What responsibilities did Ephraim and Manasseh have in their allotted inheritance? The Land Gifted to Joseph’s Sons Joshua 16:4: “So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.” The Core Responsibilities in Their Allotment • occupy every corner of the territory assigned to them • drive out remaining Canaanites and purge idolatry • maintain covenant worship centered at Shiloh and Shechem • provide cities and pasturelands for the Levites • guard their borders and aid Israel’s defense • steward a double-portion inheritance as faithful witnesses to the whole nation Take Full Possession: Driving Out the Nations • Deuteronomy 7:1-2 charged Israel to “devote them to complete destruction.” • Within Ephraim’s land, Canaanite enclaves such as Gezer remained (Joshua 16:10); Manasseh left pockets in Beth-shan, Dor, and Taanach (Joshua 17:12-13). • Judges 1:27-29 records the sad fallout of partial obedience. Their responsibility was clear: finish the job or face corruption. Maintain Covenant Worship • The tabernacle was set up at Shiloh, inside Ephraim (Joshua 18:1). Hosting Israel’s worship center meant protecting it, facilitating national feasts, and modeling reverence. • Shechem in Ephraim also became a covenant renewal site (Joshua 24:1-28). Their land carried the weight of national accountability. Support the Levites • Forty-eight Levitical cities were scattered among the tribes (Joshua 21). • Ephraim gave Gezer, Shechem, Kibzaim, and Beth-horon (Joshua 21:21-22). • Manasseh contributed Taanach, Gath-rimmon, Ibleam, and Golan east of the Jordan (Joshua 21:25-27). • Providing land, pasture, and tithes sustained priestly ministry. Guard the Cities of Refuge • Shechem (west) and Golan (east) lay inside their borders (Joshua 20:7-8). • They were to keep roads clear (Deuteronomy 19:3) and ensure impartial justice for accidental killers seeking asylum. Steward a Double Portion • Jacob declared both sons equal to Reuben and Simeon, giving Joseph the firstborn’s double share (Genesis 48:5-22; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2). • With privilege came responsibility: model gratitude, obedience, and generosity. Stand United for National Defense • Manasseh’s eastern half controlled Gilead and Bashan, a buffer against eastern raiders (Joshua 17:1). • Both halves were expected to join musters when Israel went to war (Joshua 22:2-4). Live as a Witness • Their central position meant daily contact with most tribes and travelers. • Faithfulness in agriculture, justice, and worship would influence the entire land (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). Summary Ephraim and Manasseh were not mere landholders; they were covenant stewards. Possessing the territory, purging idolatry, hosting worship, supporting the Levites, guarding refuge cities, defending the nation, and showcasing obedience—these were the God-given responsibilities folded into their inheritance. |
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