Old Testament
Joshua 17:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The border went down to the brook Kanah, south of the brook. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. Manasseh's border was on the north side of the brook and ended at the sea.
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And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea:
What Joshua 17:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 17:9, the verse describes the geographical boundaries of the territories belonging to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The border of Manasseh is noted to descend towards the brook Kanah, which is located to the south of this brook. This indicates that the cities of Ephraim are situated within the territory of Manasseh, highlighting the close relationship between these two tribes. The verse emphasizes that Manasseh's territory lies to the north of the brook, extending all the way to the sea. This description of borders is significant as it helps to understand the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, which was crucial for their identity and settlement in the Promised Land. The mention of specific geographical features like the brook and the sea provides a clearer picture of the landscape and the challenges the tribes faced in establishing their territories.
How to apply Joshua 17:9 to your life
Understanding the boundaries of the tribes can remind us of the importance of knowing our own spiritual boundaries and responsibilities. Just as the Israelites had specific territories, we too have areas in our lives where we are called to serve and grow, encouraging us to take ownership of our spiritual journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
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Keep studying Joshua 17:9
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At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Joshua 17:9 mean?
Joshua 17:9 describes the geographical boundaries of the territories of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. It indicates that Manasseh's border descends to the brook Kanah, with Ephraim's cities located within Manasseh's territory, highlighting their close relationship.
What is the significance of the brook Kanah in Joshua 17:9?
The brook Kanah serves as a key geographical marker in Joshua 17:9, defining the southern boundary of Manasseh's territory. This detail helps to understand the land distribution among the tribes of Israel and their settlement in the Promised Land.
What does the term 'coast' refer to in Joshua 17:9?
In Joshua 17:9, the term 'coast' refers to the boundary or border of the land assigned to the tribes. It outlines the specific areas that each tribe was responsible for, emphasizing the importance of territorial divisions.
How does Joshua 17:9 relate to the identity of the tribes?
Joshua 17:9 illustrates the territorial boundaries that contribute to the identity of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Understanding these borders is crucial for recognizing how the tribes settled and established their communities in the Promised Land.
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