Joshua 16
Joshua 16 records, among the twelve tribes of Israel, the boundaries of the inheritance that belonged to the descendants of Joseph—that is, the land that Ephraim and the tribe of Manasseh came to possess. This chapter highlights the extent of the portion Joseph’s descendants received during the division of the land of Canaan, showing that this process is connected to the fulfillment of God’s promise.
1verseThe 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.
2verseIt went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the Archites to Ataroth;
3verseand 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.
4verseThe children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.
5verseThis 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.
6verseThe 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.
7verseIt went down from Janoah to Ataroth, to Naarah, reached to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan.
8verseFrom 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;
9versetogether 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.
10verseThey 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.
Structure and Flow
- The beginning of the division (verses 1–3): The boundaries that were granted to the descendants of Joseph are presented at the outset in a summary form. These include specific regions mentioned from the Jordan River to the western sea.
- The boundaries of the tribe of Ephraim (verses 4–9): Specific place names of the land that the Ephraimites possessed are given, explaining that even some towns within the land of Manasseh were owned by Ephraim.
- The remaining Canaanite peoples (verse 10): It records that the Ephraimites did not completely drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, and states that these people were not destroyed but became servants of forced labor.
Overall Meaning
This chapter shows what position and role Joseph’s descendants occupy within God’s promise and plan. It also reminds us that conquest and division were not yet complete by pointing to the continued existence of the remaining Canaanite peoples. God gave the land to the people of Israel, but it contains the message that the completion of their obedience and responsibility continues to be required.
Meditation Points
- When the promised land is being divided, we can reflect on the fact that God cares in detail for the situation of each household and family.
- As we look at a reality that has been fulfilled yet is still not complete, we are led to think that even in our journey of faith, our obedience and responsibility remain necessary.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s consider whether we can trust that God also has tailored guidance and a plan for my life.
- Take a look at what remaining tasks are still left in the area entrusted to us (unresolved parts such as the Canaanite peoples), and let’s reaffirm our determination to bring God’s will to fulfillment through wholehearted obedience.
