Joshua 16

Chapter Summary

Joshua 16 outlines the boundaries and cities allocated to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions for the division of the land. The chapter begins by describing the border of the Ephraimites, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea (Joshua 16:1-4), and then lists the cities within their territory (Joshua 16:5-10). The chapter also notes the failure of the Ephraimites to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer (Joshua 16:10), highlighting the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to fully obey God's commands. The borders and cities of the Manassites are also described, including their failure to drive out the Canaanites from certain areas (Joshua 16:11-12, 20). The chapter concludes with a reference to the lot that fell to the Josephites, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the division of the land (Joshua 16:13, 17).

Context for the Chapter

Joshua 16 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Joshua, which describes the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land to the tribes of Israel. The chapter is situated within the context of the Israelites' ongoing struggle to maintain their faithfulness to God and to trust in His power and provision. The chapter also points to the larger biblical narrative, as it highlights God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their inheritance, and the importance of trusting in His power and provision to secure it. The chapter is also connected to the New Testament, as it foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would bring about a new era of redemption and restoration.

Heart Application

This chapter calls us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone. We are reminded of the importance of obeying God's commands and trusting in His sovereignty over all things. As we face our own struggles and challenges, we are called to look to God as our rock and our redeemer, and to trust in His power to overcome them.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Joshua 16 is about the division of the land to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone. The Ephraimites failed to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, which serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. We are called to trust in God's sovereignty over all things and to obey His commands, just like the Israelites were called to do.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord has given us a twofold gift, the gift of the land and the gift of the Spirit, that we might be enabled to possess the land and to enjoy its fruits.”

— John Calvin

“The Canaanites were not driven out, because the Israelites did not wholly trust in God; they relied too much on their own strength, and forgot the promise of their God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. The Border of the Ephraimites (Joshua 16:1-4) — The chapter begins by describing the border of the Ephraimites, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The Cities of the Ephraimites (Joshua 16:5-10) — The chapter lists the cities within the territory of the Ephraimites, including Gezer, which they failed to drive out the Canaanites from.
3. The Border of the Manassites (Joshua 16:11-12) — The chapter describes the border of the Manassites, including the cities within their territory.
4. The Inheritance of the Josephites (Joshua 16:13, 17) — The chapter concludes with a reference to the lot that fell to the Josephites, emphasizing God's sovereignty over the division of the land.
5. The Failure of the Ephraimites and Manassites (Joshua 16:10, 12) — The chapter highlights the failure of the Ephraimites and Manassites to drive out the Canaanites from certain areas, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the division of the land to the tribes of Israel. God's sovereignty is emphasized throughout the chapter, as He allocates the borders and cities to each tribe according to His will.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, as the Israelites are called to trust in His power and provision to drive out the Canaanites. The failure of the Ephraimites to fully obey God's commands serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

The Promise of Inheritance

The chapter emphasizes God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their inheritance, and the importance of trusting in His power and provision to secure it. The concept of inheritance is central to this chapter, as it highlights God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their own.

The Struggle with Sin

The chapter highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their faithfulness to God, as they face external pressures and temptations. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone.

Lessons from Joshua 16

1. Trust in God's Power and Provision — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone. This is emphasized throughout the chapter, as the Israelites are called to trust in God's power to drive out the Canaanites.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, as the Israelites are called to trust in His power and provision to drive out the Canaanites. The failure of the Ephraimites to fully obey God's commands serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
3. God's Sovereignty Over All Things — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the division of the land to the tribes of Israel. God's sovereignty is emphasized throughout the chapter, as He allocates the borders and cities to each tribe according to His will.
4. The Promise of Inheritance — The chapter emphasizes God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their inheritance, and the importance of trusting in His power and provision to secure it. The concept of inheritance is central to this chapter, as it highlights God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their own.
5. The Ongoing Struggle with Sin — The chapter highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their faithfulness to God, as they face external pressures and temptations. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone.

Themes from Joshua 16

1. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including the division of the land to the tribes of Israel. God's sovereignty is emphasized throughout the chapter, as He allocates the borders and cities to each tribe according to His will.
2. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, as the Israelites are called to trust in His power and provision to drive out the Canaanites. The failure of the Ephraimites to fully obey God's commands serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
3. The Promise of Inheritance — The chapter emphasizes God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their inheritance, and the importance of trusting in His power and provision to secure it. The concept of inheritance is central to this chapter, as it highlights God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their own.
4. The Struggle with Sin — The chapter highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their faithfulness to God, as they face external pressures and temptations. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone.
5. Trust in God's Power and Provision — The chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone. This is emphasized throughout the chapter, as the Israelites are called to trust in God's power to drive out the Canaanites.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does this chapter teach us about the importance of obeying God's commands?
2. How does the failure of the Ephraimites to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience?
3. What does the chapter emphasize about God's sovereignty over the division of the land?
4. How does the concept of inheritance relate to God's promise to give the land to the Israelites?
5. What does the chapter teach us about the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their faithfulness to God?

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Sermons on Joshua 16

	Sermon	Description
	Appropriating Faith by Charles E. Cowman	Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of taking action and possessing the promises of God. He emphasizes the need to have appropriating faith in God's Word, making His promi

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Joshua 16

In this chapter, we see the division of the land to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, highlighting God's sovereignty over all things. The border of the Ephraimites is described in detail, and the cities within their territory are listed. The chapter also highlights the failure of the Ephraimites to drive out the Canaanites from Gezer, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The inheritance of the Josephites is emphasized, highlighting God's promise to give the land to the Israelites as their own. This chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on human strength alone, and to obey God's commands, just as the Israelites were called to do. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord has given us a twofold gift, the gift of the land and the gift of the Spirit, that we might be enabled to possess the land and to enjoy its fruits.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?