Joshua 16:6
and out toward the Sea. From Michmethath on the north it turned eastward toward Taanath-shiloh and passed by it to Janoah on the east.
and out toward the Sea.
This phrase refers to the western boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The "Sea" here is the Mediterranean Sea, which was a significant geographical marker for the Israelites. The sea was not only a boundary but also a source of trade and cultural exchange. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, contrasting with the land promised by God, which signifies order and divine provision.

From Michmethath on the north
Michmethath is a location mentioned as a boundary marker for the territory of Ephraim. Its exact location is uncertain today, but it is believed to be near Shechem, a significant city in Israel's history. Shechem was a place of covenant renewal and worship, as seen in Joshua 24. The northern boundary signifies the extent of Ephraim's inheritance, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the tribes of Israel.

it turned eastward toward Taanath-shiloh
The turning eastward indicates a change in direction for the boundary line. Taanath-shiloh is identified with the modern site of Khirbet Ta'na, located east of Shechem. Shiloh was an important religious center where the Tabernacle was located before the temple was built in Jerusalem. This connection emphasizes the spiritual heritage of the land and the centrality of worship in Israel's identity.

and passed by it to Janoah on the east.
Janoah is another boundary marker, possibly identified with the modern site of Yanun. The mention of these specific locations underscores the detailed nature of the land allotments, reflecting the importance of land in Israel's covenant relationship with God. The eastward movement of the boundary may symbolize the expansion of God's promises and the unfolding of His plan for His people. The precision in these descriptions highlights the historical reality of the biblical narrative and God's meticulous care in providing for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michmethath
A location marking the northern boundary of the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. Its exact location is uncertain, but it is significant in defining the tribal territories.

2. Taanath-shiloh
A town mentioned as a landmark in the boundary description. It is part of the eastern boundary of Ephraim's inheritance.

3. Janoah
Another town on the eastern boundary of Ephraim's territory. It is part of the detailed description of the land division among the tribes of Israel.

4. Ephraim
One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Ephraim. This passage describes part of the land allocated to them.

5. Sea
Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which serves as a western boundary for the land of Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Faithfulness in Promises
The detailed description of land boundaries in Joshua 16:6 reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It reminds us that God is faithful to His word and His promises to us.

Importance of Inheritance
The passage highlights the importance of inheritance and the role it plays in identity and belonging. As Christians, we have an inheritance in Christ that is eternal and secure.

Attention to Detail
The meticulous recording of boundaries shows the importance of order and detail in God's plans. It encourages us to be diligent and attentive in our own lives, trusting that God cares about the specifics.

Community and Responsibility
The division of land required cooperation and responsibility among the tribes. Similarly, we are called to work together in our communities, respecting boundaries and responsibilities.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed description of land boundaries in Joshua 16:6 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual inheritance in Christ impact our daily lives and decisions?

3. How can we apply the principle of attention to detail, as seen in the boundary descriptions, to our personal and spiritual lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the cooperation required among the tribes of Israel in dividing the land, and how can these lessons be applied to our church communities today?

5. How does the concept of inheritance in Joshua 16:6 connect to the New Testament teachings on our inheritance as believers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 34
This chapter provides a broader context for the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, including the boundaries and inheritances.

Joshua 17
Continues the description of the land allotment, specifically for the tribe of Manasseh, which is closely related to Ephraim as both are sons of Joseph.

Genesis 48
Describes the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh by Jacob, which sets the stage for their future inheritance in the Promised Land.
The Inheritance of JosephW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Joshua 16:1-10
People
Addar, Archites, Arkites, Canaanites, Ephraimites, Japhletites, Joseph, Manasseh, Manassites, Naarah, Tappuah
Places
Ataroth, Ataroth-addar, Bethel, Beth-horon, Gezer, Janoah, Jericho, Jordan River, Kanah, Luz, Michmethath, Naarah, Taanath-shiloh, Tappuah, Upper Beth-horon
Topics
Along, Beyond, Border, Boundary, Continued, Curved, East, Eastward, Eastwards, Forth, Goes, Janoah, Jan-o'ah, Janohah, Line, Michmethah, Michmethath, Mich-methath, Mich-me'thath, Micmethath, North, Passed, Passes, Passing, Past, Round, Shiloh, Taanath, Taanathshiloh, Taanath-shiloh, Ta'anath-shi'loh, Thence, Towards, Turning, Turns, West, Westward, Westwards
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Joshua 16:1-10

     5235   boundary

Library
Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." Let these last words be marked, "The breadth of the land of Benjamin was bounded by Jerusalem and Beth-el." May we not justly conclude, from these words, that Jerusalem and Beth-el were opposite, as it were, in a right line? But if you look upon the maps, there are some that separate these by a very large tract of land,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Joshua
The book of Joshua is the natural complement of the Pentateuch. Moses is dead, but the people are on the verge of the promised land, and the story of early Israel would be incomplete, did it not record the conquest of that land and her establishment upon it. The divine purpose moves restlessly on, until it is accomplished; so "after the death of Moses, Jehovah spake to Joshua," i. 1. The book falls naturally into three divisions: (a) the conquest of Canaan (i.-xii.), (b) the settlement of the
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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