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.

Overview of Joshua Chapter 16

Joshua Chapter 16 details the allocation of land to the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. This chapter highlights the geographical boundaries, cities, and the challenges faced by the tribes in establishing their territories in the Promised Land.

Key Themes

• Divine Promise and Fulfillment: The chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Israelites regarding their inheritance of the land.
• Identity and Heritage: The focus on the tribes of Joseph underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.
• Challenges of Conquest: The narrative illustrates the ongoing struggles the tribes faced in securing their territories against existing inhabitants.

Geographical Boundaries

The chapter provides a detailed description of the boundaries of the territory assigned to Ephraim:

1. The northern boundary begins at the Jordan River and extends to the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The southern boundary is marked by various cities and landmarks, indicating the extent of Ephraim’s territory.
3. Specific cities within the territory, such as Bethel and Shiloh, are mentioned, highlighting their importance in the tribal allocation.

Tribal Identity

Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are significant figures in Israel’s history. The chapter illustrates:

• The distinction between the two tribes and their respective inheritances.
• The emphasis on Ephraim as a leading tribe, often associated with strength and leadership among the Israelites.
• The importance of maintaining tribal identity and the role of land in preserving that identity.

Challenges and Conflicts

Despite receiving their inheritance, the tribes faced numerous challenges:

• Resistance from the Canaanite inhabitants, who were not fully driven out from the land.
• The need for military strength and strategy to secure their territories.
• Internal conflicts within the tribes regarding land distribution and resource management.

Conclusion

Joshua Chapter 16 serves as a critical account of the land distribution among the tribes of Joseph, reflecting the broader themes of divine promise, identity, and the complexities of conquest. The chapter not only documents geographical boundaries but also highlights the sociopolitical dynamics of the Israelite tribes as they navigate their new reality in the Promised Land.