Joshua 16
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, highlighting both God's faithfulness and Israel's partial obedience.
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
"The territory of the people of Ephraim by their clans was as follows: the boundary of their inheritance to the east was Ataroth-addar as far as Upper Beth-horon."— Joshua 16:5
"However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live among Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor."— Joshua 16:10
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
Questions
What do we learn about God?
God demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness by fulfilling His covenant promises to the descendants of Joseph through the allotment of specific land. Despite Israel's imperfections, He meticulously directs the inheritance as He swore to their fathers. "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
How is Christ Connected?
The imperfect inheritance of the land by Ephraim, marked by their failure to completely dispossess the Canaanites, foreshadows the need for a perfect redeemer. This earthly inheritance points to the ultimate and complete spiritual inheritance provided by Jesus Christ for believers. "However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live among Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor." - Joshua 16:10
What Theology concept is taught?
This chapter demonstrates the theological concept of Covenant Fulfillment, showing God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham regarding the land. The specific allotment to Ephraim and Manasseh is a direct fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant and Jacob's blessings. "So the people of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, received their inheritance." - Joshua 16:4
Do we see Law or Grace?
The law is evident in the command given to Israel to utterly dispossess the inhabitants of the land, which Ephraim failed to fully accomplish. Despite this partial obedience, God's grace is seen in His continued provision of the land and inheritance according to His covenant promises. "However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live among Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor." - Joshua 16:10
Personal Application
Believers should respond by diligently pursuing full obedience to God's commands, learning from Ephraim's failure to completely drive out the Canaanites. This partial obedience resulted in ongoing difficulties, teaching us to avoid compromise in our spiritual battles. "However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live among Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor." - Joshua 16:10
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