to give them a homeland. This distribution not only reinforces the importance of each tribe but also underscores God’s fidelity to His covenant with the people of Israel. The chapter also touches on the challenges faced by the Ephraimites as they confront the Canaanites who reside in their territory, reminding us of the continuous struggle between God’s promised blessings and the realities of life, including warfare and opposition.
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Chapter outline
How Joshua 16 unfolds
Joshua 16:1–4 The Lot for Joseph's Descendants
The land is allocated to the descendants of Joseph, specifically Ephraim and Manasseh, outlining the starting point at Jericho and describing their inheritance.
Joshua 16:5–8 Boundaries of Ephraim's Inheritance
The chapter details the borders of Ephraim, including locations such as Ataroth Addar and the brook of Kanah, defining their territory.
Joshua 16:9–10 Cities of Ephraim and Canaanite Presence
Ephraim receives cities within Manasseh's territory, but they struggle with the Canaanites living among them, who remain as servants.
Key verses
Joshua 16:1Joshua 16:1 encapsulates the chapter's focus on land allocation, highlighting God's promises being fulfilled through the descendants of Joseph.
Main themes in Joshua 16
Land and inheritance
The theme of land and inheritance is central in Joshua 16 as the territory of Ephraim is delineated in verses 1-4. The allocation highlights the importance of land as a divine promise and the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel. It reinforces the tribal identities and their respective inheritances, establishing a foundation for their future.
Fulfillment of God's promises
This chapter demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises through the allocation of land to Joseph's descendants in verses 1-4. It underscores God's ongoing faithfulness to Israel, providing them with a homeland as He promised. The land allocation not only affirms God's fidelity but also serves as a tangible inheritance for the tribes.
Tribal identity and unity
Tribal identity and unity surface in Joshua 16 as Ephraim and Manasseh are delineated within the land's distribution, particularly in verses 4-9. This allocation fosters a sense of belonging and collective identity among the tribes, reinforcing their roles within the broader narrative of Israel. The distinct boundaries help define the tribes' individual and communal identities.
Struggle and opposition in the Christian journey
Struggle and opposition are evident in the challenges faced by Ephraim regarding the Canaanites in verse 10. Despite receiving their inheritance, Ephraim's inability to fully drive out the Canaanites reflects the ongoing spiritual and physical struggles in claiming God's promises. This tension highlights the reality of living out faith amid opposition.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Joshua 16
- Joshua 17Joshua 17 continues the narrative of land allocation, further detailing the inheritance for the tribe of Manasseh.
- Joshua 18Joshua 18 follows with additional land distributions, emphasizing the collective effort in claiming the Promised Land.
- 1 Chronicles 71 Chronicles 7 provides genealogical details about Ephraim, connecting the tribe's identity to its historical roots.
- 1 Kings 91 Kings 9 revisits the land's significance, highlighting the importance of Jerusalem within the tribal allocations.
- Joshua 10Joshua 10 recalls battles in the conquest of Canaan, echoing the ongoing struggles faced by the tribes.
- Judges 1Judges 1 addresses the challenges the tribes faced in driving out the Canaanites, reflecting the ongoing opposition encountered.
Study questions
Questions for studying Joshua 16
- Who were the descendants of Joseph mentioned in this chapter?
- What cities were included in the inheritance of Ephraim?
- How is the territory of Ephraim described in verses 5-8?
- What challenges did the Ephraimites face regarding the Canaanites?
- What does the failure to drive out the Canaanites signify for Ephraim?
- How does this chapter reflect God's promises to Israel?
- In what way does the allocation of land impact tribal identity?
Joshua 16: frequently asked questions
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