Justin Houtz

Joshua 17, Philemon 1

DateVersionReading Plan
July 23, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Joshua 17

Observation & Interpretation

Josh 17:1 – Description of the allotment made to the people of Manasseh came after the people of Ephraim (Josh. 16) even though Manasseh was the firstborn of Joseph

  • The order probably reflects the order of blessing in Gen. 48 (FSB)

Josh 17:4 – The daughers of Zelophehad approached Eleazar and Joshua because the matter had earlier been decided when Moses was in leadership (FSB)

Josh. 17:12-13 – Another mention of how the Israelites did not utterly drive out the Canaanites; the Canaanites persisted dwelling in the land and were put to forced labor

Josh. 17:14 – The people of Joseph asked Joshua why they had been given one portion as an inheritance

  • The people of Joseph considered themselves two tribes, not one (FSB)

Josh. 17:17-18 – Joshua → the house of Joseph that they shall not have only one allotment but the hill country as well, a forest that they were to clear and possess

  • They were to drive out the Canaanites even though they have chariots of iron and are strong
  • The Canaanites had iron chariot, causing the Ephraimites to doubt their ability to conquer them (v. 16), but Joshua, a man of faith, encouraged them (CSB Notes)

Philemon

Observation & Interpretation

Philemon 2 – Paul addresses Philemon, Aphhia, Archippus and the church in their house

  • There is no evidence of special buildings being used until the third century. Until that time houses served as meeting places (CSB Notes)

Philemon 8-9 – Paul speaks of how he is bold enough to command Philemon to do what is required, but for love’s sake prefers to appeal to him

  • Paul wants Philemon’s consent out of love rather than his obedience (CSB Notes)

Philemon 11 – Paul says that Onesimus was formerly useless to Philemon but that he is now useful

  • Through the conversion power of the gospel (see “my son” in v. 10), a person who had previously been useless (Gk achrestos) had become useful (Gk eucrestos), now living up to his name (Onesimus means “useful” in Greek) (CSB Notes)

Philemon 14 – Paul would do nothing in connection with Onesimus without Philemon’s consent. The kindness would be robbed of its beauty if it were done by compulsion and not by a free and loving willingness (BBC)

Philemon 16 – Paul describes Onesimus as more than a bondservant to Philemon — instead as a beloved brother to him in the flesh and in the Lord

  • In receiving Onesimus back, Philemon’s relationship with him would no longer be the customary master-slave relationship…Henceforth the fear motive would be replaced by the love motive. (BBC)

Philemon 20 – Paul expresses his desire of benefit from Philemon in the Lord

  • Paul is pleading that Onesimus be received graciously, that he be forgiven and restored to his place of service in the household – not now as a slave but as a brother in the family of God (BBC)

Application

Philemon 1-3 – By wishing them (or perhaps declaring that they have) grace and peace from God, Paul expresses his desires for them to know more of what they received when they became members of God’s family (ESVEC – Response)

Philemon 4-7 – Paul combines theological instruction with pastoral encouragement [toward Philemon]. This provides a positive model for our dealings with fellow believers. (ESVEC – Response)

Philemon 8-21 – Only grace can bring about recognition that we have been accepted in Christ, enabling us to show acceptance to others. And only the power of Christ at work in us can enable us to live out such a desire. (ESVEC – Response)

Resources