March 27

Joshua 16-18 (biblegateway.com)

Dividing the Land

Joshua 16-18 details the inheritance of the tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) and the process of distributing land to the remaining tribes. (see map below)

Joshua 16 describes the territorial inheritance of the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribes of Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh (v. 1-4). As the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh were blessed with a double portion in the Promised Land, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 48:5-6. Their territory in Canaan was, in many respects, the most beautiful and fertile. Their land extended from the Jordan River near Jericho westward to the Mediterranean Sea. However, despite receiving prime territory, Ephraim and Manasseh struggled to fully claim it.

Verses 5-9 specifically detail Ephraim’s land. Their territory was smaller than Manasseh’s but strategically important. Located immediately north of the territory to be assigned to Dan and Benjamin, the allotment of Ephraim stretched from the Jordan to the Mediterranean and included the sites of some of Joshua’s battles as well as Shiloh, where the Tabernacle would remain for about 300 years. The passage also mentions that Ephraim’s borders overlapped with Manasseh’s (v. 9). But the men of Ephraim, like those of Judah, did not drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, so they remained as forced laborers (v. 10).

Although Ephraim was Joseph’s younger son (Genesis 41:52), his tribe’s territory is listed before Manasseh’s, likely due to the special blessing he received in Genesis 48:12-20. Jacob honored Ephraim as if he were the firstborn, giving him precedence over his older brother. As a result, the tribe of Ephraim initially held a leadership role in Israel after Moses, with Joshua being the first to fulfill this responsibility.

While this chapter outlines the borders of their inheritance, it also highlights their failure to fully drive out the Canaanites, a theme that would have lasting consequences. Later in Israel’s history, the Canaanites in Gezer influenced Israel toward idolatry (Judges 2:1-3, 1 Kings 9:16-17). This reinforces a key theological truth: incomplete obedience leads to long-term consequences. God had commanded Israel to completely remove the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), yet their failure to do so allowed sinful influences to persist, weakening their devotion to God. Are there areas in your life where you are practicing partial obedience? Do not allow spiritual compromise to take root—fully surrender every area to God and remove anything that hinders your relationship with Him.

Joshua 16 highlights both God’s faithfulness in granting Israel their inheritance and Israel’s failure to fully claim it. Ephraim received a rich and abundant land, yet their reluctance to fully obey God’s command left them vulnerable to future struggles and compromise. This chapter reminds us that God’s blessings require both faith and action—He provides the opportunity, but we must be willing to step forward in full obedience. Let us learn from Ephraim’s mistake and commit to fully trusting God, removing anything that stands in the way of His best for our lives.

Joshua 17 details the inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, the firstborn of Joseph, as the Promised Land was being divided among Israel. Makir, the eldest son of Manasseh and a skilled warrior, had already received land east of the Jordan in Gilead and Bashan. The remaining descendants of Manasseh, including the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida, were allotted territory west of the Jordan. These are the other male descendants of Manasseh, son of Joseph, by their clans (v. 1-2).

A remarkable moment in this chapter is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Zelophehad’s daughters. Zelophehad, son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah. Because Zelophehad had no sons, his daughters boldly appealed to Moses for their right to an inheritance (Numbers 27:1-11). Their request had been granted, and now, they finally receive their portion among their male relatives (v. 4). This event highlights God’s justice and faithfulness, showing that He provides for all His people regardless of social norms. It also demonstrates the power of faith-filled action—these women trusted God’s promises and stepped forward boldly, a lesson for believers today about trusting in God’s provision and stepping forward in faith.

Manasseh’s territory included key cities that held significant military and economic value. However, the tribe of Manasseh failed to fully drive out the Canaanites from their land. Instead of complete obedience, they allowed the Canaanites to remain and later subjected them to forced labor (v. 7-13). This partial obedience was a dangerous compromise that ultimately led to future idolatry and oppression.

God calls His people to full obedience, not partial compliance. Just as Manasseh’s failure to remove the Canaanites resulted in spiritual and physical consequences, compromising with sin in our lives can lead to spiritual bondage and distance from God. We are reminded that small compromises can open the door for greater struggles in the future. True faith calls for full surrender to God’s will, rather than allowing worldly influences to remain and take root.

