Joshua 16:1-18:28

THE YEAR OF BLOGGING BIBLICALLY: DAY 74

In chapter 16 Joshua continues to divvy up the land among the Israelites. The tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, descended from Joseph's sons, receive their portions. Ephraim goes first. As with other tribes, the Ephraimites fail to drive out the Canaanites completely. They do, however, use them for forced labor.

Half the tribe of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan river. In chapter 17 the other half-tribe, including the daughters of Zelophehad, receive land west of the Jordan. They too, have trouble getting rid of all the Canaanites, but use them as forced labor.

Together the Ephraimites and Manassites request more land. Joshua grants them some hill country. The land will need to be cleared, and it is full of Canaanites, but Joshua assures the Josephites (as the two tribes are known together) that they are up to the tasks.

In chapter 18 Joshua commands a survey of the land and begins to divide it up by lot. Verses 11-28 describe the land given to the tribe of Benjamin.




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