Joshua 17:9

And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim [are] among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also [was] on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:

And the coast {H1366} descended {H3381} unto the river {H5158} Kanah {H7071}, southward {H5045} of the river {H5158}: these cities {H5892} of Ephraim {H669} are among {H8432} the cities {H5892} of Manasseh {H4519}: the coast {H1366} of Manasseh {H4519} also was on the north side {H6828} of the river {H5158}, and the outgoings {H8444} of it were at the sea {H3220}:

The border descended to Vadi Kanah, south of the vadi, by cities which belonged to Efrayim among the cities of M'nasheh; but the border with M'nasheh was on the north side of the vadi, and it ended at the sea.

From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook and ended at the Sea.

And the border went down unto the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook: these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh: and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and the goings out thereof were at the sea:

Commentary

Joshua 17:9 details a specific segment of the tribal boundary between the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, two of Joseph's sons. This verse describes the southern border of the half-tribe of Manasseh, which extended to the River Kanah, and how it intersected with the territory of Ephraim, highlighting the complex and sometimes intermingled nature of the tribal inheritances in the land of Canaan.

Context

Following the successful conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the primary task was the detailed division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joshua chapters 13-19 meticulously record these territorial allotments. Joshua 17 specifically deals with the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh, given their large population and significant role among the Israelite tribes. This verse delineates a portion of their shared border with Ephraim, emphasizing that cities belonging to Ephraim were situated within the geographical area of Manasseh, and vice-versa, creating a mosaic of settlements rather than simple, straight lines.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: Even in seemingly mundane geographical descriptions, the Bible demonstrates God's meticulous care in fulfilling His promises. The exact boundaries reflect a divine plan for order within His people's inheritance.
  • Complexity of Inheritance: The phrase "these cities of Ephraim [are] among the cities of Manasseh" highlights the practical challenges and interwoven nature of the tribal inheritances. It wasn't always a simple, clear-cut division, requiring a degree of coexistence and shared living among the tribes.
  • God's Faithfulness: This detailed account, like all others concerning the land division, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham regarding the promised land, despite the intricate details of its distribution.

Linguistic Insights

The term "coast" (Hebrew: ื’ึฐึผื‘ื•ึผืœ, gevul) consistently refers to a boundary or border throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the defined limits of the tribal territories. The description of the coast "descended" (Hebrew: ื™ึธืจึทื“, yarad) to the River Kanah suggests a geographical slope or downward flow towards the river, indicating a natural feature used as a boundary marker. The phrase "among the cities" (Hebrew: b'tokh) is crucial, indicating that certain cities belonging to one tribe were situated within the general territory assigned to another, underscoring the intermingling of populations and administrative complexities.

Practical Application

While a geographical description, Joshua 17:9 offers insights for today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision, even in the seemingly small details of our lives. It also illustrates that even among God's people, there can be overlaps, complexities, and shared spaces that require wisdom, cooperation, and respect for established boundaries. Just as the tribes had their distinct inheritances yet shared common ground, believers today are part of one body but have individual callings and territories, learning to coexist and support one another within God's larger plan.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 16:8 (2 votes)

    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 16:9 (2 votes)

    And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim [were] among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.

  • Joshua 19:29 (2 votes)

    And [then] the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:

  • Joshua 16:3 (2 votes)

    And goeth down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea.