March 15
Joshua 16–18
Scripture Text: Joshua 16:1–18:27
Series: Read the Bible in a Year
Our reading today begins with the allotments of land that was to go to Jospeh’s firstborn sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Though God was faithful to give them the land, Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites who continued living amidst the Ephraimites “to this day” (Joshua 16:10). This may serve as a warning to us that our own spiritual battles must be taken seriously (Ephesians 6:11–20; James 4:7–8; 1 Peter 5:8).
The “house of Joseph” is unhappy with their share. They complain that they will have to dwell in the forests of the hill country because of all the Canaanites in the land. Not how we too, are prone to complain about how unfair life is when we have brought it upon ourselves. Joshua does not baby them by giving them other land but urges them to appropriate the land apportioned to them. They are to drive out the Canaanites even though they are numerous, mighty, and militarily superior (as they had iron chariots). They are to then clear the trees and inhabit the whole of the land.
The whole people of Israel are gathered now in Shiloh where the wilderness tabernacle, or tent of meeting, was erected. Joshua 18:1 states that “the land lay subdued before them,” more than half the promised land was yet to be possessed. Joshua sends out men to write a description of the remaining territory, to survey it and put together a report that described the lands that remained. Perhaps Joshua meant to use their description as a sort of real estate advertisement that might allure the remaining seven tribes to settle the rest of the country. Regardless, after the surveyors report back to Joshua at Shiloh, he divides the land among the tribes by casting lots to decide their portions. In other words, it was left to the will of God.
It is noted again that Levi’s inheritance is the priesthood of the Lord (Joshua 18:7). Finally, Benjamin receives their inheritance: land tucked between Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. Benjamin is the smallest tribe, so perhaps they would need protection from the two larger tribes (Judah being the largest of the twelve). If so, the Lord had taken precautions for the safety of the tribe that would birth Ehud, the assassin of the king of Moab, Deborah who was a prophet and judge in Benjamin (though her own tribal lineage is unclear), Saul, the first king of Israel, as well as, Queen Esther, and the Apostle Paul. Benjamin’s importance is undeniable, so God planned for their salvation—and ours.
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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