gregsloop Biblical Reflections

The Land of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11 – 28)

Benjamin ended up receiving his inheritance between Judah and the children of Joseph.  The cities in this territory included many with significance, such as Jericho, Gibeon, and Jerusalem. Benjamin was younger brother to Joseph, so it is appropriate that Benjamin would be next to Joseph's children.  It is important to notice that Judah, the first … Continue reading The Land of Benjamin (Joshua 18:11 – 28)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

More on Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 17:14 – 18:10)

Ephraim and Manasseh asked Joshua to give them more land, because they were such a large people.  He granted them the mountain country adjacent to them, and the valley of the Canaanites, even though it was inhabited with giants who drove iron chariots. The entire congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh, and they set up … Continue reading More on Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 17:14 – 18:10)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

Situations Related to Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:5 – 17:13)

The Ephraimites did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer, but turned them into forced laborers.  Manasseh did not drive out the Canaanites from Megiddo and its towns.  Manasseh also had one grandson of Joseph who only had daughters.  They were provided an inheritance as well, which was not normal procedure. God instructed … Continue reading Situations Related to Ephraim and Manasseh (Joshua 16:5 – 17:13)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

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)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

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)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

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)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35)

The Lord instructed Moses to set aside cities for the Levites, along with common land for their flocks.  The Levites would not have an inheritance of expanses of land in Canaan, but would have cities in which to dwell.  Six of the Levites cities would be designated as cities of refuge, for the manslayer.  Anyone … Continue reading Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35)

gregsloop Biblical Reflections

The Inheritance of the People of God (Numbers 34)

In the previous chapter, God gave Moses the following instructions: Numbers 33:51–53 (NKJV) 51 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all … Continue reading The Inheritance of the People of God (Numbers 34)