The Word for Today with Ray

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…

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".

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…

To the Coast of Japhleti - Joshua 16:3

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 in chapter sixteen and verse three of Joshua we learn how, the border of Joseph, “goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “And goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti, unto the coast of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gezer:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and goes down westward” or “and descends or proceeds downward in a western direction” “to the coast of Japhleti” which means “toward the border, territory, region and boundary belonging to Japhleti whose name means ‘let him escape’ and was the descendant of Asher of the family of Japhlet who lived on the southwest border of Ephraim”, “unto the coast of Bethhoron” or “to the border, territory, region and boundary belonging to Bethhoron whose name means ‘house of hollowness’ and was a town located eight hundred feet (245 m) lower than Upper Beth-horon” “the nether” which means “the lowest or bottommost”, “and to Gezer” or “and toward Gezer or Gazer whose name means ‘portion’ and was a Levitical city on the border of Ephraim”. Joshua or the writer shared now the boundary of “Joseph” also descended in a western direction to the border belonging to “Japhleti”, the bottommost edge of “Bethhoron” and to “Gezer”.

The verse goes on to say, “and the goings out thereof are at the sea.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “and the goings out thereof” which means “and the outgoing extremity or end border or source” “are at the sea” or “exist in the location of the large body of water, the Mediterranean Sea”. Joshua or the writer shared how the extremity and border of the territory given to the people of “Joseph” was in the location of the Mediterranean Sea.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover more of the territory given to the “tribe of Joseph”. Their boundaries stretched in a western direction to the edge of “Japhleti”, to the border of “Bethhoron” which was in the southern direction, to “Gezer” whose extremities ended at the Mediterranean Sea. God’s gift of land given to the people of “Joseph” was according to His Divine purpose and will, and the families of “Joseph” were to use those places to live in acknowledgment and worship of Him. God wants an intimate personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected 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 give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to live in a manner that acknowledges Him and that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how, “the children of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From Bethel to Luz - Joshua 16:2

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 in chapter sixteen and verse two of Joshua we learn how, the border of Joseph, “goes out from Bethel to Luz” where we read,

And goes out from Bethel to Luz, and passes along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

The verse reads, “And goes out from Bethel to Luz, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and goes out from Bethel” which means “and proceeds forward separate and apart from Bethel whose name means ‘house of God’ and was a place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba and Ziklag” “to Luz” or “toward Luz whose name means ‘almond tree’ and was the early name of Bethel and probably the name of the town in close proximity to the actual location of the altar and pillar of Jacob”. Joshua or the writer shared how the territory provided to the “tribe of Joseph” proceeded from the location of “Bethel” to “Luz”.

The verse continues, “… and passes along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “and passes along” which means “and crosses, marches over and traverses” “unto the borders of Archi” or “to the edges or boundaries belonging to Archi whose name means ‘lengthy’ and is referring to the home city of Hushai” “to Ataroth” which means “crowns” and was “a place on the boundary of Ephraim and Manasseh”. Joshua or the writer shared how the edges of the property provided to the “tribe of Joseph” also traversed the boundaries belonging to “Archi to Ataroth”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn more about the land provided to the “tribe of Joseph”. The received the territory from the area of “Bethel” to the boundary proceeding to “Luz” and traversing the edges of the land which belonged to “Archi to Ataroth”. God’s provision for the people of “Joseph” within the promise land was for the purpose of raising their families in the reverence, admonition and worship of Jehovah God. God wants all of us to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died 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 “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 empower us to live according to that truth so we also live in the admonition and worship of Him. (See John 3:16;16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how the border of Joseph, “goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Lot of Joseph - Joshua 16:1

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “in the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah, and Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages: As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day”, and in chapter sixteen and verse one of Joshua we learn how, “the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho” where we read,

And 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,

The verse reads, “And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, unto the water of Jericho on the east, …” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and the lot" which means “and the recompense, share or portion” “of the children of Joseph” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to Joseph whose name means ‘Jehovah has added’ and was the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel” “fell from Jordan” which means “departed, stretched forth and proceeded apart from 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 200 miles (320 km)” “by Jericho” or “beside or alongside Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and was 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”, “unto the water of Jericho” which means “to the refreshing water belonging to Jericho whose name means ‘its moon” “on the east” or “in the eastern direction". Joshua or the writer shared how the portion of land allotted to the offspring of the “tribe of Joseph” was from the “Jordan” river beside “Jericho” to the flowing waters belonging to “Jericho” in an eastern direction.

The verse goes on to say, “… to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho throughout mount Bethel,” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “to the wilderness” which means “to the uninhabited pasture and desert land” “that goes up from Jericho” or “and proceeds forth and ascends separate and apart from Jericho whose name means ‘its moon’ and was a city I’ve 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” “throughout mount Bethel” which means “over, all around and in every part of the rising above the plain known as Bethel whose name means ‘house of God’ and was a place in south country of Judah, not far from Beersheba and Ziklag”. Joshua or the writer shared how the land allotted to the “tribe of Joseph” spread all over the uninhabited desert place that ascends from “Jericho” to the rising above the plain known as “Bethel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we begin to learn of the portion of the promise land that was provided to the offspring of “Joseph”. “Joseph’s” land stretched from the “Jordan” river that was alongside of “Jericho”, to the flowing water in the eastern direction of “Jericho” to the desert plain that ascends from “Jericho” and all over the mountain known as “Bethel”. God was fulfilling His word to provide a place to live for the “tribe of Joseph”, and He will fulfill His promise of forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and equipping us with His Holy Spirit when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. God loves everyone, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, we can be assured that He will fulfill His promises just as He did with the people of “Joseph”. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Colossians 2:2)

Next time we learn how the border of Joseph, “goes out from Bethel to Luz”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Jebusites - Joshua 15:63

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, and Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages: Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah, and Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages”, and in chapter fifteen and verse sixty-three of Joshua we learn what happened with, “the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem” where we read,

As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

The verse reads, “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out:” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “as for the Jebusites" which means “in reference to and concerning the Jebusites who were descendants of Jebus whose name means ‘threshing place’ and were the descendants of the third son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem”, “the inhabitants of Jerusalem” or “the dwellers and abiders belonging to Jerusalem whose name means ‘teaching of peace’ and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”, “the children of Judah” which means “the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was the tribe who descended from Judah the son of Jacob” “could not drive them out” or “were unable, without power and did not have the ability to seize, dispossess or take possession of them, the Jebusites, separate and apart from Jerusalem”. Joshua or the writer shared how the offspring of “Judah” were unable to dispossess the dwellers in “Jerusalem” from their city.

The verse continues, “but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.” Joshua or the writer added the words, “but the Jebusites” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the descendants of Jebus whose name means ‘threshing place’ and were the descendants of the third son of Canaan who lived in or around the site of Jebus, the early name for Jerusalem” “dwell with the children of Judah” or “live, abide and remain alongside the offspring and progeny belonging to Judah whose name means ‘praised’ and was the tribe who descended from Judah the son of Jacob” “at Jerusalem” which means “in the city of Jerusalem whose name means ‘teaching of peace’ and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split” “unto this day” or “to the very sunrise to sunset of this writing”. Joshua or the writer shared how the people of “Jebus” remained living within the city of “Jerusalem” alongside the offspring of “Judah” to “day” of the writing of this passage.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Joshua or the writer that not everyone of the pagan people within the promise land was removed. The “Jebusites” who were descendants of “Jebus” lived within “Jerusalem”, and the offspring of “Judah” were unable to remove them. For this reason the “Jebusites” lived with the offspring of “Judah” in the city of “Jerusalem” unto that current “day”. God wants to remove all sin and error from our lives, 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 belief and faith 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 give us the ability to live in keeping with that truth so that our lives are pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we begin a new chapter and see how, “the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Nibshan and Engedi - Joshua 15:62

In the book of Joshua, we learned how, “this is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families” which included among others “Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, and Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages: Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages. In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah”, and in chapter fifteen and verse sixty-two of Joshua we learn about, “Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi” where we read,

And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.

The verse reads, “And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi;” Joshua or the writer began with the words, “and Nibshan" whose name means “soft soil” and was “one of the six cities of Judah which were in the wilderness”, “and the city of Salt” or “and the dwelling place or place of waking known as Salt” which was a place in the desert of Judah” “and Engedi” whose name means “fount of the kid” and was “a town in the wilderness of Judah on the western shore of the Dead Sea”. Joshua or the writer shared how “Nibshan, the city of Salt and Engedi” were among the places in the “wilderness” that were given to the “tribe of Judah”.

The verse goes on to say, “six cities with their villages.” Joshua or the writer continued with the words, “six cities” which means “six dwelling places of places of waking” “with their villages” or “alongside and accompanied by their, the six cities’, settled abodes or towns” Joshua or the writer added the “six” dwelling places along with their settled abodes within the desert to the people of “Judah” within the promise land.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover three more places which were given to the “tribe of Judah” within the promise land. “Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi” were among “six” dwelling places and their towns were locations where the people of “Judah” would raise their families and give their worship to God. God wants us to worship Him, and because we have sin in our lives 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. (See Romans 3:23; 6:23) When He rose from the grave 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 with Him and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we bless and please Him wherever we are located in the world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time Joshua or the writer shares what happened with, “the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…