Joshua 16:7

And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.

And it went down {H3381} from Janohah {H3239} to Ataroth {H5852}, and to Naarath {H5292}, and came {H6293} to Jericho {H3405}, and went out {H3318} at Jordan {H3383}.

then it went down from Yanochah to 'Atarot, went to Na'arah, extended to Yericho and ended at the Yarden.

From Janoah it went down to Ataroth and Naarah, and then reached Jericho and came out at the Jordan.

and it went down from Janoah to Ataroth, and to Naarah, and reached unto Jericho, and went out at the Jordan.

Commentary

Joshua 16:7 is a precise geographical verse detailing a segment of the southern border of the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim within the promised land of Canaan. This verse traces the boundary's path as it descends from Janohah, passes through Ataroth and Naarath, reaches Jericho, and finally extends to the Jordan River.

Context

The book of Joshua chronicles the conquest and division of the land of Canaan among the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's ancient promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18). Chapters 13-19 meticulously describe the tribal inheritances. Joshua 16 specifically outlines the boundaries for the descendants of Joseph, primarily the tribe of Ephraim, whose territory was strategically located in the central part of Canaan. This verse, following Joshua 16:1, provides the detailed topographical markers that defined Ephraim's southern frontier, distinguishing it from the territory of Benjamin to the south.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment: The meticulous detailing of geographical borders underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel by giving them the land He had sworn to their forefathers.
  • Precision and Order: The precise enumeration of towns and landmarks like Janohah, Ataroth, Naarath, Jericho, and the Jordan River highlights the orderly and exact nature of God's provision and the careful administration of the land division by Joshua.
  • Tribal Inheritance: This verse contributes to the larger narrative of each tribe receiving its specific portion, emphasizing the concept of inheritance and secure possession in the land of Canaan.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned in this verseโ€”Janohah, Ataroth, Naarath, Jericho, and Jordanโ€”are all Hebrew place names, indicating specific geographical locations that would have been recognizable to the ancient Israelites. While their exact modern identifications can sometimes be debated by archaeologists, their inclusion emphasizes the tangible reality of the land division. The phrase "it went down" (ื™ึธืจึทื“ - yarad) suggests a descent in elevation, which is geographically consistent with the terrain from the central highlands towards the Jordan Valley.

Practical Application

While primarily a geographical description, Joshua 16:7 offers spiritual insights. It reminds us of the meticulous care God takes in fulfilling His promises. Just as He precisely outlined the boundaries for Ephraim, He has a detailed plan for our lives and ensures His promises come to fruition. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and His orderly provision, even when the details seem mundane. It also speaks to the importance of boundaries, whether physical, spiritual, or relational, which God establishes for our good and proper order.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 7:28 (5 votes)

    And their possessions and habitations [were], Bethel and the towns thereof, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof:

  • Numbers 33:48 (2 votes)

    And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the plains of Moab by Jordan [near] Jericho.

  • Joshua 3:16 (2 votes)

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Joshua 6:26 (2 votes)

    And Joshua adjured [them] at that time, saying, Cursed [be] the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest [son] shall he set up the gates of it.

  • Joshua 6:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.