The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Not Driving Out the Canaanites - Joshua 16:10

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages”, and in chapter sixteen and verse ten of Joshua we learn how, “they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer” where we read,

And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer:

but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.

The verse reads, “And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and they drove not out” or “and they, the tribe of Ephraim, did not seize, dispossess, disinherit or impoverish” “the Canaaites” who were “the descendants of Cana whose name means ‘zealous’” “that dwelt in Gezer” or “who lived, abided, remained and continued within Gezer whose name means ‘portion’ and was a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim”. Joshua or the writer shared how the “tribe of Ephraim” did not expel the pagan people of “Cana” from their territory but allowed them to live within “Gezer”.

The verse continues, “but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but the Canaaites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the people of Cana whose name means ‘zealous’” “dwell among the Ephraimites” or “live, remain and abide in the midst and middle of the Ephraimites whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and were the descendants of the second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh” “unto this day” which means “to this very sunrise to sunset or time period”, “and serve under tribute” or “and labor and work as subjects beneath forced service and tasks”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of “Cana” lived in the midst of the people of “Ephraim” and labored as servants to that very time period.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer how the “Canaanites” were allowed to remain alive in the midst of the “tribe of Ephraim”, and although they worked as servants in their midst, they remained as pagans among them. God’s plan for the people of Israel was for them to be separated from pagan and ungodly people, and this allowance would result in trouble for the people of Israel. God’s desire is to save us from our sins which separate us from a personal relationship with Him, and for this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be resurrected from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to give us the ability to separate ourselves from the pagan ways of the world as we live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “there was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Separate Inheritances for Ephraim and Manasseh - Joshua 16:9

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance, and the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper, and the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah, and it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan. The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families”, and in chapter sixteen and verse nine of Joshua we learn how, “the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh” where we read,

And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the separate cities” or “and the set apart dwelling places and places of waking” “for the children of Ephraim” which means “on behalf of the offspring and progeny belonging to Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh” “were among the inheritance” or “existed in the midst and middle of the possession, property, heritage, source and portion” “of the children of Manasseh” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared how the dwelling places which were set apart for the tribe of “Ephraim” were in the midst of the portion given to the “tribe of Manasseh”.

The verse goes on to say, “… all the cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “all the cities” which means “each, every and the whole of the dwelling places and places of waking” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the cities’, settled abodes and towns”. Joshua or the writer shared how every one of the dwelling places and settled abodes provided to the clan of “Ephraim” were in the midst of the land given to the “tribe of Manasseh”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the heritage and portion of the promise land that was given to the “tribe of Ephraim” was within the area provided to the “one-half tribe of Manasseh”. Every one of the dwelling places and settled abodes given to the people of “Ephraim” were within the boundaries of the land given to “Manasseh”. These two tribes were closely related as they descended from “Joseph”, and because God knew their relationship, perhaps this is why they could live among one another. God knows us, loves us and desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so we live among each other in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; 17:28)

Next time we learn how, “they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From Tappuah to the River Kanah - Joshua 16:8

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance, and the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper, and the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah, and it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan”, and in chapter sixteen and verse eight of Joshua we learn how, “the border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah” where we read,

The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.

The verse reads, “The border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah; and the goings out thereof were at the sea.” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “the border” or “the edge, circuit or boundary” “went out from Tappuah westward” which means “proceeded forth and lead separate and apart from Tappuah whose name means ‘the apple city’ and was a territory within the boundaries of Manasseh in a western direction” “unto the river Kanah” or “to the flowing waters of Kanah whose name means ‘reed’ and was a stream flowing into the Mediterranean Sea that marked the boundary between Ephraim on the south and Manasseh on the north”: “and the goings out thereof” which means “and the boundary, end and extremity of the region” “were at the sea” or “existed in the location of the large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the land given to the offspring of “Joseph” proceeded from “Tappuah” in a western direction to the flowing waters of the “Kanah” whose flowing was in the location of the Mediterranean Sea.

The verse continues, “This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “this is the inheritance” which means “the previously stated area existed as the possession, property, heritage, share and portion” “of the tribe” or “belonging to the clan or people group” “of the children of Ephraim” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh” “by their families” or “according to their, Ephraim’s, kindred, kinsmen and relatives”. Joshua or the writer shared how the previously mentioned territory existed as the property and heritage provided to the offspring of “Ephraim” according to their kinsmen and relatives.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundary of the territory provided to the offspring of “Joseph” which was “Ephraim and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh”. Their land extended from “Tappuah” in a western direction to the flowing water of the “Kanah” whose waters flowed to the Mediterranean Sea. The possessions and heritage given to the tribe of “Ephraim” were to be within this region, and we shall discover more about them in our next verse. For now let us keep in mind that God knew these areas well before the arrival of Israel in the promise land, and because He is omniscient, He knew their future. He knows our future as well, and when we put our faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live for Him wherever He desires in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From Janohah to Ataroth to Narrate - Joshua 16:7

And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath,

and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.

