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Book of Joshua - Chapter 17 - Verse 9

17:9
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:

Meaning

This verse from the book of Joshua describes the boundaries of the land allocated to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The verse mentions the river Kanah, which served as a dividing line between the two territories. The cities of Ephraim were located to the south of the river, while the cities of Manasseh were to the north. The land of Manasseh extended all the way to the sea, indicating the coastal nature of their territory. As the Israelites settled in the Promised Land, each tribe was assigned specific territories by lot. This division of land was established to ensure that each tribe had enough space to prosper and thrive. Understanding the geographical boundaries of these tribes helps to paint a picture of how the land was divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, as described in the book of Joshua.

Theological Overview

In the verse you provided, there is a geographical description of the division of land between the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh in the region of Canaan. This passage emphasizes the importance of the boundaries and territories assigned to each tribe. The river Kanah serves as a significant demarcation point between the two tribes. The theological interpretation of this verse could suggest that God's sovereignty in the distribution of land to the Israelites is highlighted here. The careful detailing of the boundaries and the specific locations of the cities within each tribe's territory could signify God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people. Additionally, the mention of the sea symbolizes the vastness of God's provision and the extent of His blessings. Word studies on the names of the rivers and cities mentioned in this verse could provide further insight into the significance of these geographical locations within the context of the Israelites' journey to possess the Promised Land.

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