Joshua 16

Jos 16:1-4.

THE

GENERAL

BORDERS OF THE

SONS OF

JOSEPH.

1. the lot of the children of Joseph fell--Hebrew, "went forth,"

referring either to the lot as drawn out of the urn, or to the tract of

land thereby assigned. The first four verses describe the territory

allotted to the family of Joseph in the rich domains of central

Palestine. It was drawn in one lot, that the brethren might be

contiguously situated; but it was afterwards divided. The southern

boundary only is described here; that on the north being irregular and

less defined

(Jos 17:10, 11),

is not mentioned.

water of Jericho--

(2Ki 2:19),

at the joint of its junction with the Jordan.

mount Beth-el--the ridge south of Beth-el. Having described the

position of Joseph's family generally the historian proceeds to define

the territory; first, that of Ephraim.

Jos 16:5-9.

THE

BORDERS OF THE

INHERITANCE OF

EPHRAIM.

5-9. the border of their inheritance . . . was

Ataroth-addar--Ataroth-addar (now Atara), four miles south of Jetta

[ROBINSON], is fixed on as a center, through which a line is drawn from

Upper Beth-horon to Michmethah, showing the western limit of their

actual possessions. The tract beyond that to the sea was still

unconquered.

6, 7. Michmethah on the north side--The northern boundary is traced

from this point eastward to the Jordan.

8. from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah--It is retraced from

east to west, to describe the prospective and intended boundary, which

was to reach to the sea. Kanah ("reedy") flows into the Mediterranean.

9. separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the

inheritance of Manasseh--

(Jos 17:9),

because it was found that the tract allotted to Ephraim was too small

in proportion to its population and power.

10. they drave not out the Canaanites . . . but the Canaanites dwell

among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute--This is

the first mention of the fatal policy of the Israelites, in neglecting

the divine command

(De 20:16)

to exterminate the idolaters.