Joseph's two sons each took a share of the inheritance of Canaan. The two "half-tribes" basically took the share of Joseph and the share of Levi, who did not have an inheritance. It was only after Joseph was reunited with his family and the children of Israel left Israel that the two half-tribes were each … Continue reading Ephraim and West Manasseh (Joshua 16:1 – 4)
Caleb Occupies Hebron (Joshua 15:13 – 63)
Caleb moves to take the land of Hebron after receiving the rights to the land from Joshua. He drove out the Anakim, which were giant people, then proceeded to take Debir as well. He offered his daughter in marriage to anyone who would attack Kirjath Sephere and take it, so Othniel did so. She persuaded … Continue reading Caleb Occupies Hebron (Joshua 15:13 – 63)
Caleb in Hebron and Judah’s Inheritance (Joshua 14:6 – 15:12)
Caleb here stakes his claim to the land and the promise of God through Moses made 45 years earlier. After forty years wandering in the wilderness, a preparation time, and the battle for the land, Caleb is ready to take what was promised to him. He proclaims that he is just as strong as he … Continue reading Caleb in Hebron and Judah’s Inheritance (Joshua 14:6 – 15:12)
The Land Divided West of the Jordan (Joshua 14:1 – 5)
The land given to the tribes west of the Jordan were divided by lot, with nine and one-half tribes receiving land, including the half-tribe of Ephraim. Joseph's tribes was divided into two tribes in order to take the place of the Levites, who did not receive a land. They only received cities in which to … Continue reading The Land Divided West of the Jordan (Joshua 14:1 – 5)
The Lands of Gad and Manasseh (East)
The description of the territories of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh simply describe the geographical location of each. While this appears to be just a record-keeping passage, perhaps similar to a deed or survey, it gives us the orderly fashion in which God carries out His business. Each tribe was to receive an … Continue reading The Lands of Gad and Manasseh (East)
The Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8 – 23)
The half-tribe of Ephraim, Reubenites, and the Gadites received their inheritance on the Eastern side of the Jordan. Only the tribe of the Levites did not receive an inheritance. This passage shows the boundaries of the tribes' inheritances. This is an example of God's faithfulness to Israel and a fulfillment of His promises. We can … Continue reading The Land East of the Jordan (Joshua 13:8 – 23)
Kings Conquered by Joshua (Joshua 12:7 – 13:7)
This passage lists the 31 kings that Joshua defeated. After that listing, the story turns to Joshua, an older leader, surveying the remaining land to be taken: the land of the Philistines, Geshurites, the rest of the Canaanites. God told Joshua that He would drive out all the nations before the children of Israel. Joshua … Continue reading Kings Conquered by Joshua (Joshua 12:7 – 13:7)
Summarizing the Victories of Moses through God (Joshua 11:16 – 12:6)
The summary of the conquests of the last few chapters is presented in this passage. It tells of all the kings and lands that Moses led the Israelites to defeat. It talks of how they defeated the giants and the armies, and how Joshua divided the land among the Israelites as an inheritance. I will … Continue reading Summarizing the Victories of Moses through God (Joshua 11:16 – 12:6)
Southern and Northern Conquest (Joshua 10:28 – 11:15)
Joshua and the army of Israel went against numerous Southern cities and their kings. Joshua defeated Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Gezer, Eglon, Hebron, Debir, and all the mountain country, and the South (Negev region), and lowland and wilderness slopes. Joshua conquered them from Kadesh Barnea to Gaza, from Goshen to Gibeon. Then Joshua returned to Gilgal, … Continue reading Southern and Northern Conquest (Joshua 10:28 – 11:15)
The Amorite Kings Executed (Joshua 10:16 – 27)
The five kings who fought against Joshua ran away and hid in a cave at Makkedah. Joshua ordered that large stones be rolled against the mouth of the cave, and that guards watch the cave. They finished annihilating the armies of these kings and the whole region feared Israel and refused to speak of them. … Continue reading The Amorite Kings Executed (Joshua 10:16 – 27)