Detailed Explanation of Joshua 16
Introduction
Joshua 16 is a relatively short chapter in the Book of Joshua, yet it carries great significance. It details the allotment of land to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the descendants of Joseph. This chapter is closely connected to Joshua 17, as both discuss the inheritance of the two tribes of Joseph: Ephraim and Manasseh.
The land distribution follows the conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership. The chapter highlights the boundaries of Ephraim’s inheritance, the division of the land, and the incomplete obedience of the Ephraimites in driving out the Canaanites.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Joshua 16:1 – The General Inheritance of Joseph’s Descendants
"The lot of the children of Joseph fell from the Jordan by Jericho, to the waters of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho through the mountains to Bethel."
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This verse introduces the land given to the children of Joseph, which includes the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
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Their inheritance starts from the Jordan River near Jericho and extends into the mountainous region westward, towards Bethel (a city with deep biblical significance, associated with Abraham and Jacob).
Key Insights:
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Jericho was one of the first major cities conquered by Israel. This implies that the tribe of Joseph received a land rich in both agriculture and strategic trade routes.
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Bethel (meaning "House of God") was an important spiritual and geographical location in Israel’s history.
Joshua 16:2 – The Western Expansion of the Territory
"Then went out from Bethel to Luz, passed along to the border of the Archites at Ataroth."
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The text distinguishes Bethel and Luz as separate locations, though at times they were considered the same (Genesis 28:19).
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The Archites at Ataroth: The Archites were a Canaanite people, and Ataroth was one of the cities assigned to Ephraim.
Key Insights:
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Luz was the original Canaanite name for Bethel before Jacob’s encounter with God.
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This verse shows the expansion westward, covering key settlements.
Joshua 16:3 – The Southern Border
"And went down westward to the boundary of the Japhletites, as far as the boundary of Lower Beth Horon to Gezer; and it ended at the sea."
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Beth Horon: Two towns (Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon) were strategic locations near the coastal plain. These cities were important for defense, controlling a key route leading into the highlands.
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Gezer: A Canaanite city that later caused issues because Israel did not fully drive out its inhabitants.
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The sea refers to the Mediterranean Sea, marking the westernmost boundary of Ephraim’s territory.
Key Insights:
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The coastal regions were highly fertile and vital for trade.
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The failure to conquer Gezer fully (as seen in later verses) became a long-term problem for Israel.
Joshua 16:4 – The Inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh
"So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance."
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This verse summarizes the division: Ephraim and Manasseh received their land as allotted by God.
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Though they were two distinct tribes, they were often considered together as the sons of Joseph.
Key Insights:
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The tribe of Joseph was given special status, receiving a double portion (Genesis 48:22).
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Ephraim and Manasseh were blessed by Jacob, with Ephraim receiving the greater blessing (Genesis 48:19).
Joshua 16:5 – The Specific Territory of Ephraim
"The border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: The border of their inheritance on the east was Ataroth Addar as far as Upper Beth Horon."
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This verse begins a detailed description of Ephraim’s borders.
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Ataroth Addar was a town near the western foothills.
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Upper Beth Horon controlled an important mountain pass.
Key Insights:
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The mention of "according to their families" suggests that the land was divided among different clans within Ephraim.
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Beth Horon was a significant military and trade center.
Joshua 16:6-7 – The Northern and Eastern Borders
"And the border went out toward the sea on the north side of Michmethath; then the border went eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed by it on the east of Janoah. Then it went down from Janoah to Ataroth and Naarah, reached Jericho, and came out at the Jordan."
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Michmethath: A town marking the northern border of Ephraim.
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Taanath Shiloh: Likely near Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was later set up.
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Jericho and Jordan: Ephraim’s land extended eastward but did not include Jericho itself.
Key Insights:
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Shiloh became an important spiritual center where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
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This description shows Ephraim’s land as stretching from the mountains to the Jordan valley.
Joshua 16:8 – The Western Border
"The border went out from Tappuah westward to the Brook Kanah, and it ended at the sea. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families."
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Tappuah: A border city between Ephraim and Manasseh.
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Brook Kanah: A stream marking a significant border.
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The sea: Again, the Mediterranean.
Key Insights:
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Ephraim’s land included fertile agricultural regions and important trade routes.
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The clear delineation of borders was necessary to avoid disputes.
Joshua 16:9 – Ephraim’s Cities in Manasseh’s Territory
"The separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages."
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Though Ephraim had its own land, it also controlled separate cities within Manasseh’s territory.
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This reflects complex tribal relationships.
Key Insights:
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Intermingling of the tribes was common.
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Ephraim’s political and military strength allowed it to control additional cities.
Joshua 16:10 – The Failure to Drive Out the Canaanites
"And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers."
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Gezer remained under Canaanite control, though Ephraim subjected its inhabitants to forced labor.
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This disobedience led to long-term consequences as idolatry and pagan influences remained in Israel.
Key Insights:
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God commanded Israel to fully remove the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-5), but they failed.
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Allowing Canaanites to stay led to spiritual corruption and later conflicts.
Theological Themes in Joshua 16
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God’s Faithfulness – The inheritance of Ephraim fulfills God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:7).
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The Importance of Obedience – Israel’s failure to fully obey God’s command (v. 10) led to future troubles.
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God’s Sovereignty Over the Land – The precise borders demonstrate God’s divine allocation.
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Ephraim’s Prominence – As prophesied (Genesis 48:19), Ephraim became a dominant tribe in Israel.
Conclusion
Joshua 16 provides a detailed account of the land inheritance of Ephraim and underscores both God’s promises and Israel’s failures. The incomplete conquest of Gezer foreshadows Israel’s struggles with Canaanite influence. However, it also highlights the privileged role of Ephraim in Israel’s history, later becoming the leading tribe of the northern kingdom.
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