Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

The Clans of Joseph are next in Joshua 16. The two tribes that come from Joseph are Manasseh and Ephraim. These are the names of his two sons that were born in Egypt while he was the right-hand man of Pharaoh. The first allotment is for the descendants of Ephraim. We again read the disturbing words that they did not dislodge all the Canaanite groups. This failure to follow Jehovah’s instructions will be paid for by future generations. What are we doing, or have we done that will affect our children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren?

The inheritance for Manasseh is shown in Joshua 17.  One interesting part of this distribution is the lands given to the daughters of Zelophehad who had no sons and only daughters.  Moses had instructed Joshua to give the daughters the land that would be their father’s.  An equal share for him as his brothers had was given to the daughters with the provision they must marry within the clan.  Their father’s allotment could not go to another tribe.

They came to Joshua asking for another allotment because they were so numerous.  The hill country was already theirs.  All they had to do was follow Yahweh’s instructions and drive the Canaanites from the land.  Ultimately the people of the hills were subjugated, but once more some of them were left living in the land.

The tent of meeting or the tabernacle is set up at Shiloh in Joshua 18.  Joshua has each tribe select three men to map the remaining territory for the balance of the families to divide.  The land is split into seven equal parcels and lots are cast to distribute it.

Benjamin is the next family group to be awarded land.  There are six more parcels of ground to be handed down.  Jehovah is the one that makes the decisions.  The casting of dice is not a random chance.  God can control anything He wants to.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger