Bible Commentaries
Joshua 16

Verses 1-10

The Lot of Joseph

Chs. 16, 17 describe the territories of Ephraim and the W. half of Manasseh. Vv. 1-4 of Joshua 16 give the general frontiers of the combined tribes, the rest of the chapter (Joshua 16:5-10) the frontiers of Ephraim as distinct from W. Manasseh. The territory allotted to the two tribes comprised the central and most fertile part of Palestine. The S. border ran from Jericho through Bethel to Beth-horon and the sea; and the N. border from Mt. Carmel, along the S. border of the Plain of Esdraelon to the Jordan.

1. RV ’the lot went out from the Jordan at Jericho, at the waters of Jericho on the east, even the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill-country to Bethel.’

2. From Beth-el to Luz] see on Genesis 28:19.

6. The border between Ephraim and Manasseh passed from Jericho westward to Michmethah near Shechem (Joshua 17:7), and thence to the river Kanah which falls into the Mediterranean N. of Joppa.

9. RV ’together with the cities which were separated for the children of Ephraim in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Manasseh.’

10. Serve under tribute] The Canaanite had to take up the forced service of a labourer: cp. Joshua 17:13 and Judges 1:28, Judges 1:33, Judges 1:35.