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Bible Chapter Summary

Joshua 16 Summary

Ephraim's Inheritance Among the Land

The chapter opens with the allotment given to the children of Joseph as a whole, tracing its boundaries from the Jordan near Jericho westward through Mount Beth-el to the sea. The specific boundary of Ephraim's inheritance is then delineated, running from Ataroth-addar in the east, northward to Michmethah, eastward to Taanath-shiloh and Janohah, and ultimately back to the Jordan at Jericho, with the western extent reaching the sea via the river Kanah. Ephraim also received separate cities within the territory allotted to Manasseh, along with their villages. The chapter closes with the notable failure of Ephraim to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, who remained among them and were made to serve under tribute.

Key themes

Tribal allotmentBorder delineationCanaanites not expelledTribute servitude

Key verses

Joshua 16:4

So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

Joshua 16:8

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.

Joshua 16:10

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.

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