Joshua 16:1-10 | The Way of Scripture

Joshua 16:1-10

What does Ephraim’s inheritance account include and qualify?

Berean Standard Bible

1 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel. 2 It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz) and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth. 3 Then it descended westward to the border of the Japhletites as far as the border of Lower Beth-horon and on to Gezer, and it ended at the Sea. 4 So Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received their inheritance. 5 This was the territory of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon 6 and out toward the Sea. From Michmethath on the north it turned eastward toward Taanath-shiloh and passed by it to Janoah on the east. 7 From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and then reached Jericho and came out at the Jordan. 8 From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Sea. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Ephraim, 9 along with all the cities and villages set apart for the descendants of Ephraim within the inheritance of Manasseh. 10 But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer. So the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, but they are forced laborers.

What is the context?

The account first traces the allotment for Joseph’s descendants, then describes Ephraim’s borders and its cities within Manasseh’s inheritance. The two tribes share an origin while receiving distinguishable portions.

The boundaries move between the Jordan region, Bethel, the Beth-horon area, Gezer, and the sea. Settlements and their villages belong to the account as well as the boundary lines.

The final verse says the Canaanites in Gezer were not driven out but remained under forced labor. Assignment of the inheritance therefore does not mean the book has forgotten its repeated notices of incomplete occupation.

How is this passage commonly understood?

The USCCB notes distinguish the wider Joseph territory from the dividing boundary between Ephraim and Manasseh. Wesley likewise explains the opening as shared description before the separate portions. He acknowledges that changes in place-names and circumstances make some details difficult for later readers. That difficulty should encourage care rather than confident reconstruction of every landmark.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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