The verse reads, “And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and it went down” or “and it, the border and boundary, descended and proceeded in a downward direction” “from Janohah” which means “separate and apart from Janohah or Janoah whose name means ‘he rests’ and was a place apparently in the north of Galilee in Naphtali, taken by Tiglath-pileser in his first incursion into Palestine” “to Ataroth” or “toward Ataroth whose name means ‘crowns’ and was a place on the boundary of Ephraim and Manasseh”, “and to Naarath” which means “and toward Naarath whose name means ‘maiden’ and was one of the landmarks on the southern boundary of the territory of Ephraim”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary to the land given to the offspring of “Joseph” descended apart from “Janohoh” toward “Ataroth” and toward “Naarath”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and came to Jericho” which means “and encountered Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and means a city five miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and seven miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan”, “and went out at Jordan” or “and proceeded toward Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately two hundred miles (320 km)”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary of the land given to the offspring of “Joseph” encountered “Jericho” and proceeded forth at the “Jordan River”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of the boundaries belonging to the region that was provided to the people of “Joseph” who were “Ephraim and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh” within the promise land. God provided for His people Israel even as He told them, and when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us live in keeping with His purposes and plans for us wherever He places us within the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:12)

Next time we learn how, “the border went out from Tappuah westward unto the river Kanah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Toward the Sea to Michmethah - Joshua 16:6

And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side; and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;

The verse reads, “And the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah on the north side;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” or “and the edge, circuit and boundary” “went out toward the sea” which means “proceeded forth and lead to the large body of water” “to Michmethah” whose name means “hiding place” and was “a place in northeast Ephraim near the border of Manasseh between Shechem and Taanath-shilo” “on the north side” which means “in the northern direction”. Joshua or the writer shared how the edge or boundary of the territory given to the “children of Joseph” proceeded to the large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea, to “Michmethah” in the northern direction.

The verse continues, “and the border went about eastward unto Taanathshiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah;” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and the border” which means “and the edge, circuit and boundary” “went about eastward” or “proceeded forth and lead in an eastern direction” “unto Taanathshiloh” which means “to Taanathshiloh whose name means ‘approach to Shiloah’ and was a landmark on the boundary of Ephraim”, “and passed by it” or “and crossed, marched over and traversed it, Taanathshiloh” “on the east to Janohah” which means “in the eastern direction toward Janahah or Janoah whose name means ‘he rests’ and was a place apparently in the north of Galilee in Naphtali, taken by Tiglath-pileser in his first incursion into Palestine”. Joshua or the writer said the boundary of the territory given to the “tribe of Joseph” proceeded in an eastern direction toward “Taanathshiloh” and crossed “Taanathshiloh” in an eastern direction toward “Janahah”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn more about the boundaries of the territory within the promise land that was given to the offspring of “Joseph” who were Ephraim and one-half of the tribe of Manasseh. The edge of the land provided for them proceeded toward the Mediterranean Sea toward “Michmetha” in an northern direction, and lead in an eastern direction to “Taanathshiloh” where it crossed and went in an eastern direction toward “Janahoh”. These locations were to be used by the people of “Ephraim and Manasseh” to raise their families and worship God. God wants to be the priority of our lives, (See Matthew 6:33) and because we have sin that separates us from a personal relationship with Him, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to help us live, in whatever location, with Him as our priority and in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16:16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the boundary, “went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, July 10, 2026

The Border of the Children of Ephraim - Joshua 16:5

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance”, and in chapter sixteen and verse five of Joshua we learn how, “the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus” where we read,

And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;

The verse reads, “And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the border” or “and the edge, circuit or boundary” “of the children of Ephraim” which means “pertaining to the offspring or progeny belonging to Ephraim whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh” “according to their families was thus” or “in keeping with their, Ephraim’s, clan, kindred and kinsmen was in keeping with the following”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary belonging to the offspring of “Ephraim” was in keeping with the following.

The verse goes on to say, “even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “even the border” which means “indeed and also the edge, circuit or boundary” “of their inheritance” or “pertaining to their, Ephraim’s, property, heritage, portion or share” “on the east side” which means “upon the border in the eastern direction” “was Atarothaddar” or Ataroth-adar or Ataroth-addar whose name means “crowns of glory” and was “a Gadite town on the west border of Benjamin”, “unto Bethhoron the upper” whose name means “house of hollowness” and was “town on the mountains of Ephraim”. Joshua or the writer shared how the boundary belonging to the portion and heritage of the offspring of “Ephraim” in the eastern direction existed as “Atarothaddar” and toward “Bethhoron” in the mountainous region.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more about the territory within the promise land that was provided to the “tribe of Joseph” through His sons, “Manasseh and Ephraim”. God gave these people groups their allotments in keeping with His desire for them. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He sent His Only Begotten Son into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live in that truth so our lives will be pleasing to Him in the location He has given to us in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the border went out toward the sea to Michmethah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Manasseh and Ephraim’s Inheritance - Joshua 16:4

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel, and goes out from Bethel to Luz, and passes along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth, and goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer: and the goings out thereof are at the sea”, and in chapter sixteen and verse four of Joshua we learn how, “the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance” where we read,

So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

The verse reads, “So the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “so the children of Joseph” or “wherefore, then, therefore and on this account the offspring and progeny belonging to Joseph whose name means ‘Jehovah has added’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel”, “Manasseh” whose name means “causing to forget” and was “the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”, “and Ephraim” whose name means ‘double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was “second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared about the offspring belonging to “Joseph” who were “Manasseh and Ephraim”.

The verse continues, “… took their inheritance.” Joshua or the writer added the word, “took” which means “received, acquired and inherited” “their inheritance” or “their, Manasseh and Ephraim’s, possession”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Joseph’s” offspring, “Manasseh and Ephraim” received their territory or possession within the promise land.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how the “tribe of Joseph” was divided into the two parts, “Manasseh and Ephraim”, who were his offspring. The territory within the promise land was given unto them, and although one-half of the tribe of “Manasseh” already received their inheritance within the region on the east side of the Jordan river, the remaining one-half were to receive their allotment within the promise land. God knew exactly where all of these people groups would be, and they were to live wherever their were in worship of Him. God knows our location as well, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our lives will be pleasing to Him wherever we are in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…