Joshua – Chapter 16

Old Testament10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 16 of Joshua begins: "And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the wilderness which goeth…" The chapter centers on Manasses and Joseph. Its 10 verses return again and again to family and covenant relationships. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the wilderness which goeth up from Jericho to the mountain of Bethel:

2And goeth out from Bethel to Luza: and passeth the border of Archi, to Ataroth,

3And goeth down westward, by the border of Jephleti, unto the borders of Beth-horon the nether, and to Gazer: and the countries of it are ended by the great sea:

4And Manasses and Ephraim the children of Joseph possessed it.

5And the border of the children of Ephraim was according to their kindreds: and their possession towards the east was Ataroth-addar unto Beth-horon the upper.

6And the confines go out unto the sea: but Machmethath looketh to the north, and it goeth round the borders eastward into Thanath-selo: and passeth along on the east side to Janoe.

7And it goeth down from Janoe into Ataroth and Naaratha: and it cometh to Jericho, and goeth out to the Jordan.

8From Taphua it passeth on towards the sea into the valley of reeds, and the goings out thereof are at the most salt sea. This is the possession of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

9And there were cities with their villages separated for the children of Ephraim in the midst of the possession of the children of Manasses.

10And the children of Ephraim slew not the Chanaanite, who dwelt in Gazer: and the Chanaanite dwelt in the midst of Ephraim until this day, paying tribute.

Important Verses in Joshua 16

And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the wilderness which goeth up from Jericho to the mountain of Bethel:

Joshua 16:1

And Manasses and Ephraim the children of Joseph possessed it.

Joshua 16:4

And it goeth down from Janoe into Ataroth and Naaratha: and it cometh to Jericho, and goeth out to the Jordan.

Joshua 16:7

And the children of Ephraim slew not the Chanaanite, who dwelt in Gazer: and the Chanaanite dwelt in the midst of Ephraim until this day, paying tribute.

Joshua 16:10

Historical Context

Joshua addresses israel settled in the land, called to remember how God fulfilled His promises within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 16 of 24 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Manasses and Joseph, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the…" The chapter ends with: "And the children of Ephraim slew not the Chanaanite, who dwelt in Gazer: and the Chanaanite dwelt in the midst of…" The wider setting of Joshua is this: Joshua narrates the entry into Canaan, the fall of Jericho, and the division of the land among the twelve tribes. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers

When It Was Written

Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

In this 10-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the wilderness which goeth up from Jericho to…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 302). Here, Catholic tradition sees Joshua as a type of Jesus, who leads us into the true Promised Land (CIC 2578). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Manasses2 mentionsJoseph2 mentions

Reflection for Today

In Joshua Chapter 16, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Joshua Chapter 16 supports that call by drawing attention to trust in providence amid uncertainty within the wider message that God fulfills His promises.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of trust in providence amid uncertainty bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Joshua Chapter 16 about?

Joshua 16 contains 10 verses. It opens with "And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the…" and closes with "And the children of Ephraim slew not the Chanaanite, who dwelt in Gazer: and the Chanaanite dwelt in the midst of…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Joshua 16?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the lot of the sons of Joseph fell from the Jordan over against Jericho and the waters thereof, on the east: the wilderness which goeth up from Jericho to the mountain of…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Joshua Chapter 16?

This chapter mentions Manasses, Joseph.

Who wrote Joshua and when?

Attributed by tradition to Joshua himself with additions by later inspired writers. Events of the 13th century BC; written form developed between the 10th and 6th centuries BC.

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