Joshua 16 1

Joshua 16:1 kjv

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,

Joshua 16:1 nkjv

The lot fell to the children of Joseph from the Jordan, by Jericho, to the waters of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho through the mountains to Bethel,

Joshua 16:1 niv

The allotment for Joseph began at the Jordan, east of the springs of Jericho, and went up from there through the desert into the hill country of Bethel.

Joshua 16:1 esv

The allotment of the people of Joseph went from the Jordan by Jericho, east of the waters of Jericho, into the wilderness, going up from Jericho into the hill country to Bethel.

Joshua 16:1 nlt

The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended from the Jordan River near Jericho, east of the springs of Jericho, through the wilderness and into the hill country of Bethel.

Joshua 16 verses

Joshua 16 1 Meaning

Joshua 16:1 details the initial boundary assigned by lot to the "children of Joseph," encompassing both the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. It marks their southern border's starting point from the Jordan River near Jericho, extending westward through the wilderness and mountains to the significant spiritual and geographical landmark of Bethel. This verse sets the stage for the specific territorial inheritance of a major tribal group within the promised land, emphasizing divine distribution.

Joshua 16 1 Context

Joshua chapter 16 belongs to the section of Joshua (chapters 13-21) dedicated to the detailed allocation of the promised land among the Israelite tribes. Following the general conquest described in chapters 1-12 and Caleb's personal inheritance, the narrative shifts to the specific territories. Chapter 16 specifically outlines the southern boundary and general extent of the combined territory given to the "children of Joseph"—referring collectively to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Although they were two separate tribes, they inherited a single "double portion" due to their descent from Joseph, blessed by Jacob as if they were Jacob's own sons (Gen 48). This verse serves as the introduction to Ephraim's particular boundaries (detailed throughout the rest of chapter 16) before Manasseh's is detailed in chapter 17. The geographical landmarks—Jordan, Jericho, wilderness, mountains, Bethel—are critical points of reference in a land surveyed and described for permanent habitation. The entire process of dividing the land by lot, overseen by Eleazar the priest and Joshua, underscored the belief that God was sovereignly fulfilling His ancient promises to Abraham's descendants (Gen 12:7; Gen 15:18).

Joshua 16 1 Word analysis

• Then the lot: The Hebrew word is goral (גּוֹרָל), meaning a stone or pebble used for casting, and by extension, the portion or share decided by such means. Its use here signifies a divine, rather than human, allocation of territory. This was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, but for Israel, it was explicitly understood as a method through which God's will was revealed in the land division, preventing tribal disputes and confirming His sovereign control.

• for the children of Joseph: Hebrew benei Yosef (בְּנֵי יוֹסֵף). This collective term specifically refers to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, whom Jacob adopted as his own, thus granting them each a tribal inheritance equal to Reuben or Simeon (Gen 48:5). Their combined strength and territory made them one of the most significant tribal blocs.

• fell: The Hebrew verb is yatza (יָצָא), meaning "to go out," "come forth," "issue." It describes the outcome or result of the lot-casting, indicating the boundary "came out" or "was determined" from a starting point, establishing a clear line.

• from the Jordan: The Yarden (יַרְדֵּן), Israel's main river, forming a natural eastern border for much of the territory west of it. It's a key geographical reference point, especially since Israel crossed it to enter Canaan.

• by Jericho: Yericho (יְרִיחוֹ). A prominent city in the Jordan valley, historically significant for its miraculous fall to Israel (Josh 6). Its strategic location near the Jordan serves as a well-known marker for the start of the boundary line.

• at the waters of Jericho on the east: Refers to the spring or oasis that supplied Jericho. This precise geographical detail ensures accuracy in defining the boundary, starting specifically east of the city, likely near the source of the waters that nourished the fertile Jericho plain.

• even to the wilderness: Implies the boundary extended westward from the Jordan valley into the sparsely populated, often arid, open lands that transition into more mountainous terrain.

• that goes up from Jericho: Indicates an ascent from the Jordan rift valley, which is below sea level, to the higher elevation of the central hill country. This emphasizes the change in terrain.

• through the mountains: Signifies the rugged, elevated topography characteristic of the central Israelite hill country, emphasizing the difficult nature of the terrain through which the boundary passed.

• to Bethel: Beit-El (בֵּית־אֵל), meaning "House of God." A highly significant religious and historical site for Israel. Jacob had his dream of the ladder here (Gen 28) and renamed the place. It became a strategic boundary marker, signifying the northwestern extent of this initial boundary description for the House of Joseph's territory, specifically its southern border with Benjamin and Dan.

• "the lot... fell from the Jordan by Jericho... to Bethel": This phrase describes the initial course of the southern boundary for the children of Joseph. It runs from east (Jordan/Jericho) to west-northwest (Bethel). This directional clarity is crucial for understanding the tribal territories.

Joshua 16 1 Bonus section

• Strategic Location: The inclusion of Jericho and Bethel within this boundary description or as key markers highlights the strategic importance of Joseph's inheritance. Jericho controlled the Jordan crossing, while Bethel was a major religious and later political center in central Canaan.
• Significance of "Children of Joseph": Though receiving one collective lot, Ephraim and Manasseh eventually constituted the largest and arguably most influential group in the northern kingdom later in Israel's history. This verse sets the stage for their prominence.
• Divine vs. Human Agency: The reliance on the "lot" (goral) throughout the land division process strongly reinforces the theological point that the land was not acquired by Israel's strength or cunning, but by God's decree and power (Deut 9:5-6; Ps 44:3).
• Foundation for Future Conflicts: The precise demarcation of boundaries, even if challenging terrain, was critical to preventing tribal disputes over land, although conflicts and negotiations did arise later (e.g., Josh 17:14-18, where the children of Joseph request more territory due to their large numbers).

Joshua 16 1 Commentary

Joshua 16:1 introduces the inheritance for the combined tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, highlighting the divine method of land distribution through lots. The phrase "Then the lot... fell" immediately establishes God's hand in determining their portion, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human decision or strength. This initial verse sketches the primary south-eastern to north-western extent of their boundary, starting from the Jordan River near the famously conquered city of Jericho. It progresses through challenging wilderness and mountainous terrain, ultimately reaching the historically and religiously significant site of Bethel. While "children of Joseph" encompasses both tribes, this chapter largely focuses on Ephraim's specific boundaries. The meticulous detailing of these geographical landmarks underscores the concrete fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land of Canaan, serving as a perpetual reminder of His faithfulness to His people, establishing permanent and unalterable divisions among the tribes.