Old Testament

Joshua 17:9

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Joshua 17:9, the verse describes the geographical boundaries of the territories belonging to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan
CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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:

Verse Analysis

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

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.

The Book of Joshua
Book Summary

The Book of Joshua

1: God Commissions Joshua

After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.

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