Thoughts on the readings for May 30th (Joshua 16, Isaiah 22,Hebrews 1, 2)

Joshua 16 outlines the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim. This was Joshua’s own tribe and it is significant that the faithful leader, who was the only other spy to completely trust in the Living God. Joshua together with Caleb courageously stood against the rebellious congregation of Israel. Sadly this tribe fell away from the values of Joshua in the long era when judges ruled the nation of Israel and were known for their great pride. At the division of the kingdom in the time of Rehoboam and his servant Jeroboam. Ten tribes went with Jeroboam and formed the northern kingdom of Ephraim ie Israel. Verses 1-9 describe the boundaries and territory allocated to Ephraim. The last verse of the chapter closes on a disturbing note, similarly to that in chapter 15. It tells of Ephraim failure to destroy the Canaanites.