1
And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,
2
And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,
3
And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer; and the goings out thereof are at the sea.
4
So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.
5
And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
6
And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;
7
And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.
8
The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.
9
And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.
10
And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.
Joshua 16 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
Joshua 16 describes the inheritance of the children of Joseph, specifically the borders for the tribe of Ephraim, noting that they also failed to drive out all the Canaanites, choosing instead to put them under tribute.
Theological Context & Insights
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Temptation of Compromise: Ephraim chose to tax the Canaanites rather than remove them (v. 10). We must beware of trying to "manage" or profit from a sin rather than eliminating it as God commanded.
2. The Responsibility of Favor: As a leading tribe, Ephraim had much given to them. "To whom much is given, much is required." We must use our influence and resources to honor God’s commands fully.
3. Recognizing God’s Sovereignty: The borders were determined by lot, showing that God’s will is the final authority in our placement and prosperity.
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
FORMAL PRAYER
Heavenly Father, deliver us from the temptation to compromise Thy commands for the sake of convenience or profit. Grant us the integrity to walk in the fullness of Thy will without reservation. Amen.
