⁵ This was the territory of Ephraim, according to its clans:

¹⁵ “If you are so numerous,” Joshua answered, “and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go up into the forest^(A) and clear land for yourselves there in the land of the Perizzites^(B) and Rephaites.^(C)”

¹⁶ The people of Joseph replied, “The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have chariots fitted with iron,^(D) both those in Beth Shan^(E) and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel.”^(F)

¹⁷ But Joshua said to the tribes of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment^{(G) 18} but the forested hill country^(H) as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron^(I) and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”

²⁸ Their lands and settlements included Bethel and its surrounding villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer^(A) and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages all the way to Ayyah and its villages.

²⁹ Along the borders of Manasseh were Beth Shan,^(A) Taanach, Megiddo and Dor,^(B) together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns.