Study Joshua 16 and the allotment for Ephraim. See how God's guidance unfolds and learn vital lessons from the failure at Gezer.
The distribution of the Promised Land continued with the tribe of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jacob who had been sold into slavery. He had risen to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. His descendants were numerous and influential. The inheritance of Joseph was a significant moment in Israel's history.
The tribe of Joseph received a double portion because of Jacob's blessing. The two sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, were elevated to the status of tribes. The allotment for the sons of Joseph was one of the largest and most fertile territories in Canaan. The central location of their inheritance demonstrated God's continued guidance and provision for His people.
The account of Joshua 16 focuses primarily on the allotment for Ephraim, the younger son who received the greater blessing. The boundaries of Ephraim's inheritance are described in detail. The territory included the hill country, the lowlands, and access to the Mediterranean Sea. Yet the chapter also records a failure. The Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites from Gezer. The lesson from Joshua 16 reminds believers that God's guidance requires faithful obedience. The chapter demonstrates that God's provision must be claimed fully and that incomplete obedience has consequences.
The Allotment for the Sons of Joseph
The Double Portion
The tribe of Joseph received a special inheritance. Jacob had blessed Joseph's sons and given them the status of tribes. Genesis 48:5 records Jacob's words: "And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine." The blessing gave Joseph the double portion of the firstborn.
The double portion was a significant honor. Reuben had lost his birthright because of his sin. The blessing was transferred to Joseph, who had demonstrated faithfulness and integrity. The inheritance of Ephraim and Manasseh fulfilled Jacob's blessing and demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises.
The One Lot
The descendants of Joseph drew one lot that determined their inheritance. The purpose of the single lot was to ensure that the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh would remain adjacent. The two tribes were closely related and were to maintain their connection.
The single lot did not mean that Ephraim and Manasseh received a single territory. The lot determined the boundaries of the entire territory, and the land was then divided between the two tribes. Ephraim received the southern portion, and Manasseh received the northern portion. The close relationship between the tribes was preserved through their adjacent territories.
The Strategic Location
The territory of Joseph was strategically located in the center of Canaan. The land extended from the Jordan River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The territory included the hill country, the lowlands, and the coastal plain. The central location gave the tribe of Joseph access to trade routes and military advantages.
The strategic location also carried responsibilities. The tribe of Joseph was to serve as a central strength for the nation of Israel. The tabernacle was later set up at Shiloh, which was in the territory of Ephraim (Joshua 18:1). The central location of Joseph's inheritance was part of God's plan for the nation.
The Boundaries of Ephraim's Inheritance
The Southern Boundary
The southern boundary of Ephraim's inheritance is described in detail. Joshua 16:1-3 traces the boundary from the Jordan River at Jericho to the hill country of Bethel. The boundary then went to Luz, passed along to Ataroth, and descended westward to Lower Beth-horon and Gezer. The boundary ended at the Mediterranean Sea.
The southern boundary marked the division between Ephraim and the tribe of Benjamin. The boundary was carefully defined to prevent disputes between the tribes. The specific landmarks confirmed the inheritance rights of the Ephraimites. The boundary demonstrated God's faithfulness in providing a measurable and tangible inheritance.
The Northern Boundary
The northern boundary of Ephraim's inheritance is described in Joshua 16:5-8. The boundary went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon. The boundary then went westward to Michmethath on the north. It turned eastward to Taanath-shiloh and continued to Janoah. From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, touched Jericho, and came out at the Jordan.
The northern boundary marked the division between Ephraim and Manasseh. The boundary was irregular and followed natural landmarks. The careful description of the boundary ensured that each tribe knew its territory. The boundary protected the inheritance rights of the Ephraimites and prevented disputes.
The Western Boundary
The western boundary of Ephraim's inheritance extended to the Mediterranean Sea. Joshua 16:8 records that the boundary went from Tappuah westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the sea. The Brook of Kanah was a seasonal stream that served as a natural boundary.
The access to the Mediterranean Sea gave Ephraim a coastal claim. The territory included the coastal plain, which was fertile and suitable for agriculture. The western boundary also gave Ephraim access to maritime trade routes. The inclusion of the coastline demonstrated God's provision for the tribe of Ephraim.
The Cities within Manasseh
The tribe of Ephraim also received cities within the inheritance of Manasseh. Joshua 16:9 records that the separate cities for Ephraim were among the inheritance of Manasseh. The cities included the towns and their villages that were set apart for Ephraim.
The reason for the separate cities is not explicitly stated. The territory assigned to Ephraim may have proved to be too small for the numerous tribe. The additional cities within Manasseh's territory provided Ephraim with the land needed for their population. The arrangement demonstrated the flexibility and generosity of the tribal allotments.
The Failure at Gezer
The Command to Drive Out the Canaanites
The Lord had commanded Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 instructed Israel to devote the nations to complete destruction. The command was given to prevent Israel from being corrupted by the idolatry and practices of the Canaanites.
The command to drive out the Canaanites was not optional. It was a requirement for Israel to maintain their holiness and their relationship with God. The failure to obey the command would have consequences for the nation.
The Failure at Gezer
Joshua 16:10 records the failure of the Ephraimites: "Yet 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." The city of Gezer was a strategic stronghold on the western edge of Ephraim's territory.
The failure to drive out the Canaanites was a significant compromise. The Ephraimites tolerated the presence of the Canaanites and reduced them to forced labor. The decision may have seemed pragmatic because it provided economic benefits without costly warfare. Yet the failure to complete the conquest would have lasting consequences.
The Reasons for the Failure
The failure at Gezer had several causes. The Ephraimites may have been intimidated by the Canaanite chariots of iron (Joshua 17:16). The presence of the Canaanites may have seemed like a manageable compromise. The Ephraimites may have grown weary of warfare and chosen an easier path.
The failure also reflected a reliance on human pragmatism rather than faith in God's promise. The Lord had promised to drive out the inhabitants little by little (Exodus 23:30). Yet Israel was also commanded to act in faith. The failure to drive out the Canaanites demonstrated a lack of trust in God's power.
The Consequences of the Failure
The failure at Gezer would have long-term consequences. The presence of the Canaanites would lead to compromise and conflict. The Canaanites would become a source of trouble for Israel. The book of Judges records the sad outcome of incomplete obedience (Judges 2:1-3).
The failure at Gezer is a warning to believers. Incomplete obedience leads to spiritual compromise. The presence of sin in the life of a believer can lead to greater sin and conflict. The lesson from Joshua 16 is that God's guidance requires complete obedience.
Lessons from Joshua 16
God's Faithful Provision
The inheritance of Ephraim demonstrates God's faithful provision for His people. The tribe received a central and fertile territory that included the hill country, the lowlands, and the coastal plain. The boundaries were clearly defined, and the inheritance was measurable.
The provision for Ephraim was a fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. God had promised to give the land to Abraham's descendants. The inheritance of Ephraim demonstrated that God keeps His promises. The faithfulness of God is a foundation for trust and obedience.
The Importance of Obedience
The failure at Gezer demonstrates the importance of complete obedience. The Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites as God had commanded. The failure to complete the conquest had consequences for the nation. The presence of the Canaanites would lead to compromise and conflict.
The lesson from Joshua 16 is that partial obedience is not acceptable to God. God requires complete obedience from His people. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:16: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are?" Believers are called to obey God completely and to remove sin from their lives.
The Dangers of Compromise
The failure at Gezer demonstrates the dangers of compromise. The Ephraimites allowed the Canaanites to remain because it seemed beneficial. The forced labor provided economic advantages without costly warfare. Yet the compromise would lead to spiritual decline.
The lesson from Joshua 16 is that compromise with sin is dangerous. The presence of sin in a believer's life can lead to greater sin and conflict. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:6: "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" Believers are called to remove sin from their lives and to maintain their holiness.
The Need for Perseverance
The conquest of the land required perseverance. The Ephraimites were to continue the work until it was complete. The failure to persevere led to the presence of the Canaanites. The lesson from Joshua 16 is that perseverance is necessary for experiencing the fullness of God's blessings.
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:9: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Believers are called to persevere in their faith and obedience. The lesson from Joshua 16 encourages believers to continue trusting God and obeying His commands.
