Main Highlights
The allotment of land to the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), focusing on Ephraim's boundaries and their failure to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer.
Key Verses
The territory of the people of Joseph went from the Jordan eastward to the waters of Jericho, east of Jericho, and going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel."- Joshua 16:1
Related Scripture
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."- Romans 11:29 - This relates to the promise of the land given to the descendants of Joseph.
Scholar Insight
"The tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, are both named for Joseph’s sons, born in Egypt, but elevated to the status of tribes to reward Joseph’s faithfulness (Gen 48:5). The division of territory between these two tribes represents the realization of Jacob’s blessing of Joseph as a fruitful vine (Gen 49:22)." - David M. Howard Jr., An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2018), p. 193."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is faithful to His promises. "So the Lord gave Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers, and they took possession of it, and settled there." (Joshua 21:43)
Christological Connection
The land promised to Israel foreshadows the eternal inheritance believers have in Christ. "And for this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." (Hebrews 9:15)
Systematic Theology
Covenant Theology – God's covenant with Abraham and its fulfillment in giving the land to his descendants.
Law & Grace
Law: The command to dispossess the Canaanites. Grace: God still gave them the land, even though they didn't fully obey. "So be strong, and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Personal Application
We should strive to fully obey God's commands, knowing that He is faithful, even when we fall short. "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." (Joshua 1:7)