The descendants of Joseph, including the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, complained to Joshua that their allotted land was too small given their large population (v. 14). They requested more land but hesitated when Joshua told them to clear the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites. Instead of acting in faith, they pointed out the strength of their enemies, particularly the Canaanites, with iron chariots (v. 15-16). Joshua rebuked their fear and encouraged them to trust in God’s provision, reminding them that they were strong and capable of taking the land (v. 17-18).

This interaction reveals another key spiritual truth: faith requires action. The tribes of Joseph wanted an easy solution—more land without effort—but Joshua reminded them that blessings require faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s power rather than human strength. Too often, believers desire God’s blessings but hesitate to step into the work required to claim them. Whether it is stepping into ministry, trusting God through financial struggles, or overcoming personal fears, faith is demonstrated in obedience and perseverance.

Joshua 17 reminds us of the dangers of fear, entitlement, and compromise, while also showcasing God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The daughters of Zelophehad inspire us to trust in God’s justice, while Manasseh’s failure warns against settling for partial obedience. The complaint of Joseph’s tribes reminds us that faith is not passive—it requires effort and reliance on God rather than fear of obstacles. Just as Joshua encouraged them to move forward despite strong enemies, God calls us to trust Him even when challenges seem overwhelming. Will we act in faith like Zelophehad’s daughters, or will we shrink back in fear like the tribes of Joseph? God has already provided what we need—now it is up to us to step forward in obedience and claim it.

Joshua 18 describes the continued distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, focusing on the remaining seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance. The chapter begins with the Israelites assembling at Shiloh, where they set up the Tabernacle of Meeting (v. 1). This is significant because Shiloh became the central place of worship and Israel’s first spiritual capital, representing God’s presence among His people. However, despite God’s promises and victories, seven tribes had still not taken possession of their land. Joshua rebukes them, asking, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” (v. 3).

This question reveals their spiritual complacency as they hesitated to claim what God had already provided. Their delay mirrors how many believers today fail to step into the blessings and responsibilities God has prepared for them. Fear, doubt, and passivity often keep people from fully embracing God’s plans, yet Joshua’s challenge is a reminder that faith requires action.

To move the process forward, Joshua commands the tribes to appoint three men from each tribe to survey the land and write a detailed description of it (v. 4-6). These men traveled throughout the land, recorded their findings, and returned to Joshua, who then cast lots before the Lord to determine each tribe’s portion. This method of casting lots (v. 8-10) reflects their belief that God Himself was guiding the division of the land. Proverbs 16:33 states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” This demonstrates both God’s sovereignty and the importance of seeking His direction in decision-making. The tribes needed to trust that God’s allocation was just and aligned with His divine plan.

The second half of the chapter (v. 11-28) focuses on the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, which was strategically located between Ephraim and Judah. It was a narrow strip of land that served as a buffer zone between Judah and Ephraim, the two tribes that would later dominate the land. The cities of Benjamin included significant locations such as Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, and Jerusalem. Though Jerusalem was technically part of Benjamin’s land, it remained under Jebusite control until David conquered it centuries later (2 Samuel 5:6-7). Benjamin’s location would later make it a key political and religious center in Israel’s history, as both King Saul (Israel’s first king) and the Apostle Paul descended from this tribe.

Joshua 18 teaches that delayed obedience can hinder spiritual progress. The seven tribes had the promised land before them, yet they hesitated. How often do we wait for God to act when He has already given us the resources, strength, and direction to move forward? Like Joshua challenged Israel, we, too, must take intentional steps of faith. This passage also highlights God’s sovereignty in His plans for His people—the land was not distributed randomly, but according to divine purpose. Just as Israel had to trust God’s allocation, we must trust that God’s plans for our lives are good, even when we do not fully understand them (Jeremiah 29:11).

In application, this chapter challenges us to examine where we may be hesitating in our faith. Are there areas in our lives where we know God has called us to step forward, yet we delay due to fear, doubt, or complacency? Whether it’s stepping into ministry, trusting God with a difficult decision, or embracing a calling, faith requires movement. God’s promises are already given—our role is to trust Him, take action, and walk boldly in obedience.

Map - Division of the land to the Tribes