Joel M Bradshaw

4So Manasseh and Ephraim, the descendants of Joseph, received their inheritance.–Joshua 16

1. Joseph’s noble actions once saved Israel from a famine.
2. He therefore became two tribes instead of one.
3. His sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, each received an allotment.
4. If you’ve ever wondered how the math works regarding the twelve sons of Jacob, remember, Levi got 0 allotment and Joseph received 2 through his sons.
5. This is why the old maps don’t show a territory for Levi and you don’t remember a tribe of Joseph. You remember Manasseh and Ephraim instead.
6. Joseph lived one of the most difficult lives in all of the Bible. Outwardly, he showed grace to the undeserving. Inwardly, he never grew bitter.
7. He serves as a wonderful example for each of us. We all have work to do.–JMB