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Joshua 16

10 verses

TL;DR

Joshua 16 records the land allocation for the tribe of Joseph, focusing on Ephraim’s inheritance and its borders, while noting the continued presence of Canaanite residents in some towns.

Summary

In this chapter, the allotment of land to the tribe of Joseph is detailed, with a specific focus on the territories of Manasseh and Ephraim. The borders of Ephraim’s inheritance are outlined, running from Atarothaddar eastward to Bethhoron the upper, westward toward the sea to Michmethah, and encompassing cities such as Taanathshiloh, Janohah, and Ataroth. The cities of Ephraim are listed among those inherited by Manasseh, all with their villages. The text notes that the Canaanites who once lived in Gezer were not displaced; they continue to dwell among the Ephraimites, serving under tribute. The passage serves as a geographic and demographic record of Israelite settlement in the Promised Land.

Outline
  1. 1. Description of Joseph’s land division and the allocation to Manasseh and Ephraim.
  2. 2. Detailed borders and cities belonging to Ephraim’s inheritance.
  3. 3. Status of Canaanite inhabitants and their tribute relationship with the Ephraimites.
Themes
inheritanceboundariestribal settlementcoexistence with Canaanites
Keywords
inheritancebordertribeEphraimManassehCanaanitestributecities
People
JosephManassehEphraimCanaanites
Places
JordanJerichowater of Jerichowilderness up from Jerichomount BethelLuzArchiAtarothcoast of Japhleticoast of Bethhoron the netherGezerseaAtarothaddarBethhoron the upperMichmethahTaanathshilohJanohahNaarathTappuahriver Kanah
Things
inheritancebordercities with villagestribute
Key Verses
  • Joshua 16:4: shows the transfer of land to the children of Joseph
  • Joshua 16:10: highlights the continued presence of Canaanites and their tribute under Ephraimite control
Questions
  • What does the continued presence of Canaanites in Ephraim’s towns reveal about Israelite-Canaanite relations?
  • How do the described borders reflect the strategic importance of the region?
  • In what ways might the allocation of cities to multiple tribes affect communal identity?
  • Why might the text emphasize the Canaanites’ tribute rather than their removal?
  • What can modern readers learn about land division and settlement from this ancient account?
Sentiment

neutral
The passage presents a factual record of land allotment and demographic status without emotive language.