Joshua 16:1

ยถ And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,

And the lot {H1486} of the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} fell {H3318} from Jordan {H3383} by Jericho {H3405}, unto the water {H4325} of Jericho {H3405} on the east {H4217}, to the wilderness {H4057} that goeth up {H5927} from Jericho {H3405} throughout mount {H2022} Bethel {H1008},

The border of the territory chosen by lot for the descendants of Yosef began from the Yarden at Yericho, at the spring of Yericho on the east, went up from Yericho through the hills and desert to Beit-El,

The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan at Jericho to the waters of Jericho on the east, through the wilderness that goes up from Jericho into the hill country of Bethel.

And the lot came out for the children of Joseph 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 Beth-el;

Commentary

Joshua 16:1 marks the beginning of the specific territorial allocations for the tribes of Israel within the Promised Land, following their conquest of Canaan. This verse focuses on the initial boundary description for the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Context

This verse is situated in the latter part of the book of Joshua, after the major military campaigns to subdue the land of Canaan. With much of the land under Israelite control, the focus shifts to the division of the territory among the twelve tribes. This process was carried out by casting lots at Shiloh, a method understood to be guided by God's providence (Proverbs 16:33). The "children of Joseph" refers to the two tribes descended from Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who together received a substantial central portion of the land, as promised through their forefather Jacob (Genesis 48:5). The verse pinpoints the starting point of their inheritance, extending from the Jordan River near Jericho, a strategically important city.

Key Themes

  • Divine Fulfillment of Promise: The division of the land is a direct fulfillment of God's ancient covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). It demonstrates God's faithfulness and His meticulous care in guiding His people into their inheritance.
  • Order and Structure: The precise geographical descriptions, even of wilderness areas and specific mountains like Mount Bethel, highlight the orderly and divinely ordained nature of the land distribution. This prevented disputes and established clear tribal boundaries.
  • Inheritance and Identity: Receiving a specific portion of the land was crucial to the Israelite identity. It signified their permanent establishment as a nation in the land God had chosen for them, moving from a nomadic existence to a settled one.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the lot...fell" (Hebrew: ื’ึผื•ึนืจึธืœ / goral) refers to the practice of casting lots, a common ancient method for making decisions or dividing property, believed to be under divine direction. It was not merely a random draw but a means by which God's will was revealed and His hand guided the outcome, ensuring a just and equitable distribution as planned by the Almighty.

Practical Application

Joshua 16:1 reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He meticulously oversaw the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, He also has a plan and an inheritance for each of us. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign guidance in their lives, knowing that He works all things according to His purpose (Ephesians 1:11). It also teaches us the importance of understanding and living within the divine boundaries and purposes God sets for our lives, recognizing that true blessing comes from aligning with His will.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:12 (5 votes)

    And their border on the north side was from Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward; and the goings out thereof were at the wilderness of Bethaven.

  • Joshua 8:15 (4 votes)

    And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

  • 2 Kings 2:19 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.

  • 2 Kings 2:21 (3 votes)

    And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren [land].

  • Joshua 15:61 (2 votes)

    In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,