Set to dark modeSet to dark modeJoshua 16 Commentary
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This verse highlights the faithful provision of God for the descendants of Joseph.
It details the southern border of Joseph’s territory, passing through historically important places and establishing clear tribal boundaries.
This verse describes the western boundary line of Joseph’s tribal allotment, stretching from higher elevations down through pivotal cities and concluding at the Mediterranean coast.
God remains faithful to grant His children the promises He has declared.
This passage demonstrates how the tribe of Ephraim received a divinely-appointed and geographically significant portion of the Promised Land.
God precisely determined the boundaries of Ephraim’s territory, signifying both His faithfulness and the importance of Israel’s worship center at Shiloh in their inheritance.
This single verse highlights the precise boundary lines of Ephraim’s territory, reinforcing the reliability of God’s word in the smallest details.
Ephraim’s territory stretches westward to the sea, displaying God’s perfect care and granting them a secure inheritance in the land He promised.
God respects our need for security and abundant provision as demonstrated in these shared city allocations.
This verse highlights how Israel’s incomplete obedience undermines their long-term spiritual integrity.
Joshua 1 begins with the LORD calling Joshua to succeed Moses as Israel’s next leader. The LORD tells Joshua He will be with him in all things, urging him to be firm and resolute as he leads the Israelites to conquer the Promised Land. Joshua obeys the LORD and takes two preliminary steps. First, he instructs the Israelite officers to prepare the people for the march. Second, he reminds the tribes who have claimed their portions east of the Jordan River that they must continue to aid in the conquest of Canaan. These three tribes had agreed with Moses to support the remaining Israelites in taking the west side of Jordan before settling in their allocated cities. The chapter ends with the eastern tribes pledging loyalty to Joshua and urging him to be bold as he leads the Israelites to the land of Canaan. The chapter’s outline is as follows:
- The LORD commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. God urges the new leader to meditate on the Scriptures consistently to be successful in all his endeavors (vv. 1–9).
- Joshua commands the Israelite officers to speak to the people to prepare them to cross the Jordan River and conquer the Promised Land (vv. 10–11).
- Joshua instructs the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who will settle east of the Jordan, to help their brothers fight until they conquer the land west of the Jordan (vv. 12–15).
- The eastern tribes agree to Joshua’s demands to help their fellow Israelites conquer the west side of Jordan before settling in their allotted cities. They promise to obey Joshua just as they obeyed Moses, and urge him to be strong and courageous to fulfill God’s calling on his life (vv. 16–18).
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