Connections to Scripture
The Promise to Abraham
The inheritance of Ephraim is connected to the promise to Abraham. Genesis 15:18-21 had specified the boundaries of the land that God would give to Abraham's descendants. The inheritance of Ephraim was a fulfillment of this promise.
The fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:29: "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." The inheritance of Ephraim points forward to the greater inheritance that believers have in Christ.
The Typology of Ephraim
The tribe of Ephraim holds a special place in Scripture. Ephraim was the younger son who received the greater blessing. The tribe of Ephraim became a leading tribe in the northern kingdom of Israel. The name Ephraim is often used as a synonym for the northern kingdom.
The history of Ephraim includes both blessing and judgment. The tribe experienced great prosperity but also fell into idolatry. The prophets spoke against the sin of Ephraim (Hosea 4:17). The story of Ephraim is a warning about the dangers of pride and disobedience.
The Failure at Gezer in Judges
The failure at Gezer is also recorded in Judges 1:29. The book of Judges records that Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer. The failure to complete the conquest led to the cycle of sin and judgment that characterizes the period of the judges.
The repeated record of the failure demonstrates its significance. The failure to drive out the Canaanites was not a minor oversight. It was a fundamental failure that would have consequences for generations. The lesson from Judges is that incomplete obedience leads to compromise and conflict.
The Example of Joshua
Joshua himself was an Ephraimite. Numbers 13:8 identifies Joshua as the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua's leadership was a demonstration of faith and obedience. The tribe of Ephraim received a significant inheritance because of Joshua's faithfulness.
The example of Joshua is a contrast to the failure of the Ephraimites at Gezer. Joshua followed the Lord fully and received the inheritance. The Ephraimites failed to drive out the Canaanites and suffered the consequences. The example of Joshua encourages believers to follow the Lord completely.
Conclusion
The allotment for Ephraim was a significant moment in Israel's history. The tribe received a central and fertile territory that reflected its importance in God's plan. The boundaries were clearly defined, and the inheritance was measurable. The provision for Ephraim was a demonstration of God's continued guidance.
The lesson from Joshua 16 is that God's guidance requires faithful obedience. The tribe of Ephraim received a great inheritance, but they failed to complete the conquest. The presence of the Canaanites in Gezer would become a source of trouble. The lesson applies to believers today. God's guidance is a call to complete obedience.
The failure at Gezer demonstrates the danger of compromise. The Ephraimites allowed the Canaanites to remain because it seemed beneficial. Yet the compromise would lead to spiritual decline. The example of Joshua, an Ephraimite who followed the Lord fully, stands as a reminder of the blessings of obedience. The account of Joshua 16 calls believers to follow the Lord completely and to claim their inheritance with faith and obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the tribe of Joseph receive a double portion in the division of the land?
The tribe of Joseph received a double portion because of Jacob's blessing. Jacob had elevated Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to the status of tribes. The double portion gave Joseph the inheritance of the firstborn, which had been lost by Reuben. The double portion reflected Joseph's faithfulness and integrity.
2. What were the boundaries of Ephraim's inheritance?
The boundaries of Ephraim's inheritance extended from the Jordan River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The southern boundary divided Ephraim from Benjamin. The northern boundary divided Ephraim from Manasseh. The territory included the hill country, the lowlands, and the coastal plain.
3. What was the significance of the Brook of Kanah in the boundary description?
The Brook of Kanah was a seasonal stream that served as a natural boundary. The boundary went from Tappuah westward to the Brook of Kanah and ended at the Mediterranean Sea. The Brook of Kanah marked the western portion of Ephraim's southern boundary. The natural boundary prevented disputes between the tribes.
4. Why did the Ephraimites fail to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer?
The Ephraimites failed to drive out the Canaanites because of incomplete obedience. The presence of the Canaanites may have seemed like a manageable compromise. The forced labor provided economic advantages without costly warfare. The failure also reflected a reliance on human pragmatism rather than faith in God's promise.
5. What lessons can believers learn from Joshua 16?
Believers can learn several lessons from Joshua 16. God's provision is faithful and generous. Complete obedience is required for experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. Compromise with sin is dangerous and leads to spiritual decline. Perseverance is necessary for finishing the work that God has given. The example of Joshua encourages believers to follow the Lord fully.
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