How does Joshua 16:5 define the boundaries of Ephraim's inheritance? Text of Joshua 16:5 “This was the boundary of the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The border of their inheritance went from Ataroth-addar in the east to Upper Beth-horon.” Observations on the Two Boundary Markers • Ataroth-addar – a settlement on the south-eastern edge of Ephraim’s territory, near the border with Benjamin (cf. Joshua 18:13). • Upper Beth-horon – a strategic hill-top village overlooking the Beth-horon pass, further west toward the coastal plain (cf. Joshua 10:10–11). Mapping the Line from Ataroth-Addar to Upper Beth-Horon • The verse identifies Ephraim’s southern boundary. • Starting point: Ataroth-addar (east). • Trajectory: runs westward along the ridge of the central hill country. • End point: Upper Beth-horon (west), just before the descent toward the plains. • Practical effect: establishes a clear dividing line—Ephraim to the north, Benjamin to the south. Why These Markers Matter • Literal landmarks guaranteed every clan in Ephraim knew exactly where its territory began and ended (cf. Deuteronomy 19:14). • The boundary protected inheritance rights, fulfilling God’s promise first voiced in Numbers 34:2. • God’s faithfulness is seen in the precise, measurable fulfillment of His word; the land was not an abstract idea but real soil with real borders. Related Passages • Further details of this southern border: Joshua 16:6–7. • Benjamin’s matching northern border: Joshua 18:13–14. • Tribal inheritances summarized: Joshua 19:51. |
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