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Scripture Mapping

Historical ContextJoshua 16

Historical Context

  1. Time period

    Late 15th Century BC to Early 14th Century BC (Conquest of Canaan)

    Cultural background

    The Israelites were settling in the Promised Land, dividing the land among the tribes as per God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

    Political environment

    Canaan was a land of various city-states and small kingdoms, often ruled by local kings. The Israelites were in the process of conquering and settling these territories.

    Geographical setting

    The chapter describes the allotment of land to the tribe of Joseph, specifically Ephraim and Manasseh, in the central hill country of Canaan.

    Societal norms

    Land inheritance was a crucial aspect of Israelite society, reflecting God's covenant promises and the fulfillment of the land promise to the patriarchs.

    Significant figures
    • Joseph

      Ancestor of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, whose descendants received their inheritance in this chapter.

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